Don't Forget the Sunscreen!

Summer is finally here and it's time to head outside for some fun in the sun. It's also the perfect time to teach children about sun safety!

Sun Safety Alliance has just released new activity guides for teaching children of all ages about the importance of protecting themselves from the sun's harmful rays. Click on their name in yellow above for more information.

The Bare Facts:
It's a fact: Overexposure to the sun can result in skin cancer later in life. What are your family's risks from exposure to powerful UV rays? Consider these facts and statistics.

The Dangers of UV Exposure
*You can sunburn even on a cloudy day.
*On average, children get 3 times more exposure than adults.
*Concrete, sand, water, and snow reflect 85% to 90% of the sun's UV rays.
*Depletion of Earth's ozone continues to increase your exposure to UV rays.

Skin Cancer
*In some parts of the world, melanoma is increasing at rates faster than any other cancer.
*More than 1.2 million new cases of skin cancer are diagnosed each year in the US.
*Melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, kills one person every hour.
*One blistering sunburn can double a child's lifetime risk of developing skin cancer.

Visit the Sun Safety Alliance for great information and make sure you protect yourself and your kids with sunscreen and sun-safe clothing!

Am I Ready for Kindergarten?

Do you wonder if your child is really ready for Kindergarten?
If you are like most mom's with an older 4 or 5 year old you have probably asked yourself that question. Nothing can make your stomach turn like the feeling of sending your little lamb out to the wolves in "big school".

Usually, it is more the mom not being ready for their child to move on up rather than the child not being ready. But just in case, here are some readiness signs you should be looking for in your future Kindergartner.

Enthusiasm Toward Learning
Solid Oral-Language Skills
The Ability to Listen
The Desire to Be Independent
The Ability to Play Well with Others
Strong Fine-Motor Skills
Basic Letter and Number Recognition

Your kiddo doesn't need to be a whiz in each of these areas to be ready for the big "K". If you know your child is struggling in one of these areas, let your child's teacher know. They will be able to provide activities that will help your child develop in the areas they need to grow in. If your child is able to clearly express his or her wants and needs verbally and can play and interact socially with other children then they are set to have great success in Kindergarten.

Preschools and Mom's Day Out programs are great precursors to Kindergarten. These type of programs help your child develop in each of the above areas. Children are social creatures and they need to learn how to play and interact with other children their age. All of the things listed above can be incorporated through great curriculum, play and other fun activities in early education programs that will further boost your child's readiness for Kindergarten.

Remember - YOU are the expert when it comes to your child. No one knows them better than you! Don't let friends, acquaintences or teachers be the final say-so on any decision regarding your child. If you really feel that they aren't ready then by all means wait one more year! Take into account information from all concerned parties and make the decision that suits your child best and then relax knowing you did the right thing!

For more info about Kindergarten Readiness see the links to the right.