• Summertime in mid-Missouri can be hot and steamy for adults, but from our children’s perspective, it represents FUN IN THE SUN! While summer presents the perfect opportunity to enjoy the weather and explore the outdoors, we must always keep in mind that, as parents, it is our job to make these experiences safe for our little ones. The following list from the American Academy of Pediatrics contains safety tips we hope will make your summer even more enjoyable.
  For a complete list, go to: www.aap.org/advocacy/releases/summertips.htm.
  
  Prevent sunburns:
   
•  For babies under 6 months - Avoid sun exposure and dress infants in lightweight long pants, long-sleeved shirts and brimmed hats. When adequate clothing and shade are not available, parents can apply a minimal amount of sunscreen to small areas, such as the infant’s face and back of the hands.
• For young children - Apply sunscreen at least 30 minutes before going outside, and use sunscreen even on cloudy days. SPF - Sun Protection Factor - should be at least 15. Reapply sunscreen every two hours, or after swimming or sweating.
   

Pool safety:

•  Never leave children alone in or near the pool, even for a moment.
  n Avoid inflatable swimming aids such as “floaties.” They are not a substitute for approved life vests and can give children a false sense of security.
   

•  Children may not be developmentally ready for swim lessons until after their fourth birthday. Swim programs for children under 4 should be not seen as a way to decrease the risk of drowning.
   

•  Whenever infants or toddlers are in or around water, an adult should be within arm’s length, providing “touch supervision.”
   

• Make sure adults are trained in life-saving techniques and CPR, so they can rescue a child if necessary.
  Playground safety:
   

• Install and maintain a shock-absorbing surface under and around play equipment. Use at least 9 inches of wood chips, mulch, or shredded rubber for play equipment up to 7 feet high.
   

•  Swing seats should be make of soft materials such as rubber, plastic or canvas.
   

•  Make sure children cannot reach any moving parts that might pinch or trap any body part.
   

• Never attach--or allow children to attach--ropes, jump ropes, leashes or similar items to play equipment; children may strangle on these.
   
• Make sure metal slides are cool to prevent children’s legs from getting burned.
   

Lawn Mower Safety:
 

•  Try to use a mower with a control that stops the mower from moving forward if the handle is let go.
   
• Prevent injuries from flying objects, such as stones or toys, by picking up objects from the lawn before mowing. Anyone who operates a mower should wear hearing and eye protection.
   
• Do not allow children to ride as passengers on ride-on mowers.
  
  Enjoy FUN IN THE SUN
  this summer - safely!

Belinda Masters, Coordinator
Parents As Teachers
 

PAT is required to record dates of immunizations for all children participating in our program, as part of the health screening. Please make every effort to provide your Parent Educator with a copy of your child’s immunization record. Your Parent Educator will let you know when she needs to gather this information...usually once a year.
Even if your physician does not routinely provide you with a written copy, we encourage you to keep your own records. You will be required to produce this information before your child can enter a preschool or kindergarten program.

Sometimes it’s especially challenging to get kids to bed in the summer. Daylight savings time enables us to enjoy long summer evenings, but not enough rest can make for crabby children and parents, too. Here are some ideas that may help at bedtime:
 

• Have a set bedtime: “When the big hand is on the six, it’s time to get ready for bed,” or “When the clock says these numbers...” can be part of the routine. In this way the clock, not the parent, is announcing the time to go to bed.
   
• A warning of “ten minutes until bath time” is also useful so that fun isn’t suddenly interrupted. This helps children get used to the idea that there will be a change in the action soon. A kitchen timer works too.
•  Minimize television and rowdy activities close to sleeping time. As bedtime nears, it’s a good idea to slow down, reduce activities and noise in preparation for sleep.
   
•  A night time routine can work wonders. For instance, start with a warm, calm bath followed by a ritual goodnight to the dog, the piano, the spider plant, the clock, grandma and grandpa in a picture, the refrigerator ...
   
•  Once you find a routine that works well, stay with it. Children find this kind of activity soothing and comforting and can come to rely on its repetition each evening.
  If necessary, provide a small night light, a quiet radio, or a trusted companion, like a favorite stuffed animal.
  If your child doesn’t fall asleep at once, there’s no harm in reading or playing quietly in bed, even after bedtime. A child can’t go to sleep on demand any more than an adult can.
  Adults know that by lying quietly in bed long enough, sleep will come. Children haven’t had this much experience, and have to ‘learn” how to go to sleep.
  A slow-paced environment, soothing bedtime routine--which may include a bath, a bedtime story, and ritual goodnight--and quiet conversation sets the stage for a good night’s sleep.
  adapted from Growing Together, April 2005
  
   

Most child poisonings result from
common household products

According to the US Consumer Product Safety Commission about 78,000 children under five years old visited US hospital emergency rooms due to unintentional poisonings in 2003.
More than 9 of every 10 suspected poison exposures occur at home with readily-available household products. About 30 children die from poisonings each year, down from 450 in the 1960’s.
What can parents and other adults do? Keep harmful products and medicines out of children’s reach, storing items in their original containers, and properly using child-resistant packaging. Potentially toxic household products include:
 

•  Personal care products, including baby oil and mouthwash containing ethanol;
   

• Cleaning substances, drain openers and oven cleaners.
   

• Over-the-counter pain relievers -- including ibuprofen, acetaminophen, and aspirin - and cough and cold medicines.
   

• Hydrocarbons, such as lamp oil and furniture polish.
  Adult strength vitamins and supplements containing iron.

Rose Ann Soloway, chair of the Poison Prevention Week Council, noted that “Grandparents who keep their prescription drugs in non-child resistant pill boxes should be especially aware of this risk. Child-resistant packaging doesn’t work if it’s not used properly.”
Many poisoning incidents occur while the products are in use and a parent or caregiver steps away or is distracted for a moment. Children can get hold of a product and swallow it during the short time it takes to answer a phone call or the doorbell.
If a child swallows or handles a potentially dangerous product, immediately call the poison center hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Your call will be answered by experts at your local poison center.
Adapted from an article in Growing Together published by Growing Child Inc. Lafayette, IN.
 

Poison Help

1-800-222-1222

Parent Educator Favorites...
a feature highlighting favorite children’s books

•  Pete’s a Pizza by William Steig
  This is a great book for preschoolers. It’s really fun to make your own child into a pizza!!
  Leslie Carey
   
• “No, David!” by David Shannon
  This is a fun book for 4 and 5 year olds that kids think is silly!
  Christie Manie

When a baby is born, parents quickly check for fingers and toes, and over the next few weeks remain alert to whether the baby can see and hear. When babies nurse well, parents are assured that the sense of taste and smell are fine. But what about touch? This important sense is often overlooked.
 

• Reacting to Touch
  Part of the doctor’s exam at birth is to touch the baby in certain ways to elicit reflexes. This includes stroking the bottom of the foot and watching to see that the toes curl downward normally rather than flare outward. A mother notices the rooting reflex when she strokes the baby’s cheek on the side near her breast and the baby turns toward that side in order to nurse easily. The grasp reflex can be seen during the first three months when an adult firmly presses her finger onto a baby’s palm and the baby grasps the finger.
   
•  Growing through Touch
  Touch is a crucial sense for babies. Studies of animals reveal that when mothers stroke and cuddle their babies, or lick them with long tongue strokes, the skin releases chemicals that promote the infant’s physical development.
  Research with premature babies has shown that when nurses provide

•  The Magic of Touch
  Touch is a magical ingredient that promotes healthy growth. Indeed, for tiny babies, “kangaroo” baby care works very well. Persons who care for a very young infant can use the kangaroo pouch so that babies feel their body warmth and benefit from the gentle stimulation of an adult’s body movements. Baby skin is delicate. Because skin touch is so important, parents will need to be alert to skin disturbances, such as diaper rash, eczema, and cradle cap. With gentle touches, parents can handle delicate infant skin and soothe any discomfort.
   
• Sensitivity to Touch
  Some children have sensory-integration difficulties when it comes to touch. That is, some babies become irritable if stroked too softly. Parents need to become attuned to each infant’s level of comfort. It is important to determine whether firmer pats for burping and firmer strokes for back rubs are needed to stay soothed.
   

adapted from “The Power of Touch” by Alice Sterling Honig, Ph.D.
in Early Childhood Today, March 2005

Caring for
fussy infants

• Minimize the number of persons caring for the baby. Sometimes infants may seem fearful of strangers and have a difficult time when cared for by several different persons. The friendliness of an earlier age gives way to shyness, even with grandparents and other relatives.
   
•  Be empathetic. Fussy babies are often quick to feel stress, intense in their responses, and difficult to soothe. Try to understand and anticipate their feelings, such as when they are about to reach overload and fall into sobbing. And remember, this baby is not out to exasperate you! He is surely expressing neediness, and loud cries and cranky protests may be part of his personality style. If you can feel empathy rather than resentment at his distress, you will find it easier to be comforting and reassuring.
   
• Make changes slowly. As you introduce new situations or positions, watch for warning signs of fatigue or stress. Shy babies often get stressed by changes, so give them plenty of warning and lead time before altering activities. Be sure to explain what is happening, what will be going on, and what you will be doing. Take time to help your baby become familiar with the routines, sights, sounds and play opportunities in his environment, always remembering that your child has difficulty adapting. Pare down the amount of stimulations to prevent fussy babies from becoming overloaded.
•  Use soothing tones and calm gestures. Your soothing voice is just what a cautious baby needs to relax. Handle your baby gently as you change her position or carry her to a new place. Use a quiet, calm voice as you introduce new foods slowly - one at a time and in very small portions. For young babies who have irritable temperaments, try daily massages with nonallergenic oils. Babies are able to calm down after just 10 minutes of loving strokes.
  adapted from Early Childhood Today, 04/2005

Caring for
fussy toddlers

•  Be flexible and generous with time. If your fussy toddler is intent on completing an activity, allow more time for building that block tower or finishing that puzzle.
   

•  Provide space for high-energy toddlers. Activity level is high for some feisty toddlers. They run and chase about and seem to be on the go all day. Be sure you have space for running and vigorous play.
   

• Watch for signals of emotional overload. You can help fussy toddlers by tuning in to their body signals. To prevent blowups and tantrums as much as possible, notice when a toddler starts to get stressed or is heading into a difficult social struggle with a peer.
   

•  Use distractions. Offer a substitute if the fussy toddler is set on taking a toy away from a peer. Interest her in another activity, such as listening to a story while sitting on your lap if she is disrupting the play of others.
   

•  Give toddlers words for emotions. Feisty toddlers need to know they are lovable and can succeed in managing their intense emotions. Give them phrases like “I want a turn” or “I need that block.” When you help them use words instead of shoving, grabbing, or screaming, you are giving them tools to encourage more enjoyable and successful social relations. Feisty toddlers can engage in more active, intense play that will attract friends if you guide them in learning empathy and in building their social skills.
  
  adapted from Early Childhood Today,
  April 2005

Collecting Interesting Object

Provide your child with an empty egg carton and take a short walk around the house, through the yard or neighborhood, along the seashore or into a friendly woods.
Pick up interesting or unusual “bits of nature” - a shell, a pretty stone, an attractive leaf, a bird feather, etc. Collect one item for each section of the container.
If your child finds a questionable object, leave it where it is and don’t pick it up.
When the container is full, return home for a discussion of the items, their origins, uses, where they were found, etc.
Be prepared to return home early if she gets tired.
 

Try these variations or make up some of your own:
• Examine items using a magnifying glass.
• Guess what the unidentified objects might be; where they came from; what purpose they might serve.
• Make up stories about the different objects.
• Decide what category each object fits: animal, mineral, or vegetable.
• Save the containers and look at the objects again on the next rainy day.
adapted from Growing Together, April 2005

Summer Picnic

A summer picnic is easy. Toss some sandwiches, fruit, and drinks in a bag or cooler, round up your kids and head off to the local park.
For a special touch add one or more of these:
• a book to read to your children
• a jar of bubble solution and enough wands for everyone
• crayons and paper for drawing or for making rubbings of tree bark
• inexpensive magnifying glasses to take a close look at flowers, leaves, or any ants that might decide to join you.

Source: The Well-Centered Child

Puzzles build many skills

Puzzles are in the same class as books and blocks. They’re among the best playthings for children because the teach about:
n Patterns. This helps children get ready for math.
n Connections. Putting pieces together builds reading skills.
n Small muscles. Children need to strengthen fingers for writing.
n Paying attention. It takes patience to finish a puzzle.

Source: Becky Daniel,
The Jumbo Parenting Journal
 

What is it?

Here’s a simple word game you can play any time, any place and with children of a varied ages.
Name several objects that all fit into one category and have the children try to guess what the category is. In other words, what do the objects you name have in common?
Robin, cardinal, blue jay - all birds
Shoe sweater, shorts - all clothing items.
Cow, pig horse, - all animals found on a farm.
Make the game easy or hard depending on the players and their ages.
When things get dull, turn the game around and name a category. Players then have to name objects that fit into that category. Or name several items and include one that doesn’t belong.
Games like this help children learn about sorting into categories, and about how things differ and how they are the same.

Source: Growing Together, June 2005

Whining

What do little children do when they don’t get their way? They whine. They whimper, they beg, they plead -- and they keep at it until they either get what they want or drive their parents crazy.
Giving in to whining works very well. It puts an immediate end to the whining. But is also reinforces the child’s use of this form of arguing. From the child’s point of view, whining is a successful strategy. The parents are also reinforced for capitulating -- by the child’s quieting down. What also often happens is that parents scold, lecture, and threaten their children for whining -- and then they give in.
Whining is a request for attention. When your child whines, make sure you are hearing the message, not just reacting to that annoying tone of voice. If you stop and focus on your child -- “What are you trying to say, honey?” -- the whining will often stop.
Source: Michael P. Nichols, PhD
Parent & Preschooler Newsletter, March 2005

•  Infant Massage classes are offered on a regular basis for P.A.T. parents and their infants from 3 weeks to 8 months. Instructor Carol Koenig, certified infant massage therapist, will offer classes this summer. Plus, additional sessions have also been added in July and August with Parent Educator Corinne Remeika.
   
•  Choose either daytime series, 3 Tuesday mornings -- 10 to 11 am: July 12, 19, 26, OR August 2, 9, 16
   
•  Choose either evening series, 6:00 to 7:30 pm: Tuesdays - July 12 & 19, OR Thursdays - August 4 & 11
   
•  Please bring lotion and a blanket or pillow for your baby.
   
•  Participants are asked to purchase the book, Infant Massage, A Handbook for Loving Parents ($5.50) at the first session.
   
•  Call 214-3955 to register; class size is limited.

Parent to Parent

Sarah has given one-year-old Madison her own cabinet in the kitchen which is full of plastic containers. Sarah has decorated the door with pictures of babies so Madison can identify which door is her door to open and play with the safe items inside.

Shari adapted the grain box idea for her toddler, Katie. She fills a large underbed storage box with birdseed and cups and scoops. Shari keeps the box in the trunk and pulls it out at her older child’s soccer games (or when they have other activities where little ones need to be kept busy). Other parents are thankful for this activity too!

For Sale:

Cosco Pack & Play - never used, $25. Graco high chair - good condition, $20. Kim, 489-1568.
 

Crib: red metal frame with primary color bars, no mattress, $75. Snap-n-Go baby stroller, $25. Girls clothing, size 2, $0.50/outfit. Joyce, 445-4478.
 

2 vibrating rock or sit chairs, $10 each. Infant car seat with 2 bases. $30 each. Michelle, 443-3913.
 

Baby crib (5-in-1 sleep system) with mattress, metal frame. exc. cond., only 6 months old. $70. Judy 771-0107.
 

Boy’s clothes, 0-18 mon. - most items $2 or less. Baby toys, most items $2 or less. Maternity clothes, size Medium - most items, $2 or less. Amy, 442-6154.
 

Medela Pump-n-Style double breast pump, $125. No-Jo baby sling $25. Amber, 808-4203.

Seeking playgroup:

Mom and six-month-old son looking to join a playgroup. Jennifer, 489-6703.

Developmental Screenings
 

• Columbia Public Schools offers developmental screenings for children, free of charge, prior to kindergarten entry.
   

•  This includes health, vision, hearing, speech and language, motor and cognitive development.
   

•  Call 214-3999 to schedule an appointment for your child.

Visit the Library

Visit the Columbia Public Library often. Located at Garth & Broadway, our library is a part of the Daniel Boone Regional Library system. Stop at the circulation desk for information about story times and special programs. Pick up a copy of their newsletter, Cover to Cover or visit: www.dbrl.org

Lend & Learn

Free toy lending library and playroom for Boone County families with children, birth through age 5 (pre-Kindergarten).
Open Monday thru Friday
9:00 am to 2:30 pm
Parkade Center, Suite 214-A
601 Business Loop 70 West
Closed August 8 thru August 23.
Call 443-8885 for more information.

Child Care & Preschool

PAT is unable to advertise child care services or preschool programs but recommends that parents contact ChildCare Connection for:
• Help in locating child care
• Tips on selecting a program
• Call (573) 445-5627 or on the web at http://www.childcare.missouri.org.