The final blog for this year will focus on some ways that you can enjoy your upcoming summer safely. Secondly, there are many great activities to take in around the twin cities with your little ones and we'll highlight some that are particularly noteworthy. Finally, we'll share a list of parenting books that may be worth taking to the beach on a lazy afternoon.
Safety
When you are the parent of small children, safety is at the forefront of your thoughts nearly every minute. Everything in your environment may look like a potential hazard right now, especially if your child is becoming more independent by the day. While making sure that you apply sunscreen and put a hat on your child are important reminders, there are even more things that you can do to ensure your child's safety.
- Never underestimate the power of supervision. As tempting as it can be to send your child outside to play for a few minutes of quiet, remember that it doesn't take long for your child to find danger. Taking turns supervising with a neighbor can help keep tabs on each other's kiddos and keep everyone safe.
- Master water safety. Keeping your child in a life jacket when they are near water is a must if they have not yet learned to swim. Younger children are especially prone to being drawn to bodies of water. Keeping an eye on them may not be enough.
- Pay attention to signs of heat-related illness. Dressing in cool clothing, staying hydrated, getting out of the sun during the hottest parts of the day, and cooling off in a pool are great ways to beat the heat.
- Use child-friendly bug repellent. Nobody likes bug bites and it can be difficult to help your child get comfortable when they're covered in them. You may even be able to find a sunscreen with bug repellent in it!
- Discuss and practice a word that you can use with your child to help them immediately stop. Some families use the word "freeze"! Helping your child practice stopping right when you say "freeze" will give you some peace of mind in parking lots and streets. Little ones may not understand the dangers that face them in these places. Explaining safety to them and practicing safe strategies with them is a great idea.
- Use bike helmets! Every time your child gets on a bike or scooter, make it a rule that they wear their helmets. Even if your child is a passenger in a cart behind your bike, don't let them ride without one. Model this rule by wearing one yourself.
https://www.cdc.gov/family/kids/summer/
http://www.parents.com/baby/safety/outdoor/child-summer-safety-rules/
http://www.naeyc.org/tyc/article/summer_safety_tips
Fun Family Activities
We are fortunate to live in a part of the country that is so beautiful in the summer! If you've survived a Minnesota winter, you know that the warm, sunny days of summer are well deserved. We'll look at some specific family-friendly places with websites for more information:
Como Park, Zoo, & Conservatory: This little gem is just 15 minutes west on Interstate 94 and is a great destination for families. Between the traditional zoo animals, fun at Como Town, the carousel, and the conservatory, families will have endless fun for very little money. Take a picnic lunch and virtually everything else is free! http://www.comozooconservatory.org/
Minnesota Children's Museum: You may already be aware that the museum has been undergoing significant renovations. The great news is that the grand opening is June 7th! There are 10 new exhibits to explore and endless fun for little ones. It's a perfect rainy day activity. https://mcm.org/
Battle Creek Regional Park: This beautiful park is just minutes from Woodbury and Cottage Grove and is packed with fun. You'll enjoy a large playground, a dog park, picnic facilities, and the Battle Creek Waterworks facility (at a cost). Check it out! https://www.ramseycounty.us/residents/parks-recreation/parks-trails/find-park/battle-creek-regional-park
Edinborough Park (Edina): If you're willing to drive a little further for some fun, Edinborough Park is one of the largest indoor playgrounds in the country. Admission is $7.50 and is well worth the price. There are several play areas, including a spot for toddlers. Just remember to bring socks as they're required in this shoeless environment. http://edinamn.gov/index.php?section=edinborough-park
Carver Lake Park & Beach: For a great, little local beach, check out Carver Lake in Woodbury! It's a beautiful spot nestled right in the middle of the city. There are places to play, picnic, and swim. Just remember that it is an unguarded beach...you'll need to keep a close eye on your little ones in the water. https://www.woodburymn.gov/departments/parks_and_trails/carver_lake_park_beach.php
Other links for local family fun:
http://www.familyfuntwincities.com/
http://www.scarymommy.com/10-things-to-do-with-kids-in-the-twin-cities/
http://www.twincitiesfrugalmom.com/deals-events-calendar/
Summer Reading
If you enjoy reading and like to take the summer to catch up on all of the books you meant to read during the year, here is a short list to get you started. Some of these titles are new and some are classics. All are worth considering! This was compiled with tips from parent educators all over the state of Minnesota:
"The Gardener and the Carpenter: What the New Science of Child Development Tells Us About the Relationship Between Parents and Children" by Alison Gopnik
"Raising a Secure Child: How Circle of Security Parenting Can Help You Nurture Your Child's Attachment, Emotional Resilience, and Freedom to Explore" by Hoffman, Cooper, & Powell
"The Whole-Brain Child: 12 Revolutionary Strategies to Nurture Your Child's Developing Mind" by Siegel & Bryson
"No Drama Discipline: The Whole Brain Way to Calm the Chaos and Nurture Your Child's Developing Mind" by Siegel & Bryson
"Between Parent and Child: Revised and Updated: The Best-Selling Classic that Revolutionized Parent-Child Communication" by Haim Ginott & Alice Ginott
"Your Self-Confident Baby: How to Encourage Your Child's Natural Abilities--From the Very Start" by Magda Gerber
"Three Key Years: Talk-Read-Play-Sing To Support and Help Every Child in America" by George Halvorson
"Brain Rules for Baby: How to Raise a Smart and Happy Child from Zero to Five" by John Medina
"Simplicity Parenting: Using the Extraordinary Power of Less to Raise Calmer, Happier, and More Secure Kids" by John Payne and Lisa Ross
"NurtureShock: New Thinking About Children" by Poe Bronson & Ashley Merryman
From all of us at ECFE, we wish you a safe and fun summer. Registration for fall classes will come later this summer so keep watching your mailboxes for the catalog! We can't wait to see you back in September.
