HaltonParents

Kids swimming with Molluscum?

Posted on August 10, 2011 by Halton Guest Blogger

With summer here, families all across Halton are taking their children to local swimming pools and water parks where they can enjoy the cooling play and have some fun. What a great way to spend a summer day.

Not to put a damper on the day, but there is a mild skin illness called Molluscum contagiosum that becomes more visible during this time of the year. It’s a skin condition that is often misunderstood, and some parents might be concerned that their child may become infected and they may even stop their kids from taking part in activities such as swimming or playing in water parks. This measure may not be necessary. There is a great health benefit from being active and with only a few simple precautions, the spread of molluscum contagiosum virus (and other germs for that matter) can be prevented. Continue reading →

Posted in Babies, Children & Tweens, Keeping Your Baby Safe, Keeping Your Child/Tween Safe, Keeping Your Toddler & Preschooler Safe, Toddlers & Preschoolers | Tagged children, contagious, disease prevention, Molluscum, Physical Health, pool, rash, red bumps, skin, swimming, virus | 3 Comments

New vaccines will help protect babies in Ontario

Posted on August 3, 2011 by Halton Guest Blogger

My children are now grown up, but I vividly remember some of the times when they were ill and wished there had been some way to keep them from getting sick.

One of my sons got rotavirus when he was 15 months old. He had severe diarrhea and vomiting that made him dehydrated. We ended up (like 15% of Canadian children who get this illness) in our local hospital emergency room for treatment. Even after this treatment, he was quite ill for another 3 days. There was no vaccine for rotavirus then. Continue reading →

Posted in Babies, Children & Tweens, Keeping Your Baby Safe, Keeping Your Child/Tween Safe, Keeping Your Toddler & Preschooler Safe, Parenting Your Baby, Parenting Your Child/Tween, Parenting Your Toddler & Preschooler, Pregnancy, Toddlers & Preschoolers | Tagged chickenpox, disease prevention, immunizations, infectious diseases, Ontario, prevent, rotavirus, shots, vaccines | 1 Comment

Invest in your child – It’s your biggest rate of return

Posted on July 29, 2011 by Halton Guest Blogger

This is the fourth post in our series about child care.

When I was as a young working mom of two children, I struggled with finding the time to play games with my kids. I was busy caring for them and balancing all the jobs I “needed to get done” around the house in those few short hours after work. I remember myself saying, “After…. After….” Once I sat and took the few minutes to play with them I realized how important play is to my children’s development. Having my children help me to do the everyday household tasks was even a learning experience for them (e.g., helping to cook dinner or folding the laundry). It even helped me get some things done so we would be able to play games and have fun together! Continue reading →

Posted in Children & Tweens, Parenting Your Child/Tween, Parenting Your Toddler & Preschooler, Toddlers & Preschoolers | Tagged busy, child, child development, children, chores, developmental assets, family, games, play, school, time, working mom | 2 Comments

Finding quality child care is easy with a plan!

Posted on July 26, 2011 by Halton Guest Blogger

This is the third post in our series about child care in Halton Region.

Anna* needed child care for her two young children as their grandmother was caring for them but was starting to tire easily. Anna was worried about finding someone she could trust and who would make sure her children were learning and having fun. Anna called her local Halton 211 phone service for help. They connected her with Halton Region’s Child Care Subsidy and The Halton Resource Connection’s Child Care Directory and Information Line (CCDIL) for information about her child care options. Continue reading →

Posted in Babies, Babies with Special Needs, Keeping Your Baby Safe, Keeping Your Toddler & Preschooler Safe, Parenting Your Baby, Parenting Your Toddler & Preschooler, Play, Growth & Development, Play, Growth & Development for Babies, Toddlers & Preschoolers, Toddlers & Preschoolers with Special Needs | Tagged baby, back to work, child, child care, childcare, day care, families, home care, quality child care, Services | 2 Comments

The Dreadful First Drop-Off

Posted on July 22, 2011 by Halton Guest Blogger

This is the second post in our series about child care in Halton Region.

My heart is pounding, my hands are numb from being clenched into fists, my eyes are almost swollen shut from the days of crying. I get my strength and courage together and prepare for the dreadful drop-off, and no not from a cliff but from having my two boys at a child care centre for the first time. We pull up to the Regional Child Care Centre and I try my best to be strong and happy for the boys, so with a great big smile I say “Yiipppeee we are at your new school, you are going to have so much fun!” and I swallow back my tears and think ‘all without me.’ Continue reading →