Provide lots of free play, minimal structured activities and lots of snack foods for the kids.  Be mindful of possible food allergies and stick to basics.  Don’t forget the adults when planning your shopping list, though. Parents will need lots of nourishment to keep up with their little balls of energy!

Also try to keep the guest list small with similar aged kids.  This will keep them occupied and reduce the variety of activities needed.  Be sure to pack away any treasured toys that will cause a tug of war between tots as well as having multiples of all toys around.  Remember, this age group is not known for their sharing abilities.

Some possible theme ideas include:

1) Zoo / Old Macdonald’s Farm – A visit to a zoo or farm would fit this theme nicely.  Or you could make your own zoo by placing stuffed animals around the room.  An easy cake choice would be a simple slab cake with plastic animals neatly placed on top.

2) Colors- Decorate in all things primary colors…banners, streamers, balloons.  Cupcakes could be decorated brightly and placed on a blue tray (sky) with ribbons attached under them (balloons) all collating into a big bouquet.

3) #1- Use trophies filled with snacks for interesting table décor.  How cool would it be to fill a trophy cup with goldfish crackers and label it Catch of the Day???  Or maybe a large basin trophy filled with hot dogs could be labeled TOP DOG! Loot bags or prizes might include medals made of gold coin chocolates attached to a ribbon with a #1 written on top.  A simple cake idea would be to cut a slab cake into a #1 shape.

4) All About Me- Decorate the room with a 12-flag banner or poster collage of pictures of your little one from each month of their first year.  Choose all your child’s favorite foods and display all of his favorite toys…remember the multiples!  Perhaps you could even read the group his favorite book?  The obvious cake choice would be one of those cool photo cakes that most bakeries are now making.

5) Messy- Picture magic mud, flubber, finger paints, dirt/sand to dig, and of course bubbles to wash them all off!  Food choices could include jell-o jigglers, puddings, popsicles and ice cream sundaes instead of cake.  You may even get adventurous and have children decorate their own cupcakes or sugar cookies in lieu of a loot bag.  Or, bypass all of these and serve the kids individual dirt cakes in a mini flower pot. Attach a small packet of seeds for them to plant after they’ve eaten their treat.

6) No theme- In the summer, this could involve baby pools, sprinklers and water toys.  Don’t forget the bubbles and the sidewalk chalk!  In the winter, stations of mega blocks, small balls, books and puzzles would work nicely.

If all else fails, hire entertainment. Clowns, magicians, face painters, balloon artists and bouncy castles are likely not the best choice for this age group.  You might consider hiring a room at a local play area (think Crash Crawly’s, Koko’s, etc), or you might want to rent a table at the train at Confederation Park.  These places cater better to an older group, though so this would be a better option if the guest list is mostly older children.  For children of all ages, look into Music Together Musicians to lead a fun sing-a-long or Sportball Coaches to instruct a bouncy ball session.

If older kids have been invited to the party, be sure to leave out stations for them to enjoy as well.  Things as simple as laces and beads to loop, coloring pages, music makers from recycled materials will do wonders to entertain them.

Loot bags are a little trickier at this age.  Dollar store items are not the best option as they are easily broken and usually contain many small parts.  Instead, go for small board books or coloring books.  Stickers are also a sure fire hit.

If you still need inspiration for a cool theme or cake, check out this website.

Remember the point is to celebrate baby’s first year.  Don’t go overboard with too much planning and be sure to enjoy your little one’s special day.  Be sure to take loads of pictures of baby’s first cake smash!!  And, most importantly, plan for some down time at the end of the party because you’re all sure to be exhausted!

For more ideas, see Jill’s One Year Old Birthday Party Article.

- Lauren

Photo: Anatoliy Samara

“Only 25%* of parents hydrate properly,” says Dara Duff-Bergeron, mom and personal trainer. “While juggling carpool, volunteering in the classroom and taking care of a sick child, parents often forget to drink fluids and replenish lost vitamins and nutrients.”

Keeping up with the little ones can definitely be a balancing act (parents can burn up to 150-300  calories an hour chasing after their kids – about the same as a yoga class!), so it’s important for parents to find time to care for their own health by properly exercising and refueling. here are some tips courtesy of glacéau vitaminwater to help busy parents keep their health top of mind and make sure that they don’t run out of steam before the kids do this summer:

1.  get your hit of hydration. avoid the headaches and fatigue which can be caused by dehydration by pro-actively reminding yourself to get enough liquid intake. try using your child’s schedule as a guide.  for instance, when planning your day, try penciling in “hydration times” when the kids wake-up, during nap-time and in between their scheduled summer activities (e.g. day camp, play dates, summer school etc.)

2.  stock pile your energy. if you know you will be out and about, pack nutritious snacks and drinks not only in the kids’ knapsacks, but in yours as well to keep your energy and hydration levels in check.  stock up on fruits and vegetables that are high in water content (e.g. apples, oranges, cucumbers, broccoli, green beans etc.) along with hydrating with nutrient-rich beverages such as glacéau vitaminwater to help replace the liquids, carbohydrates and vitamins that are lost throughout the day.

3.  turn ‘play time’ into exercise. use your children’s activities as an opportunity to break a sweat.  play tag and push swings while at the park, run sprints on the sidelines of the soccer field, do some laps at the swimming pool or go on a bike-ride together. If you’re a newer parent, try putting on a baby carrier and doing interval training.  don’t be afraid to get creative; the most important thing is to get moving!

4.  monitor your drinking.  adults need 2-3L of fluids per day to stay adequately hydrated – and even more in extreme heat or when exercising.  nursing mothers need to be especially mindful of fluid intake as hydration is essential to milk production!  try this trick with your water bottle to help keep track: place 4-6 rubber bands on a 500 ml bottle (or 2-3 rubber bands for a 1L bottle) and remove one each time you refill your bottle.  filling your bottle with other hydrating beverages, such as glacéau vitaminwater, counts too.  once you’ve removed all your rubber bands, you know you’ve had enough fluids for the day.

5.  in utero:  a mommy-to-be? exercising during pregnancy is safe and beneficial as long as you follow the guidelines outlined by your doctor.  a good way to get your daily cardio in, whether this is your first or fourth pregnancy, is to put on your running shoes and hit the pavement for long walks.  and don’t forget to keep the hydration coming – you are drinking for two.

6.  set an example:  while the kids enjoy popsicles at the end of a summer’s day, most parents are tempted by a fruity cocktail or a cold beer.  try your best to avoid it.  alcohol is a diuretic which will cause fatigue and deplete energy.  choose healthier options that will keep you going through to baths, bedtime stories and midnight diaper changes.

Just in time for summer sports and outdoor family playtime, Glacéau Vitaminwater is now available across Canada in convenient 355ml four bottle multi-packs for a suggested retail price of $5.49.

*vegetarian times, january 1998 – 2008

Core Education and Fine Arts is Canada’s first Junior Kindergarten School.  It was begun by Natacha Beim, a vibrant and brilliant teacher who saw a need to prepare children more thoroughly for kindergarten.  Internationally (in France, England, China, Japan and many other countries), pre-kindergarten programs are standardized and children are given essential tools that set them in good stead for future education.  The CEFA program is unique in Canada because it follows the international standard for pre-kindergarten learning.  Parents have the choice of enrolling their preschoolers from 2-5 days per week, and classes run from 7:30 – 6pm.  It is highly recognized for its leading academic program, as well as its excellent curriculum in the fine arts and athletics, designed to develop and challenge young children intellectually and physically.  The well-rounded and flexible offerings enable a child to acquire knowledge in many different ways, as no child learns in exactly the same way as another.

“The decision to participate is the child’s, which emphasizes one of CEFA’s  goals: to give the child autonomy and responsibility over his or her education ( I learn because I like to learn ). Creating a passion for learning in life is an essential step in your child’s learning path.”

UrbanMommies toured one facility (there are currently 9 in BC) and we were super-impressed.  Arts are explored, languages are learned, and children are taught at their own pace but within a beautiful structure that apparently results in the exceptional behaviour I witnessed in the elevator.

Drama, Yoga, French. Culture Immersion (who wouldn’t want to try on clothes from all over the world?)..  The school also includes a a gym painted to resemble a circus, a cinema, art room and library.  A resident chef prepares breakfast and lunch for teachers and students, and a fitness trainer is also on hand.  Despite the uniforms, chef and excellence, the place is not in the least bit snooty – just in case you’re wondering.

“Each child has a schedule, drawn to reflect his or her unique abilities and made up by CEFA in consultation with parents. The schedule is broken up by play times, family time, project time, relaxation, naps and movies as well as breakfast and lunch. Every week, the children can also look forward to field trips.”

One of the great things about CEFA is that because it is an educational program, working parents are able to deduct tuition expenses to a maximum of $7000 per year, per child. This amount is directly deducted from the earnings of the lower income-earner in the household when filing your taxes.

Creating Renaissance-kids, exposure to fitness, languages, arts, an international learning standard, a chef and naptime too.  Heaven.  If only every child throughout Canada could have the opportunity to develop in such a special environment!  We’ll cross our fingers for more expansion and keep you posted.  In the meantime, I’m off to yoga.  Must not be eclipsed by my preschooler.

www.cefa.ca

Photo features Ms. Natacha Beim and was provided by CEFA.

For other approaches on schooling, check our Waldorf and Montessori articles.

Baby’s First Birthday Invitations

1.  Tie a single birthday candle with a ribbon and glue to a blank card.
2.  Have invites printed with a photo from the day of birth along with a current photo of your child.
3.  Using blank folded cards, grab some non-toxic paint and have a fun activity with your child making hand or foot prints on the invitations.  Do it in the bathtub for easier cleanup.
4.  Companies like TinyPrints have great themed invitations in funky and current designs.  If you’re feeling ambitious, you can take advantage of Canada Post’s custom stamps and design one with a photo of baby’s tiny feet or beaming smile.
5.  Last minute or think mail is ridiculous?  Try an evite invitation and keep it easy and organized.

Goodie Bags and Party Favours

1.  We don’t think that any one year old will notice if they leave without a loot bag, but… it can be a nice gesture.  Try to get something for the parents that can be used by the baby.
2.  Board Books are always a great idea.
3.  Travel size wipes, powder and rash cream are constantly needed.
4.  If you have the time, a personalized favour is appreciated forever.
5.  Why not photocopy your child’s favourite recipes (or just use ours) and make them into a book for the other parents.  Cooking and meal planning are always a challenge.

First Birthday Party Games

Really?  You actually want to do games with the tots?  Why not just take a photo on the sofa of all of the babies together.  You can then drink some wine, eat adult food (most parents will bring their child’s favourite snacks anyway) and enjoy the other parents.
1.  Our Birthday Party Ideas article offers some themes and activities for parties.
2.  Instead of traditional ‘games’, why not begin a new tradition.  Have each person write a special wish for baby on a card and continue this every year for the child to read always.
3.  Make a time capsule.
4.  Have each attendee sign their name on a white tablecloth every year.  Have a talented family member embroider each name in a different colour every year.  My grandmother did this for me through the school years and I now have an heirloom that is displayed at every birthday.

Unique First Birthday Gifts

1.  We always like to get something special for the Mom who has given so much of her love and time to the baby.  A necklace with baby’s name on it or a book in which to journal is such a nice thought.
2.  If you have the time, try a personalized book.  It is a great keepsake and can be read for years by parents and children.
3.  A monogrammed tote bag is always appreciated – particularly if the current diaper bag is looking the worse for wear.
4.  A homemade CD of music that calms your child, or simply the best tunes to move around to.  It might be a perfect solution for a child who gets fussy in the car.

Taking Time For You

The past year has probably been a whirlwind.  Take a moment with your partner to remember the birth, remember the high and low points of the year, to cry and laugh.  You could write favourite memories, light a candle, have a bubble bath, or sleep all night in bed with your baby – skin to skin.  This is your day as much as baby’s and you should be proud of yourself.

Need some more ideas?  Check the 1 year old party idea article by Lauren.

- Jill Amery just had a rather significant birthday herself.

Image: Plush singing cake from Multipet.

Essential oils are composed of tiny little molecules that based on their composition tell us how they act on the body and mind. There is practically an aromatherapy recipe for any physical or emotional state. Below are a variety of ways to use the oils, as well as some simple everyday recipes and ideas on how to use the oils for your babies and children.

Some of the more common ways for using essential oils are;

• Baths – add 1-3 drops of oil into the bath for children.  Add the oils after you have filled the tub to the desired amount and make sure you swish the oils and water together first before baby gets in.
• Massage – add 1-3 drops of essential oil to 2 ounces of carrier or massage oil/cream.
• Spritzer – add a total of 6-10 drops of essential oil to a 4 ounce bottle of water.
• Vaporizer – add 4 drops of essential oil to most vaporizers or use a scent ball in the child’s room with the same amount of drops.
• Diffuser – add 3-5 drops of essential oil into the diffuser for the size of an average child’s room.
• Inhalation – for older children, (usually around 5 years) have them put their head over top of a bowl filled with hot water and 1-3 drops of essential oils to breath in the oils directly.  If you can get them to hold a towel over their heads that is even better, add the oils after you have added the water and have them to breathe in as soon as possible for best results.

Fun things you can try with your children;

• To reduce hyper times and increase relaxation, create a spritzer with 5 drops of lavender, 4 drops of orange, and 3 drops of chamomile. Gently spray the oils over the top of your child’s head before naps or nighttime sleeps, or spray the room or car where you are spending most of your time.
• For children over 1 year to help them sleep, you can add one drop of essential oil to their pillow or favorite stuffy that they go to bed with. Note this may stain your pillow case. A nice chamomile bath, 1 drop up to 2 years old, 2 drops up to 4 years old and 3 drops up to 8 years old will help baby sleep well.
• If your child is getting a cold you can create a cold chest rub by adding 3 drops of eucalyptus, 2 drops of tea tree oil and one drop of lemon into 2 ounces of carrier oil or natural cream.  Massage the cream into their whole body, or for a quicker application, apply the rub on their chest, lower back and to the bottom of their feet.  Put their socks on to keep let the rub absorb into their feet.
• When your child is around anyone with a virus or starts to shows signs of flu put thyme oil on the bottom of their feet. Add 1 drop for babies up to 2 years, 2 drops from 2-4 and after that 3 drops up till 8 years old.  Put the drops of thyme oil into a 2 ounce bottle of carrier oil or natural cream and apply strictly to the bottom of their feet and to wipe your hands off you can rub it along the lower part of your child’s back.

Young children are still building their immune system and we can help them by using essential oils in their everyday life.  Not only will essential oils help with your children’s immune systems but they can help with just their overall disposition, helping to keep them healthy, balanced, calm and relaxed through their growing and learning years.

Deborah Drummond Baker, owner of Metropolitan Aromatherapy and Massage has been using and sharing the benefits of aromatherapy with her family and two children for over 15 years. She has extensive experience and certification in the alternative health field and has helped many mothers and fathers to use the essential oils in many ways with their children.Her first aroma baby is almost 14 years old and can attest to the wonders that aromatherapy has had for her. Deborah’s 3 year old is following in his big sisters footsteps of being taught the natural way to play with and benefit from the oils.

Please note that using aromatherapy is a personal choice and not to be used as a replacement for medical care, all information and recipes are to be used by your own discretion and as with any suggestion of usage are to be used at your own risk, for any inquiry please contact Deborah at her website www.aromametropolitan.com or call 604-739-3926 .   Note; To find out which essential oils to avoid while pregnant visit the website and look under the Metro News section.

1.  You might have expectations, but if you can let go of these, stress will be lessened and beautiful memories created.

2.  The experts tell us what we should do.  Our kids tell us what we can do. (@AldridgeDuff)

3.  Other parents love to validate their own decisions by giving you advice.

4.  Even the ‘expert’ parents have left the house with no spare diapers or snacks.  Be creative.

5.  You don’t have to love every minute.

6.  You don’t have to be good at everything.  Think of yourself as a CEO.  Identify your strengths and outsource as much as you are able.  (cleaning, prepared meals, etc).

7.  Trust your own instincts.  (from @kstennant)

8.  Your child needs you to be an empathetic parent – not a friend.  (from @TanyaGeisler)

9.  Take time for yourself.  It will make you a better parent.

10.  Children will emulate you, and the way you treat yourself is how they learn to treat themselves.

For more inspiration, see our Mothering Expert’s posts on renewing yourself as a mother, and balance.

- Jill Amery is learning about parenting every day.