Bumper Pads: A risk I’m not willing to take

Posted on January 12, 2016 by Carolyn Wilkie, RN

Today’s blog includes thoughts from a mama-to-be:

The countdown is on, and the anticipation of welcoming my new little bundle occupies my every thought. The newborn sleepers are folded (so cute), diapers ready to go and my beautiful rocking chair is begging to be used. The doorbell rings and I feel giddy with excitement as I spot a large parcel gracing our doorstep.  When I tear through the packaging I discover a gorgeous blanket and bumper pad set.

A few minutes pass before my excitement turns to disappointment after I remember a discussion from prenatal class – something about the increased risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) when placing soft items in the crib.  Our class was surprised to learn that just because stores sell baby items (like these), doesn’t always mean they are safe to use! Continue reading →

Posted in Babies, Keeping Your Baby Safe, Parenting, Parenting Your Baby, Play, Growth & Development for Babies, Pregnancy | Tagged , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Finding joy… My family’s New Years Resolution

Posted on January 11, 2016 by Sarah Flynn RN

A new year is upon us – a year that offers hope, excitement, new adventures and a personal fave, the opportunity to be open to new ideas and ways to live life.

As I walked around my post-Christmas home picking up the odd piece of tinsel, it occurred to me that my need to de-clutter was beyond obvious!

But how? I was overwhelmed just thinking about it *sigh*, until I read that getting rid of things that clutter your physical space can help you better see the things that are cluttering your emotional space. And letting go of emotional clutter frees us up to rediscover our happiness and the joy of giving! Yes, yes and yes! Continue reading →

Posted in Babies, Children & Tweens, Depression & Anxiety After Birth, Emotional Well-Being & Mental Health for Your Child/Tween, Emotional Well-Being & Mental Health for Your Teen, Parenting, Parenting Your Baby, Parenting Your Child/Tween, Parenting Your Teen, Parenting Your Toddler & Preschooler, Teens, Toddlers & Preschoolers | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

How to be kind to myself this year

Posted on January 4, 2016 by Cynthia Lindsay RN

Welcome back from the holidays! Have you made your resolutions yet? I don’t commit to a new resolution every year, but I often begin each January with a bit of “enough is enough”. No more being a couch potato! No more overeating!

So this first week is going to be about getting back into a healthy routine. I’m going to eat healthier and exercise more! YUP – there I’ve said it! Okay now what? Continue reading →

Posted in Parenting, Parenting Your Baby, Parenting Your Child/Tween, Parenting Your Teen, Parenting Your Toddler & Preschooler | Tagged , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Thank you… Oh and one more thing please

Posted on December 23, 2015 by Cynthia Lindsay RN

HaltonParents bloggers would like to send you warm wishes during this holiday season!

We would also like to take this opportunity to thank you! Thank you for reading our blogs and using HaltonParents as a trusted parenting resource.

We would now like to ask you a favour…

  • Spread the word! Talk about our services with those you know; friends, family and other parents in our community! There is nothing like hearing about a great resource from someone that you trust.

We have a great new video to help spread that message.

HaltonParents will be closed from December 24th, 2015 through until the morning of January 4th, 2016. Thanks and see you in the New Year.

For parenting information or to speak with a Public Health Nurse (every Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) simply dial 311 or 905-825-6000.

Posted in Parenting | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Starting new holiday traditions…is it possible?

Posted on December 21, 2015 by Cynthia Lindsay RN

The holiday season goes hand-in-hand with family traditions. For some families, it may include religious or spiritual traditions. It looks different for everyone and it may include putting up special decorations throughout the house while enjoying festive music; many also give of their time and/or give gifts, bake yummy treats, and my favourite – simply sharing a few meals with family and friends.

Just like most things, some of my most cherished memories are just that – memories! I have noticed a few changes as my kids grow older.  As my kids become teens, it’s even more important for me to be intentional about maintaining meaningful traditions.

The good news is that I’ve discovered older kids still love traditions. Some are the same, like decorating the tree, but others are brand new. We love starting new traditions and rituals – just us!

fondue pic_000035635948_Small

We were always so busy trying to fit in visits to grandparents, cousins, friends, etc. that we often forgot about our family, so we started a new tradition: it’s called fondue night! I didn’t know this would become an annual tradition, but it has. We all sit around the table listening to music, eating and chatting (with no electronics, and amazingly no wiggling to get out of there) – just much needed family time. We end the night with a holiday movie and BAM! that’s how we started our new holiday tradition. It might not sound like much, but it’s something we all look forward to.

Share your favourite traditions with us.

For parenting information or to speak with a Public Health Nurse (every Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) simply dial 311 or 905-825-6000.

Posted in Children & Tweens, Emotional Well-Being & Mental Health for Your Child/Tween, Emotional Well-Being & Mental Health for Your Teen, Parenting, Parenting Your Child/Tween, Parenting Your Teen, Teens | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment