October Picks and Reviews

Oct 5th, 2011 | By Wendy | Category: Reviews & Resources

Our Picks For Songs and Books

Here We Go by The Fresh Beat Band is a lively song that will have parents and children up off of the couch for an impromptu dance party. This song has broad age appeal as it will inspire early elementary students in a pep rally setting.

Press Here by Herve’ Tullet is a book that is a unique spin on an interactive book. It draws out the shyest child and encourages them to perform simple tasks. Each page is filled with anticipation as the reader awaits the results of their actions on the next page. Simple in content and broad in imagination, this book will soon become a household favorite.

Best Word Book Ever by Richard Scarry is a must have addition to your treasury of children’s books. With each turn of the page, your child’s world is expanded by introducing them to new words and places. Plus when you consider that it also covers colors, shapes, numbers, letters and seasons – this book has it all!

Get Ready For Fire Prevention Week

October 9-15, 2011 is fire prevention week. Your children may hear a lot about fire safety this month. To ease their fears and concerns and answer their questions, please take the time to discuss fire prevention as a family. Talk about what to do in the event of a fire – leave the house immediately, do not stop to find your favorite toy, go to the neighbors to dial 911. Talk about which neighbor’s house would be the best one to go to, create an exit strategy, and determine a family meeting place. Remember to go over details that your children may not remember from last year – in the event of a fire, feel the door to see if it’s hot before opening and talk about what to do in case smoke is coming in under the door. Practice all that you’ve discussed by having a fire drill. Also remember to practice stop, drop and roll; kids love this part. What could be better than being allowed to roll all over the floor? It has the added benefit by allowing the discussion to end on a light hearted note.

If a family meeting isn’t your thing, all of the important fire safety information can be covered in an age appropriate picture book:

Special note: October is a good time to test your smoke detectors and to change the batteries. If you don’t already own a fire extinguisher, now is a good time to buy one.

Take Time Out For Your Health

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. As a busy mom you might think that you don’t have the time to take care of your own health. But it is crucial to make your health a top priority; do it for your kids! If you haven’t already, talk to your doctor and discuss any questions that you have along with your personal risk factors. If your doctor recommends getting an annual mammogram, ask your friends to schedule their appointments near the same time as yours and then everyone can meet up for lunch or shopping or a girls’ night out.