Getting Back to Normal
Children can become overexcited and stressed during the holidays. Even good times can cause stress. It is important for parents and caregivers to work together to help children get back to normal after holiday times are over. Here are some ways to help:
- Keep schedules as regular as possible. Children do better when they know what to expect from daily routines.
- Have active play times every day.
- Activities such as playing with clay or play dough, finger painting, paper ripping, and drawing can help reduce stress.
- Some stress-reducing cooking activities for children include beating eggs with an egg beater, tearing lettuce, stirring ingredients, and kneading bread dough.
- Have a quiet time or naptime each day.
- Set aside a private area for a child to be alone when needed. Some ideas for private spaces include a large cardboard carton with one side cut off, a pile of pillows or cushions placed in a quiet corner, a small table with one chair, or a sheet or blanket draped over three sides of a table.
- Sand and water play help calm a child.
- Give choices for things to do when appropriate.
- Praise a child for something well done.
The Pennsylvania State University Cooperative Extension Better Kid Care Program
has information on children's issues for early childhood educators, child
care providers, and parents on the Better Kid Care Web site at: www.betterkidcare.psu.edu.
Safe and Sound
Children need to be “safe and sound” while their parents work. When looking for child care, see if it is safe by checking to see if the following things are happening:
- The home or center is bright and clean, including eating, bathrooms, and diaper changing areas.
- Hand washing takes place before handling food, before and after meals, after wiping noses, after handling pets, and after bathroom and diapering routines.
- The toys and play equipment are right for the age of your child and in good repair.
- There are safety covers on electrical outlets.
- There are enough adults to supervise the children.
- The outdoor play area is fenced in or has a natural barrier.
- Outdoor play equipment is not rusty and does not have sharp edges.
- Art and craft materials are non-toxic.
- Cleaning materials and medication are stored separately in locked cabinets and are in the original or a labeled container.
- Emergency numbers are posted by the telephone.
- There are smoke alarms, a fire extinguisher, and a first-aid kit.
- Fire drills are scheduled as required.
- There are written policies for your child to leave with someone else if necessary and for medical emergencies.
The Pennsylvania State University Cooperative Extension Better Kid Care Program has information on children's issues for early childhood educators, child care providers, and parents on the Better Kid Care Web site at: www.betterkidcare.psu.edu.
- # -
Nancy Wilson, Better Kid Care Program Specialist
Penn State Better Kid Care Program
253 Easterly Parkway
State College, PA 16801
e-mail: naw6@psu.edu
Phone: 814-863-5880
Fax: 814-865-7893
