So cool. Channel the Livestrong Bracelet and avoid lost children. This funky yellow wristband gives parents of active kids a bit more peace of mind. You can write a name and phone number on the inside face of the bracelet (it can’t be seen by strangers without the removal of the band) and your child can always be identified if lost. www.childishnotions.com
Are we there yet? Driving on Car Trips with children and babies can test your patience level like almost nothing else. You’ve got crumbs and juice boxes all over the back seat, you can’t find the plug for the DVD player, and if you do one more diaper change in the trunk you will turn the car around and head home. (And it took an hour to pack the trunk). Breathe. Try to think of it as an experience. Here are the UrbanMommies tips..
If your child or toddler won’t let you brush their teeth, good oral care can get tricky. It’s important to develop good health habits at an early age. Start off by using a clean washcloth to clean your child’s mouth after each meal, as early as possible. This will get your child used to your later oral care efforts. Try this also for your uncooperative two year old: start off with the washcloth approach and gradually move to a toothbrush.
If your child is afraid and scared to go to the dentist, there are a few things that you can try. Start off by being a good role model: children will want to go to the dentist and take care of their teeth when they see you brushing and flossing your own teeth, and having a positive attitude toward dental visits.
Q: My baby is one year old and has no teeth. Should I be worried or is he just late teething?
A: The first tooth usually erupts between the ages of six months to one year. If teeth haven’t appeared by about age 18 months, this is unusual and you should bring your child to the dentist for an x-ray to check if the teeth are under the gums or possibly congenitally missing. Consider bringing your child to a pediatric specialist soon if you are very concerned.
How Do I choose a dentist for my kids? Dr. Chris Kan, our resident dental expert, weighs in on this question. He says to look for these factors to help narrow your choices:
(1) Similar goals and easy communication. Your dentist should want the same things you do for your children’s dental health, and be able to explain these goals to you clearly.
In preparation for the Vancouver 2010 Olympics, the city has done some pretty spectacular things. One of our favourites is the GE Plaza at Robson Square, an outdoor skating rink complete with live music, a zamboni painted like an Orca, and free helmets for children. Oh – and strollers are permitted on the ice. What more could a parent want? You can even rent skates (a la Rockefeller Plaza) for a romantic lunch date downtown with a working spouse (and the Bugaboo can accompany you as you glide together). Robson Street at Howe, free admission, $3 ice skate rentals. Open 9am – 9pm.
Your babysitter got the flu and suddenly you have no childcare and your best friends wedding is tomorrow! Finding a nanny on short notice can be a challenge but luckily you’ve got options!
Nannies on Call is Canada’s premier childcare agency serving Calgary, Vancouver, Victoria, Toronto and the Okanagan. We have been offering exceptional on call nanny services since 2001.
You can put your mind at ease knowing that all of our nannies have been carefully screened – we ensure that our nannies are highly experienced, educated women with a passion for childcare.
Whether you require last minute, long-term help, or simply a night on the town, Nannies on Call will help you find the perfect solution for your family. Our nannies are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to care for your children. Simply contact us to let us know your needs!
Michelle Kelsey is the founder of Nannies On Call. In 2001, Michelle launched a small nanny referral service with one pager, five nannies and a determination to never find herself without reliable childcare. Nannies on Call now counts over 250 nannies, with offices in 4 cities. www.nanniesoncall.com
When screening a nanny, we look for lots of things. All parents have a gut feeling when interviewing nannies. She could look great on paper and then you meet her and something just doesn’t sit right. You should listen to your voice. It’s the best place to start. You want to find out more about the nanny. You want to find out if she was a good nanny and what kind of duties she preformed for the family.