Parenting In KFL&A

10/26/2022

Healthy Halloween Snacks

The Halloween season is all about trick-or-treating for kids, they understand the assignment and are out to collect that loot! So, it’s understandable that fruits and veggies would get lost in all the excitement. Check out these fun ways to include fruits and veggies in all the spooky fun.

https://meaningfuleats.com/5-healthy-halloween-kids-snacks-gluten-free/

-Jessica, RD

Monster teeth, broomsticks, and boo-nanas — oh my! These healthy Halloween snacks for kids are perfect for fall parties. Plus they're made with easy-to-find ingredients! Looking for fun, healthy Halloween snacks? You're in the right place!

10/26/2022

Of course, kids will likely eat more candy than usual on Halloween, and that’s okay! By normalizing fun foods, the other 364 days of the year, we can help teach young eaters to:

🎃 Feel more relaxed about all kinds of food
🎃 Enjoy all foods as part of a healthy eating pattern
🎃 Listen to their bodies when deciding how much to eat, and which foods will help them feel their best

-Jessica, RD

10/26/2022

Q: If you give your child unrestricted access to candy on Halloween night they will:

A) Never stop, the limit does not exist
B) Turn into gremlins at midnight
C) Leave you with nothing but Rockets and black licorice
D) All the above

What is/was/would be your kiddos way of managing their candy stash?

-Jessica, RD

10/26/2022

“In Parent World, Halloween is the one night a year when a parent can let their kids eat loads of candy and no other parents can say anything else about it.”

Mean Girls fans? Anyone?

My nougat of advice: it’s just one night, enjoy the fun and take an “all foods are equal” approach. We all have to learn to live in a world where sugar is readily available, Halloween night can be a great opportunity for kids to practice this skill.

-Jessica, RD

10/25/2022

Halloween is less than a week away! With all the excitement and distraction of costumes and decorations it’s a good idea to review some basic road safety.

10/25/2022

How far will your kids walk while trick or treating?

(My kids will probably walk FOREVER! Lol)

- Peter, RN

10/24/2022

Today we are talking about the "witching hour", or evening fussiness that most babies go through in the first few months. Tips:
🧙‍♀️ Add water: some babies will sooth in a warm bath or when they hear the sound of the shower.
🧙 Keep feeding - if you are up for it, let baby nurse frequently. This can comfort them, and increase your milk supply.
🧙‍♀️ Try holding your baby skin to skin, or baby-wearing.
🧙‍♂️ Call reinforcements! Let people to drop off dinner, or come in and take a turn rocking the baby. Or just hang with you so you feel less alone.
🧙‍♀️ Remind yourself that this is a developmental stage, and that you're doing all the right things. Holding your baby and comforting them during this time builds attachment by teaching them you are there when they need you.
🧙‍♂️ Evening fussiness usually passes when your baby is between 4-6 months old. ~Rebecca, RN

10/24/2022

Have you heard of the "witching hour"? Like my post for tips!
🧙‍♀️ This tends to happen in the evenings (5pm-11pm)
🧙‍♀️ Your baby may seem like a bottomless pit, and very fussy and hard to sooth. They won't have any other symptoms.
🧙‍♀️ Parents often worry that their baby isn't getting enough to eat, or that they are sick.
Sound familiar? What did you do to get through? ~Rebecca, RN

10/24/2022

What does the "Witching Hour" mean in your house?
Did your baby go through this stage?
~Rebecca, RN

10/21/2022

Looking for something fun to do with the family tomorrow?
Join us for bouncy castles, food, music and more!
Stop by and say "hi" at the Public Health Booth! ~Rebecca, RN

10/21/2022

Good morning KFL&A! It's going to be another beautiful fall weekend. Today I'll be sharing some upcoming events for families. Spending time together, doing thing you enjoy and being outside are good for your family's mental health.
First up: Wheels on the Runway! October 22nd from 11am -2pm. Check out the airport and see the planes and City of Kingston trucks up close! ~Rebecca, RN
Learn more here: https://www.cityofkingston.ca/residents/city-calendar-events/feature-events/wheels-on-the-runway

10/20/2022

Age-appropriate conversations

When do you start talking to kids about substances? It’s never too early! When your kiddos are young, you can start by teaching them that medications need to be taken properly, and that they shouldn't eat things if they don't know what they are. Bam, just like that you’ve opened up the conversation. You can find age-specific tips with this link.

-Aleesha, RN

Age-appropriate conversations The Importance of Communication Active Listening Age-appropriate conversations Tips for talking about substance use with your teen Suggested Conversations Family conversations about drug use How to talk about drugs if you have used them Talking about substance use with....

10/20/2022

Where do you store medications at home home? It’s important to keep all medications and drugs, including alcohol and cannabis, safely away. The location and safety features may need to change as your kids grow.

-Aleesha, RN

10/20/2022

Where’s the most creative spot you’ve hid something from your kids?
- Aleesha, RN

10/19/2022

It's officially "wear a sweater in the morning and regret it in the afternoon" season!
Dressing yourself and your kiddos in layers can help you stay warm.... but not TOO warm. ~Rebecca, RN
Learn more about dressing for the temperature: https://activeforlife.com/how-to-dress-for-the-weather-in-every-season/

10/19/2022

The weather is starting to get cold.... but not all kids are ready to dress warmly! This time of year can lead to some frustrations trying to get out the door. Here are some lines to try:
🥶 "First, we need to get your coat on. Then we can go to the park."
🥶 "Would you like to wear your blue mittens or your orange mittens today?"
🥶 "I hear you- you are upset that you can't wear your sandals, but it's just too cold. We are all going to wear our boots today."
🥶 "Let's stand outside together for a minute then we can decide if we need a sweater."
🥶 "You need to take sweater with you, but you can decide if you want to wear it."
~Rebecca, RN
Graphic credit: FowlLanguageComics.com

10/18/2022

Tips for Talking about Sexual Health - Parents | Teaching Sexual Health

Have you heard enough about teachable moments yet? We love teachable moments. They’re a great way to open the door to conversation about sexual health. Some other helpful tips for talking about sexual health:

👍 Start early and talk often
👍 Keep the language simple and age-appropriate
👍 Use proper terms for body parts and functions
👍 Find out what they already know
👍 Talk about more than the facts

- Aleesha, RN

* tips from link below

Learn how you can prepare for and start conversations about sexual health with your child or teen

10/18/2022

It’s never too early or too late to talk about sexual health. Just don’t try to cover it all in one conversation, use teachable moments to discuss issues or questions that arise naturally (like during movies, shows, ads, music).

- Aleesha, RN

10/18/2022

Sexual health is a part of a person’s overall health. Yes, talking about it might make you feel nervous. But teaching your kids about sexual health will help them build the knowledge and skills that will help protect their health and safety and the health and safety of others, now and in the future.

- Aleesha, RN

10/18/2022

What do you think of when I say “sexual health”?

It’s more than just the absence of an STI. It’s about being aware of one’s body and overall health. It includes healthy relationships to healthy behaviours and attitudes. It's never too early to talk about sexual health with your kids.

-Aleesha, RN

10/17/2022

October is Children's Vision Month!
👀 If your child is in junior or senior kindergarten, they can get free glasses. 👀
Call your optometrist or visit https://optom.on.ca/esel/ for more.
~Rebecca, RN

10/17/2022

Canadian Pediatricians Society shares the following tips for families preparing for Halloween:
🎃 Avoid masks. They make it hard for children to see what's around them, including cars.
🎃 Children under 10 should be accompanied by an adult for trick or treating. By the age of 10, some children are ready to go trick-or-treating with a group of friends.
🎃 Make or choose a costume in light-coloured material.
🎃 Use reflective tape so cars can better see your child.
🎃 Costumes should fit properly to prevent trips and falls. Avoid items such as oversized shoes, high heels, long dresses and long capes.
🎃 Keep in mind that gum and hard candy can pose a choking risk for young children. ~Rebecca, RN
For more tips: https://caringforkids.cps.ca/handouts/safety-and-injury-prevention/halloween_safety

10/17/2022

Taking care of yourself is part of parenting!

If you do not have a family doctor, you can attend this upcoming PAP PARTY! See below for more details. ~Rebecca, RN

Are you overdue for a Pap test and don’t have a family doctor? Book your seat for Pap Party 2022 – two cervical cancer screening clinics that are running in Kingston, and Belleville on October 25 & 26. A pap is the most effective screening tool we have to reducing cervical cancer by more than 80 per cent in those with a cervix.
Book your appointment today by calling 1-800-567-5722 ext 6071 or emailing [email protected].

10/14/2022

A new resource for KFL&A Families is opening this weekend!
"We offer a judgment free place for families with children 0 to 6 years of age as well as expecting parents to connect with programs and services available throughout the city.
Our goal is to help families with early support programs in order to provide the help they need to be successful and thriving in raising their children!
We offer child minding services to keep little ones busy while families meet with the support they need. We want to reduce barriers to services while offering different fun programs and activities such as: Mom and baby yoga! Cooking classes! Story time! And much more!
We would like to hear from you about what you want and need to help you succeed and we we do our best, together with you, to make it happen!"
For more information, please contact [email protected]

10/14/2022

Getting Mobile - ZERO TO THREE

As your baby gets moving, baby proofing becomes very important! Here are some tips:
🧸 Try to stay one step ahead - think about what your baby will learn to do next, and try to babyproof for that, now.
🧸 Make sure furniture and TVs are secured. Make sure blind cords are put up and out of reach.
🧸 Lots of electronics have small batteries that cause big health problems if swallowed. Check your remotes and put them out of reach.
~Rebecca, RN

Here’s what to expect as your child becomes mobile. Remember that milestones predict the order of developing skills rather than an exact timetable. Talk to your pediatrician if you have concerns about your child’s progress.

10/14/2022

At what age did your little one start walking?
~Rebecca, RN

10/13/2022

Anyone else obsessed with this area in the fall? If you're like me you can't commit to one favourite, so tell me ~one of~ your favourite spots in KFL&A to enjoy nature. I'll go first, Skeleton Park!

~Aleesha, RN

(photo credit to SkEye Stream)

10/13/2022

Tips for adding ~nature~ to your weekly routine:
🍂 Swap out indoor activities for outdoor ones (make a leaf pile outside rather than a pillow pile in the house and jump away!)
🍂 Schedule it. Aim for 2 hours/week, 20+ minutes at time and write it directly into your weekly planner
🍂 Dress for the weather
🍂 Invite friends or family to join you

~Aleesha, RN

10/13/2022

Research shows that people who spend at least 2 hours in nature each week, report significantly better health and wellbeing.
Side effects of spending time in nature for you and your kiddos include but are not limited to:
👇 Decreased stress and anxiety
👆 Increased energy
😬 Better mood
🧠 Improved attention span

~A. Maracle, RN

10/13/2022

What's your favourite outdoor thing to do in October?

10/11/2022

Parents - Physical Literacy

Children should have physical literacy in the four activity environments: land, water, air, and snow/ ice. To develop physical literacy, children need to learn basic movement skills and sport specific skills. These skills can be practiced on the playground, at school, in recreation programs and within sports clubs.
~Peter, RN

Kids who have fun playing a sport or taking part in physical activity are more likely to stay active and healthy for their entire lifetime.

10/11/2022

Some opportunities for kids to be active were lost through the pandemic, and some new ones were found! The 2022 ParticipACTION report card on Physical Activity for Children and Youth shows that we have room for improvement. See the full report and learn where to go from here. Learn more: https://bit.ly/3SOrW8Q
~Peter, RN

10/11/2022

A healthy mind and body have an important impact on learning and physical and mental health. Grade 5 & 9 students in KFL&A can use their pass at select locations to receive free access to physical activity. ~Peter, RN

10/07/2022

We know it's good to talk to our babies, but sometimes it's hard to know what to say - especially if you are the strong, silent type.
👦 Hold your baby facing out. Walk around your house and tell them what you see. Look at pictures on the wall, the mirror, and turn the light switches on and off.
🧒 For older babies, test out your sportscasting skills! Give a play-by-play of your baby's actions. Say what you think they are thinking or feeling.
👦 Look at a book together. It can be a kid's book, or something you enjoy reading like a magazine or comic book. Describe the pictures.
~Rebecca, RN

10/07/2022

LOVE THIS! This parent does such a great job of connecting with his toddler.
😻 Find something you both enjoy. Introduce your kids to something you are interested in - like watching sports.
😻 Let your child lead. Listen and respond.
😻 Limit distractions. Be in the moment.
😻 This is the start of many conversations to come! Listen to how the baby uses the right tone and excitement that he's heard in his dad's voice!
~Rebecca, RN

10/07/2022

30+ Easy Thanksgiving Activities for Toddlers

Looking for some fun fall crafts to keep your little ones busy? Check out the link below!
🍁 Share the photos of your fall crafts in the comments!
~Rebecca, RN

Need some easy thanksgiving activities for toddlers & preschoolers ? This list is awesome - 40+ fun Thanksgiving activities for kids!

10/06/2022

Holidays can be hard for parents and children, expecially if mealtime usually brings feelings of anxiety, avoidance or stress.
🍂 As the parent or caregiver, it is your job to decide what food and drinks are served at meals, when it is served, and where is it eaten.
🍂 It is your child’s job to decide if and how much they are going to eat.
🍂 Avoid praise, pressure, rewards or tricks.
🍂 If possible, bring your child’s favourite food to dinner. If they would like, they can try something new, if not, there is something familiar and “safe” for them to fall back on.
🍂 Remember, it’s just one meal. If your child only wants to eat dinner rolls, that is A-OKAY!

What is important is that the meal is a positive and pressure-free experience.

For more information and tips on tricky feeding challenges, visit:
https://kidseatincolor.com/blog/?uterm=picky-eating

-Jessica, RD.

10/06/2022

Yes, Thanksgiving is about creating memories with family and pausing to remember the things we are thankful for. But let’s be real, it is also very much about the food! Growing up in my household everyone eagerly awaited a Croatian holiday staple, turkey with mlinci – broken pieces of thin, homemade flatbread that is baked in the juices from the roasted turkey.
We want to hear about your family’s favourite Thanksgiving food traditions, share below!

-Jessica, RD.

10/05/2022

Tummy Time | Niagara Children's Centre

Let's do a poll with the reaction buttons!
👍 If your child likes (or liked) tummy time!
😢 If your child isn't (or wasn't) a fan.
Tummy time helps prevent your baby from developing a flat spot on their head, and it's helps them develop their muscles.
If your baby isn't a fan, try doing tummy time more often, but for shorter periods of time, and get down on the floor with your baby.
Remember - back to sleep. Tummy to play! ~Rebecca, RN

Learn what tummy time is, and how you can make the most of it.

10/05/2022

Sometimes babies develop a flat spot on the side of their head. Usually flat spots don't affect baby's growth or development, however there are some simple ways to lower your baby's chances of developing a flat spot.
Can you tell me a way to prevent flat spots? ~Rebecca, RN

10/04/2022

Breathing Balloon

How do you do proper deep breathing? The following is tips from Anxiety Canada:
🧘‍♀️ Rest your hands gently on your stomach
🧘‍♀️ Breath in smoothy through the nose. Notice your hands moving as you breath in
🧘‍♀️ Imagine that your stomach is a balloon that inflates and deflates.
🧘‍♀️ Now take another breath through your nose for 4 counts then hold
🧘‍♀️ Then out through your mouth for 4 counts and hold
🧘‍♀️ Repeat steps 4 and 5 five more times
🧘‍♀️ Can you notice the tension on your body going away?

~Aleesha, RN

Breathing Balloon from Kids Help Phone is a simple breathing exercise to relax your body and mind.

10/04/2022

Deep breathing has both physical and emotional benefits. It promotes a sense of calm and positive feelings and can reduce the symptoms of stress like racing heart, dizziness and headaches.

~Aleesha, RN

10/04/2022

Did you know that practicing deep breathing several times a day can help increase alertness and decrease anxiety and stress?

~Aleesha, RN

10/03/2022

Queens Family Health Team is offering another session of the Baby Blues and Beyond sessions later this month. Please see details below, and contact them to register. ~Rebecca, RN

10/03/2022

It's apple season!
What is your favorite type of apple?
~Rebecca, RN

10/03/2022

Ontario Apple Oatmeal Crisp - Unlock Food

How does your family like to eat apples?
🍎 For babies new to solid foods, try grating apples.
🍏 Lots of recipes used baked apples - like in the healthy recipe from the Dietitians of Ontario below!
🍎 Just eat it straight! Bite into it or cut it up.
~Rebecca, RN

Fresh, nutritious and delicious recipes. Complete with nutrition information, that will make everyday cooking and entertaining a healthy eating adventure.

09/29/2022

What does reconciliation look like in practice? It looks like friendship.

~Aleesha, RN

09/29/2022

How to talk to your kids about Orange Shirt Day and Truth and Reconciliation:

🧡 Learn with your child. Read the story of the orange shirt, listen to stories of Indian Residential School survivors, reflect on your own biases and misperceptions.
🧡 Create space for conversation. Ask your child what they know about Orange Shirt Day and go from there.
🧡 Explore together! Use Orange Shirt Day as an opportunity to explore Indigenous culture, history, diversity.
🧡 Keep the conversation going. Let Orange Shirt Day spark a learning journey.
🧡 Remember to approach conversations with compassion and gratitude. Make sure that kids don’t feel afraid during or after these conversations.

~Aleesha, RN