Children Using Fluoride Toothpaste

Our four year old likes to do what her big sister does, so when we decided to switch her big sister to toothpaste with fluoride, I was hesitant because I didn't think our four year old was ready.  However, the transition went rather smoothly.  I went out and bought some small cups and Barbie Colgate toothpaste with fluoride.  Our girls were so excited.  We explained to them that they cannot swallow this toothpaste and they had to spit it out.  My husband and I advised them to fill the small cup with water, rinse their mouths and spit.  We supervise them while they're brushing and we only put a tiny bit of toothpaste on their toothbrushes to be safe.  We brush their teeth every morning and night.

Children under the age of six should be supervised while they're brushing with toothpaste that contains fluoride and they should only use a pea-sized amount.  It's very important for children using fluoride toothpaste to spit because swallowing too much of it can have toxic effects on the body.

It's important to reinforce safe brushing habits with your children.   Have them brush their teeth and spit, even when they're using the fluoride-free toothpaste.  This will make the transition to fluoride toothpaste easier.

 

Ways to Cool Off With Your Children in the Summer

We've had some pretty hot days this summer.  Children are out of school for summer, so parents have to find ways to keep them busy so they don't get bored.  There are fun things you can do with your children to cool off.

• Find the nearest recreational centre with a swimming pool.  We always put our children in swimming lessons during the summer and they love it.  

• If your backyard is big enough, set up one of those inflatable swimming pools.  You can fill it up in the morning so the water gets warm and your children can take a dip without you having to leave the house.

• Go to a water park.  We get Canada's Wonderland season passes every year and it's great because the water park is included.  Our children love the water park as there are so many things to do to stay cool.

• Head to a park with a splash pad.   Our children have a blast running around at a splash pad on a hot day in their bathing suit.

Have a great summer with your children and stay cool!

The Benefits of Full Day Kindergarten

 

When our five year old was in kindergarten she attended full day Tuesdays and Thursdays and every other Friday.  The days she had off she wanted to be in school.  Our four year old was in daycare part-time twice a week, and she enjoyed it because she liked playing with her friends.  Our five year old will start grade one in September, but I think our four year old is going to enjoy full day kindergarten. 

Children will have the ability to increase their social skills as they interact with other children.  They will develop strong problem solving skills as they learn to resolve conflicts with other children.  They will have the opportunity to develop strong reading, writing and math skills.  Their daily routines will be more consistent and they will be more prepared for grade one.  Parents benefit from full day kindergarten because they know their children are in good care.  Working parents won't have to pay for daycare and they will be comforted knowing their children are learning in a safe environment.  Before and after school programs will be provided, but it's less expensive than daycare.

The learning will be play-based, which helps to enhance children's imagination, creativity and self-confidence.

I'm looking forward to our four year old being in full day kindergarten because I think she's ready and she'll have fun. 

How do you feel about full day kindergarten?

 

The Benefits of French Immersion School

My husband and I have decided to put our daughters in a French Immersion school.  Our four year old starts full-time kindergarten in September, but she will go to a French Immersion school when she starts grade one.  Our oldest daughter starts grade one in a French Immersion school in September and it will be half English and half French.  

I remember when she was younger and she played with those toys that talked or played music, she always put it on French.  Every time I put it on English she always switched it back to French, so I have a feeling she will enjoy going to a French Immersion school.

We feel strongly about putting our children in a French Immersion school because knowing a second language opens more doors for career opportunities.  Learning French can help enhance creativity and problem-solving skills because they have to learn how to communicate and express themselves in another language.

We're going to do some French activities with our daughter over the summer to help her be prepared.  My father speaks fluent Creole French, so she will have that support as well.

Au revoir!