Your guide to activities and fun things to do with your preschoolers, toddlers and kids in albuquerque, NM

Back to School

by Alison

August 03, 2009

Believe it or not, summer is winding down. Albuquerque Public Schools begins on August 20, and I imagine many local preschools begin around that time as well. That means it's time to start getting your child ready for school and a new routine. Here are some ideas to help you make the transition a smooth one.

Plan out a new routine and practice it. Figure out how soon your child will need to start getting ready for school. Know how long it takes you to get there. Start practicing a few days in advance so you can work out any kinks. Don't forget about the younger siblings too - they may need naptimes adjusted to mesh with pick-up and drop-off times. Start easing them into it before the first day of school.

Discuss what to expect. This is especially important if it will be your child's first day at a new school. Read books about school (head to the library's website and search for Kindergarten or Preschool to find a few), but be sure your child knows that their school may not be just like that! Ask your child what she thinks school will be like and correct any misconceptions. Find out if/when your child can meet his new teacher. Prep younger siblings by explaining that big brother/sister won't be around to play all the time once school starts.

Get excited. Shop for new clothes or a new backpack. Drive by your child's school. Talk about the fun things she will get to do, but don't downplay any fears or worries. Plan a special first day of school celebration, this can be as simple as a special after school snack or a trip to the park after school.

What are your ideas for making the summer to school transition a smooth one?  Read more...

Albuquerque Family Resources

by Alison

May 04, 2009

Many of this is information you hope you'll never need, but it's important to know nonetheless.

CHILDREN'S HEALTH

UNM Hospital Family Resource Library: This library provides information to families about specific diseases, coping with hospitalization, chronic illnesses, and other important health related information. The library is located at UNM's Children's Hospital and information can be requested via email or postal mail.

UNM Mariposa Program Pediatric Hospice: Assistance for families of children who are facing life-limiting illnesses

New Mexico Department of Health Swine Flu Information

New Mexikids Lo-Cost or No-Cost Health Insurance: (888) 997-2583

New Mexico WIC Program: Supplemental nutrition program for pregnant women, infants, and children.

Samaritan Counseling Center of Albuquerque

APS Child Find - Provides screening of pre-school aged children who are suspected to have disabiliities as well as services, if deemed necessary.

SUPPORT

Support Groups: Whether you are a mother of twins or would like to help your children as you go through a divorce, you'll find the support you need in one of these groups. This is a master list on the Albuquerque Journal's website that is regularly updated and published in the Journal.

Albuquerque Family Advocacy Center: The center provides assistance and support to victims of domestic violence, child abuse, and sexual abuse and their families. The center can be reached at 243-2333

National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or TTY 1-800-787-3224

National Child Abuse Hotline: 1-800-422-4453 or TTY 1-800-222-4453

GENERAL CHILD RELATED RESOURCES

New Mexico PreK: Pre-Kindergarten opportunities for all children

Child Safety Seat Fitting Stations: Have your child seat inspected to insure proper installation

NewMexicoKids Child Care Resource and Referral

OTHER

Poison Control: 1-800-222-1222

Police Phone Directory: For non-emergencies, call 242-COPS or 242-2677. Check the directory if you need a number for a more specific issue.
 
Citizen Contact Center: Dial 311 for any non-emergency city related questions, to report graffiti, get information on city events and more.  Read more...

Guest Post: 5 Basic Boosts for Busy Parents

by Alison

March 02, 2009

As a parent, there's so much to focus on when it comes to your kids, that remembering to take care of yourself isn't always easy! Today's guest post by Bonnie Johnson, MS, RD and Deanna Segrave-Daly, RD, LDN (on behalf of trim®) gives five ways you can stay on track nutrition-wise while you keep track of the little ones! I especially like the first two, as they can definitely be applied to your children as well!

(Don't miss the giveaway information posted at the end!)
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5 Basic Boosts for Busy Parents

1) Kick Up Your Heels - Don't make exercise a daunting chore. Have a 20-minute dance party with the kids. Everyone gets to pick one song. Try out different rhythms or steps like hula, cha-cha, the twist or the oldie-but-goodie chicken dance.

2) Faster Fruits- Often, we are so focused on getting our children to eat healthy, we forget about ourselves (sound familiar?) And most of us need to at least double our daily dose of fruit. So, instead of trying to count that strawberry cheesecake as a serving, try:

1/2 cup applesauce - Add a dash of cinnamon and/or nutmeg

1 can of trim® Juice drink - New from Tree Top, one can counts as a 1/2 cup of fruit serving and comes in yum flavors like Mango Peach and Strawberry Kiwi)

1/4 cup dried fruit - Try tossed into cereal, over a salad or eaten on the go

3) Satiety is the new buzzword in healthy eating-it's that feeling of satisfaction after a meal or snack. It makes sense - if you are satisfied longer, you won't scarf down those extra calories you really don't need (like the remnants of junior's PB&J.) Fiber has great satiating power. Shoot for getting more fiber by choosing cereals with five grams or more fiber per serving, tossing a can of beans into a pasta dish, having a small bowl of popcorn or enjoying a single serve can of trim® which has three grams of fiber per serving.

4) Get Some Extra Zs - That's sounds dreamy but how do you get your head on the pillow when you are multitasking long after the kids are
in bed? Research shows that a good night sleep can reduce stress, improve your memory and even increase your success at weight loss. While experts recommend at least 8 hours a night, start by going to bed just 15 minutes early. Do that every night for a month - and see how you feel (and if you can up it another 15 minutes.) And yes, this is one of Deanna's New Year's resolutions.

5) Cover Your Bases - As dietitians, we recommend getting your vitamins and minerals from food first. But as moms, we know you can't have it all. Add a basic multivitamin to your morning routine just to be sure. But remember, it's called a supplement because it SUPPLEMENTS your diet (rather than replaces food) - and really, we're all about keeping as much tasty and healthy food in your diet as possible!)

Learn more about the trim Juice drink mentioned by visiting its facebook page. Want a chance to win some? I have the opportunity to give away five Trim Juice Drink gift boxes. That's right, there will be five winners! For your chance to win, head over to Trim's facebook page leave a comment on the wall or ask a question on the discussion board. Then, come back here and leave a comment on this post.

The first five people to leave a comment will win a gift pack.   If you've been hesitant to leave a comment before because of the registration requirement, keep in mind that now all you have to do is leave your name and the comment.  Be sure to leave an email address so I can contact you if you win.

Coming Soon...

by Alison

January 15, 2009

Here's the low-down on some local events. One of them just might make the perfect outing for your family! Junior Jumps Open Play Time - Play and explore with your preschoolers and toddlers. Instruments, mats, and other manipulatives will be available. Friday, January 16 10-11:30 am. Cost is $5/child. The class is at Selah Studios which is located near Wyoming and Harper NE.  Read more...