Back-to-School Help

After summer break it may be a tough transition to get children back into the school routine, but with some helpful tips you may be able to ease your children a bit easier.

Tips for all Parents:
-Be compassionate. Summer breaks are like vacations. Think about what it’s like for you to make the transition back from a great vacation (yes, it’s not fair that kids get so many more breaks than you do, but try to focus on that tough transition).
-Talk about the value of education. Even if school isn’t always easy, that doesn’t mean that it’s not important. Emphasize how working hard at school helps kids to succeed. Consider using some of the ideas on emphasizing the value of school from What Kids Need to Succeed.
-Even though summer break is over, continue to have fun with your kids. Set aside some time each week to spend having fun together as a family.

Parents with children ages birth to 5
-Keep young children on the same daily routine (if possible) whether they’re going to preschool or not. This helps to keep their energy and moods at an even keel.
-Teach your kids the differences between days. Many get confused as to why they go to child care five days a week and then stay home for two. Take a calendar and have them mark off the days. Consider color-coding the days so that “yellow” days mean preschool or child care and “orange” days mean home days.
-Talk about the importance of “home time” and “school time” so that kids see the value in both (or talk about the importance of “play time” and “work time”).

Parents with children ages 6 to 9
-Help your child look forward to school. Purchase a “lucky pencil” or “lucky folder” for her to keep track of homework. Be enthusiastic about school. Your excitement will often rub off on her.
-Be honest about the fatigue that can happen during the first week back to school after a long break. Encourage your child to take a short nap after school, if needed.
-Talk about the benefits of summer breaks and the benefits of going to school. For example, it’s fun to choose what you want to do during breaks. It’s also exciting to learn new things and meet new kids at school.

Parents with children ages 10 to 15
-Don’t be surprised if you find that your child strongly resists going back to school. That’s normal. Many kids at this age love spending time with friends and would prefer to hang out with them outside of school. At the same time, other kids really look forward to going back to school.
-Help your child name what he likes best about school. Even if it starts out only with lunch and recess, go with that. As the school year progresses, see which subjects begin to interest him.
-Admit that some parts of school are hard. If you didn’t enjoy the junior high or middle school years, say so. But then talk about how much better high school is. That often helps kids to stick with the hard stuff.
Info. taken from:
http://www.parentfurther.com/resources/enewsletter/archive/getting-back-into-school-routine

CPSC Announces Pool and Spa Kids Safety Education Effort

This video outlines the steps that help save lives at the pool or spa. Remember you never know which step will save a life until it does so add as many as possible to your safe pool practices.

This is a great educational video for all adults with or without kids. It's important to be part of your community and help spread the safe pool practices.

If you're family members need swim lesson Kidtastics can help. Contact us 480-994-KIDS

The Importance of CPR Classes

CPR Lessons can be the difference between Life and Death to a loved one. Any person that takes care of children should learn CPR and recertify biannually.

When you take a CPR Course you will learn how to administer CPR to adults, Children, and Infants according to the guidelines established by the American Heart Association.

Unfortunately, when a child drowns first responders such as EMT’s, Paramedics, and Firefighters are the first to begin CPR. Lots of people are unwilling to perform CPR because they are afraid of doing it wrong or hurting the child further. If your boy or girl drowns, every second counts. You must not wait around for paramedics to show up to start CPR. Every minute that goes by reduces the chance of survival. CPR is usually successful when given within the first five minutes after the patient quits breathing. How long will it take for EMT’s to arrive? Five minutes? Ten minutes? If this is your boy or girl, can you afford to not know CPR?

Kidtastics is now offering CPR Class to our parents.

American Heart Association instructor will be offering Adult, Child & Infant CPR. Limited Spots are available. Advance registration required.
$20 per person (certification card included).

Class Location: Windgate Ranch Community Center near DC Ranch
10095 E. Windgate Ranch Road Scottsdale, 85255 (Bell/Loop 101)

Oct 23, Saturday 1-4pm (only 6 spots available)
Oct 28, Thursday 6-9pm (only 6 spots available)
Nov 6, Saturday 1-4pm (only 6 spots available)
Nov 21, Sunday 1-4pm (12 spots available)

Payment is due at the time of scheduling and is nonrefundable.
Kidtastics endorses, but is not affiliated with American Heart Association.

Kidtastics is offering our clients a summer DEAL!

Swimming season is slowly coming to an end as school is about to start. But it's never too late to improve your child's swimming abilities.

Become a follower of our BLOG. And receive $20 off your swim semester if you sign up by July 30th. ** This deal does not apply to current bookings**

SEMESTERS w/availability for booking:
#4: July 19th – July 29th (can be pro-rated for starting late)
#5: August 2nd – August 12th
#6: August 16th – August 26th

Call NOW to book 480-994-KIDS

How to keep kids fit: Here's your chance to ask the experts!

Cardon Children's Medical Center launched a Fit Kid Challenge earlier this summer. Find out more about this great program. This program helps kids eat and exercise health, even during this exhausting summer heat. It's a four-week program that challenges kids to exercise and eat healthy when the hot summer months keep them stuck inside. It also encourages family members to participate. No registration is necessary the challenge continues until September 7th 2010 so join now.

Kidtastics thinks this is a great program. The heat makes us all feel lazy, but being unhealthy and lazy (not exercising or being inactive) in the summer months will mess up your metabolism and make it harder to get back into shape in the winter months. Keep your kids active in any program in doors that helps promote fitness. See Kidtastics Summer Programs for dance and gymnastics classes around the valley.

Seventh Annual “Drowning Impact Awareness Month” - August

Arizona ranks second in the nation for child drownings, and summer months bring increased incidents. So far this year, there have been 12 fatalities in Maricopa County. It's a tragedy that knows no bounds and it is completely preventable.

For the sixth year, the Water Watchers program, led by Phoenix Children's Hospital along with Arizona fire departments and local businesses are recognizing August as Drowning Impact Awareness Month.

Since Drowning Impact Awareness Month first began in August of 2004, more than 125,000 purple ribbons have been distributed. Purple ribbons remind us of the impact of every drowning and near-drowning upon the victim, as well as family members, friends, emergency personnel, and the entire community. Purple ribbons also remind us to take steps to be water-safe in our own neighborhoods.

Purple ribbons are free to the community.
To request purple ribbons, you can e-mail ldieu@phoenixchildrens.com, or pick up purple ribbons at one of these locations:
Phoenix Children's Hospital locations(ribbons on the main campus can be found at the main entrance, emergency department, Emily Center, gift shop, NICU, Community Outreach, Foundation, and cafeteria).

This year, the campaign will include:
*More than 40,000 purple ribbons already distributed to supporters statewide.
*Formal proclamations signed by Governor Brewer and Mayors across the state, many presented at local Council meetings.
*More than 1,153 purple ribbons tied in the trees in front of Phoenix Children’s Hospital, to represent the number of children involved in water related incidents in Maricopa County since January of 2000.
*Banners and signs, donated and produced by SRP Safety Connection, hanging in public safety buildings, libraries, La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries stores, and YMCA’s throughout Maricopa County.
*Involvement, support and educational events from businesses, schools, and the Drowning Prevention Coalition of Arizona.

Why do it?
*To recognize the impact of each drowning and near-drowning on family, friends, emergency personnel, and our community.
*To increase discussion about drowning and share prevention information that can avert future water-related incidents for Valley kids.

What you can do:
*Wear purple awareness ribbons.
*Include water safety information in existing newsletters and marketing information.
*Educate yourself on water safety.
*Incorporate Drowning Impact Awareness into activities throughout August.
*Encourage water safety discussions.
*Spread the word about existing efforts for maximum attention and support.

This information is brought to you by http://www.phoenixchildrens.com/about/spotlight-stories/diam/

Drowning Prevention Segment

Kidtastics is trying to help spread the word about the Safer 3, which helps prevent drowning through education:

1. Safer Water - install, maintain & utilize proper fencing, gates, gate latches, alarms, & other safety equipment around the pool.

2. Safer Kids - employ constant adult supervision and swim skill attainment through on-going qualified instruction. Learn proper behavior in & around the water.

3.Safer Response - learn CPR, first-aid and rescue techniques. Keep an emergency action plan & phone by the pool at all times.

Take a look at this video we found as a great reminder for parents to practice the Safer 3. It's brought to us by I on Safety videos from Orange County California Authority website

If your family wants to be a Safer 3 family then call Kidtastics today for your swimming lesson needs as we teach ages 6 months to 12 years old. Kidtastics also provides Lifeguards for all your pool parties. Kidtastics can help you accomplish a Safer 3 household. 480-994-KIDS (5437) or www.kidtastics.com

Roll over breathing

Sun Protection for Babies and Kids

Here in Arizona, sun safety is a crucial part of our daily routine. But with summer comes more opportunities for you and your child to be in the sun, such as swimming lessons with Kidtastics, camping or boating trips, and cooling off with a refreshing dip in the pool. To ensure your child stays protected from the sun’s rays while enjoying the season’s many outdoor activities, here are some helpful tips:

Babies younger than 1. A new baby’s skin burns more easily, so try to avoid limit exposure (especially direct exposure) until he is 6 months old. Keep his skin covered, even in the shade. It’s OK to use sunscreen if you find yourself in a situation where you can’t keep him out of the sun. Apply the sunscreen to a small area of his back first to make sure there is no irritation, and then apply only to face and hands, and keep the rest of him covered up. When choosing a sunscreen, ensure that it is made for babies (they have less irritants) and have an SPF of at least 30.

Children age 1 year and older. Young children should stay out of the sun as much as possible, but of course that gets harder to accomplish as they get older and more active and independent. Apply sunscreen 30 minutes before she goes outside and reapply it every two hours—more often if she goes swimming or is sweating. Be careful not to get sunscreen on the eyelids! As with babies, use a waterproof, broad spectrum sunscreen made for children with a SPF of at least 30.

Spray-on Sunscreen: When it comes to sprays, there aren't any clear guidelines about how much to use; most simply recommended applying "evenly" and "generously" or "liberally." Some say to rub the sunscreen into the skin, while others don't; most also recommend using in well-ventilated areas. All warn to keep the product out of the eyes and not to spray directly on the face. Our recommendation is to read directions on the bottle carefully to ensure you are getting the maximum protection from it.

Don't rely on sunscreen alone. When outdoors, kids should wear a hat with a 3-inch brim or a bill facing forward and a long-sleeved shirt and long pants made from tightly-woven cotton provide smart protection against the sun. Sand and concrete reflect the sun’s rays, increasing the chances of a burn. Most rays make it through a cloud cover and they also travel through water, so an overcast day or staying in the pool doesn’t provide protection. Limit your sun time, and seek shade during the hottest hours of the day.

Other tips:
•Don't spray or rub sunscreen on clothes. Most of the products stained fabrics when applied directly and left for a day.
•Don't use sunscreen after its expiration date because it might have lost its potency. If your sunscreen has no expiration date on the bottle when you buy it, mark one yourself with a permanent marker and throw out after two years.

(Source: consumerreports.org)

The Best Sunscreens for Your Body and Face

Choosing an appropriate sunscreen for you and your family can be a confusing experience, given the number of brands, formulations, and price points out there in the stores. Just as it is important to remember to apply sunscreen diligently, it is also vital that you choose the best product for your purpose and activities outdoors. We found a list compiled by one of our favorite magazines, Real Simple, to help you navigate the isles. They’ve made it easy by breaking down the list to accommodate every sunscreen need, and further by sunscreens for body or face. Many of these can be found at your local drugstore or Sephora (for Korres, Shiseido, and Lancome).

For the Outdoor Athlete
Body - Coppertone Continuous Sport Spray SPF 30, $10
Coat hard-to-reach places with a water-resistant spray that works at any angle.

Dace - Sonya Dakar 365 SPF 30+ Sport, $42
Titanium dioxide and lavender combine in a sweatproof formula.

For the Natural-Product Lover
Body - Nature’s Gate Sundercover SPF 30 for Body, $10
Organic botanicals give an earthy scent to a sunscreen loaded with Parsol 1789.

Face - Korres SPF 30 High Protection Sunscreen Emulsion for Children, $28
Nonchemical ingredients zinc oxide and titanium dioxide make a strong shield.

For the Beachgoer
Body - Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protection Cream SPF 55, $35
This light, nonsticky formulation provides water-resistant coverage

Face - Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunblock SPF 85, $11
Sweatproof and water-resistant, the powder-based lotion won’t leave skin shiny, and its SPF is unbeatable.

For the Whole Family
Body - Aveeno Baby Continuous Sunblock Lotion SPF 55, $11
Antioxidants shield against skin-aging free-radical damage in a quick-absorbing, kid-safe product.

For the Traveler
Body - Kinesys Fragrance-Free SPF 30+ Sunscreen Spray with Parsol 1789, $7
You can slip this one-ounce oil-free spray into even the tiniest clutch.

Face - California Baby SPF 30+ Sunblock Stick, $15
A compact but wide stick of nonirritating sunscreen can cover even large areas.

For the City Slicker
Body - Lubriderm Daily Moisture Lotion with SPF 15, $9
Protection is a no-brainer when your daily moisturizer has built-in SPF.

Face - Lancôme UV Expert 20, $35
This lightweight protection contains Mexoryl and works well under makeup.

And for an all-around winner, Consumer Reports recently found the spray sunscreen Up & Up Sport Continuous – Target’s in-house brand – to be their “Best Buy” in sunscreen, offering unbeatable protection and value (less that $10 for two 6oz spray bottles.)

Be sure to check out our earlier post for sunscreen application tips for babies and children!

A Summertime Special for Fans of our Blog!

Mention the word "Splash" when signing up for any of our upcoming summer semesters of swim, dance, and gymnastics classes and receive $10 off plus NO enrollment fee - that's a $30 value!

Call us today to enroll, and don't forget to become a follower of the Kidtastics blog for the latest news, tips, and class updates!

Facts About Accidental Drownings – Hot Tubs

We’ve just learned of some very sad news: on June 30, the 2½ year old son of former NFL quarterback Randall Cunnungham died after drowning in the hot tub of the family’s backyard. There are many reports of accidental drownings especially during the summer months; in Phoenix, there have already been 5 fatalities. What you may not hear as often as pool safety is hot tub safety, so we’d like to share some information and drowning prevention tips specific to owners of hot tubs:

•An average of about 17 kids under age 5 drown in spas each year, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Approximately 70% of child drownings occur even though one or both parents are nearby, according to the commission.
•Hot tubs pose a number of safety dangers for kids, experts say. To prevent drowning, people should install a fence, gate or barrier around the hot tub area, and keep tubs covered and locked when not in use, according to Nationwide Children's Hospital's Center for Injury Research and Policy in Columbus, Ohio.
•Children should not be allowed in hot tubs at all, the center's experts suggest. That's because children have thinner skins than adults, so they burn more quickly and at lower temperatures. Kids' bodies also heat up three to five times faster than adults', according to Safe Kids USA.
•To prevent falls -- the most common cause of hot tub-related injury, people should place slip-resistant mats around it. People also should cover suction drains with covers that meet new federal standards that took effect in 2008.

(From USA Today)

Kidtastics urges you to read our other posts regarding water safety and ensure that your child develops the skills necessary to stay safe in and around water. If you have yet to sign up for one of our upcoming semesters of swimming lessons, there are still spots available. Please call us at 480-994-KIDS(5437) to enroll.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Cunningham family.

Fourth of July – Part Two: Fireworks Safety

Arizona passed a law this May to legalize consumer fireworks (i.e. sparklers, rockets, etc.) The law will take effect December 1st. Until then, at-home use fireworks remain illegal in our state. Click here for the article.

The use of fireworks can lead to severe burns, scars, and horrible disfigurement that can last a lifetime. Even sparklers, which may seem relatively harmless, can reach temperatures above 1000 degrees Fahrenheit (source: American Academy of Pediatrics) Surely, you wouldn’t want that high of heat near your children’s hands and body!

We urge parents to consider the dangers of fireworks and instead choose to enjoy a fantastic display of fireworks – run by professionals! – at one of the Fourth of July celebrations across the Valley (see previous blog post.)

If you will be in a state where fireworks are legal and do choose to use consumer-use fireworks, please observe the following safety tips from the National Council of Fireworks Safety:

•Use fireworks outdoors only.
•Always have water handy (a hose or bucket).
•Only persons over the age of 12 should be allowed to handle sparklers of any type.
•Only use fireworks as intended. Don't try to alter them or combine them.
•Never relight a "dud" firework. Wait 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water.
•Alcohol and fireworks do not mix. Have a "designated shooter."
•Do not ever use homemade fireworks of illegal explosives: They can kill you! Report illegal explosives to the fire or police department in your community.
•Use common sense. Spectators should keep a safe distance from the shooter and the shooter should wear safety glasses.