October 15, 2014

On The Subject Of Biting

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On the subject of biting, which is a normal toddler behavior, there were several questions posed at from several frustrated mamas over at Mamapedia. So I decided to give my own advice on the subject, having dealt with it for quite a long time!!

Biting, hitting, yelling: all of these behaviors can be seen in any toddler classroom, playdate, or other extra cirricular activity involving young children who are not yet verbally expressive. Most teachers and parents try their hardest to avoid these instances, but when you have 8 to 10 18 month to 2 year olds in one room, it can be pretty hard to avoid every instance.

It seems that the biggest problem occurs when a child wants a toy another child has, or wants the attention of an adult otherwise pre-occupied. The child gets frustrated, and the fangs come out! The child then takes this opportunity and chomps down.

This does not mean the child is destined to be a cannibal, or that they have a violent streak. This is merely their way of communicating. But there is a way to attempt to lessen the instances of accident reports, angry parents, and banning from playdates, get togethers, and Kindermusik sessions!

Research has indicated that infants and toddlers who can use sign language have fewer incidents of unwanted habits.
Teaching a child to sign, will help them become more expressive, and help them to tell another child, teacher, or other adult, what they want, and why they are upset.

Here are some tips for Signing in Childcare Settings



• Signing helps to lower noise levels in preschool classrooms by reducing frustrated screaming and crying.  Children spend less time crying and teachers spend less time playing “the guessing     game,”  allowing  more time for positive interaction.

•  Signing gives children with special needs the opportunity to interact in  a meaningful way with typically developing children.  Acceptance of children with special needs is greatly enhanced.



• Signing serves as a “language bridge” for children and staff who speak different languagess-the ign  is the same for eat (English) as it is comer (Spanish).



• Signing empowers children because they can communicate successfully with those around them.  This sense of empowerment significantly contributes to babies’ happiness.



•Signing enhances early language skills because children can engage in two-way  conversations with  their teachers and their peers at an earlier age.



• Signing helps children solve problems. STOP and SHARE are commonly used signs that  help children learn to get along with one another. Signing significantly reduces problems with biting.  Take away the frustration and biting goes with it.



• Signing enables children to control the topic of conversation and express their unique interests at an   earlier age. This allows teachers to design activities that will enhance children’s specific interests.



• Signing adds fun to daily routines and circle time and music activities.



• Signing facilitates home-school communication and helps parents get more involved in preschool  curriculum in a more meaningful way.



• Signing is appropriate for all preschool age groups (infants, toddlers, preschool, Pre-K) and it facilitates visual/kinesthetic learning.



• Signing in preschool classrooms has been shown to enhance literacy skills needed for school success: reading, vocabulary, and spelling.

October 13, 2014

ASPCA Mega Match-a-thon

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The Animal Foundation will partner with local shelters and rescue organizations as part of nationwide ASPCA Mega Match-a-thon to host one of the largest animal adoption events of the year

While ballplayers are preparing for The Fall Classic, The Animal Foundation hopes to secure a “home run” for hundreds of local animals in need of forever homes as it participates in the 2014 ASPCA Mega Match-a-thon presented by Subaru. The “Sliding Into Homes Mega Adoption Weekend” will be held October 17-19, 2014.

“Our goal for ‘Sliding Into Homes Mega Adoption Weekend’ is to place more than 200 dogs and cats into forever homes,” said Meghan Scheibe, marketing and public relations manager for The Animal Foundation. “We know that it takes a community effort to tackle the homeless pet population, so we have partnered with numerous animal rescues for one of the largest local adoption events of the year. If you are looking to add a furry member to the family, this event is the perfect opportunity to do just that.” 

Several animal welfare organizations including A Home 4 Spot, Best Friends, Paws 4 Love Pet Rescue and Furgotten Friends Dog Rescue will participate in the three-day event. Adoption fees for all pets include spay/neuter, microchip, collar and custom ID tag. As a special incentive, The Animal Foundation is offering a 50 percent discount on adoption fees for all dogs and cats six months and older. The discount is only valid at The Animal Foundation’s Campus Adoption Center and PetSmart Charities Everyday Adoption Center locations. 

Participants can visit any one of the three on-site adoption centers in search of their new pet. Times and locations are listed below:

Friday, October 17 
9 a.m. to 8 p.m., PetSmart Charities Everyday Adoption Center at 286 W. Lake Mead Parkway in Henderson 
11 a.m. to 7 p.m., The Animal Foundation’s Campus Adoption Center at 655 N. Mojave Road in Las Vegas

Saturday, October 18 
9 a.m. to 8 p.m., PetSmart Charities Everyday Adoption Center at 286 W. Lake Mead Parkway in Henderson 
10 a.m. to 2 p.m., PetSmart at 7050 Arroyo Crossing Parkway in Las Vegas
11 a.m. to 7 p.m., The Animal Foundation’s Campus Adoption Center at 655 N. Mojave Road in Las Vegas

Sunday, October 19
9 a.m. to 7 p.m., PetSmart Charities Everyday Adoption Center at 286 W. Lake Mead Parkway in Henderson 
10 a.m. to 2 p.m., PetSmart at 7050 Arroyo Crossing Parkway in Las Vegas
11 a.m. to 7 p.m., The Animal Foundation’s Campus Adoption Center at 655 N. Mojave Road in Las Vegas

For more information on “Sliding into Homes Mega Adoption Weekend,” please visit http://animalfoundation.com/event/homerun/.

ABOUT THE ANIMAL FOUNDATION:
The Animal Foundation is a private, nonprofit agency dedicated to making a difference in the lives of animals in the Las Vegas Valley. To promote the humane treatment of animals, The Animal Foundation operates Nevada’s largest open admission shelter (Lied Animal Shelter), taking in more than 40,000 lost, unwanted and abandoned pets every year. Additionally, the Foundation offers adoption services, lost and found services, volunteer and foster opportunities, and low-cost spay and neuter and vaccination clinics. To learn more about The Animal Foundation or view adoptable pets online, visit animalfoundation.com.

Some Fun Halloween Activities For Kids!

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Candy Corn Cupcakes



October 12, 2014

Downtown Summerlin Grand Opening

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Did you check out the Grand Opening of Downtown Summerlin this weekend? 

I took 3 of my 4 kids to enjoy the festivities and we had an amazing time. There were food trucks, giveaways, free samples, tons of places to eat, beautiful landscaping, music, fashion shows and more. 

It was a great place to take the family, walk around and enjoy the brand new Downtown. I may even want to move to Summerlin and fully enjoy its beauty. 

The kids obviously had an amazing time: 



If you stopped by, let me know what you thought! 

And check out their Facebook page for more! 

October 11, 2014

Chanel Bonfire: A Review

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chanel-bonfire-cover
Chanel Bonfire
Author: Wendy Lawless
Have you ever read a fictional novel and think “Hey! That’s my life!” Well, the author of Chanel Bonfire, Wendy Lawless, takes it one step further.
Chanel Bonfire is the story of her life growing up with her little sister, Robin and her mom, Georgann.
The story unfolds from Wendy’s childhood into adulthood. A true story of going from heartache to triumph, with a lot of adventure in between. Read like a novel, this autobiography of Wendy’s life will certainly give you a new perspective on many things we all take for granted. After reading this book one will truly understand the meaning of never giving up and over coming everything life tries to throw you, in order to slow you down or make you throw in the towel.
This story truly makes you reflect on your own life and relationships. Many times you will find yourself relating to her or to one of the people in her life, or wanting to reach out and comfort them. You will not be able to put this book down until the end. And even then, you will surely want to go back and read it again and again!
You can follow Wendy on Twitter at https://twitter.com/WendyLawless2, check out her website at http://chanelbonfire.com and Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ChanelBonfire, as well as order her book online, or buy it in person,  at Barnes and Noble, Amazon and other book retailers.  You will NOT be disappointed!
This book has been recommended by many people, including actress Emma Roberts and may best selling authors. A must read!

Life Is Beautiful 2014

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It's that time of year again! As you recall, Last year, shortly after moving to Las Vegas, I volunteered for and blogged about the Life Is Beautiful Festival

Held in beautiful Downtown Las Vegas, there were blocks and blocks of music, art, food and more! Being only 2 days long last year, they upped it to 3 days for 2014. 

Once again I will be volunteering as well as enjoying the festivities all 3 days. 

This year's lineup, chefs, food vendors and educational speakers will prove to be even better than 2013! 

So come to Downtown Las Vegas and join the party! Check out their Facebook for more information! 





 

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