SHOUT-OUT ALERT!

Please check out the lovely post Barbara did this morning. Corner on Character is an awesome blog that encourages parents and teachers to help their kids develop an awareness of the importance of reaching out and helping others.

http://corneroncharacter.blogspot.com/2013/11/books-crafts-and-kids-in-kitchen.html

I loved that Barbara used the SHOW ME HOW FORMULA to combine a picture book story, craft and cooking activity for a fun time with kids.

Thanks so much, Barbara…I really appreciate you spreading the word about the HUGE HOLIDAY SALE going on right now on Amazon. ONLY $10 A COPY…and if you order 2 copies, I’ll mail them priority so you will have them in time for the holidays.

Holiday shopping can be very stressful, especially if you have little ones along for the ride. Internet shopping can make life easier…and items you find in online catalogs are only a click away. Shopping with the major retailers like Amazon gives you peace of mind…they guarantee satisfaction and will intercede if there is a problem with the transaction.

If you do have to take your children shopping, please follow these simple steps:

DO’S FOR HOLIDAY SHOPPING WITH KIDS

• Do keep children with you at all times.
• Do accompany and supervise children in public restrooms.
• Do have a plan in case you become separated…just like a fire safety plan which should be discussed at home and practiced routinely.
• Do teach your child to look for people who can help…a uniformed security officer, salesperson with a name badge or another mother with children.
• Do remind children to remain in the area where they became separated

DON’TS FOR HOLIDAY SHOPPING WITH KIDS

• Don’t dress children in clothing that displays their first or last name…this may give strangers an opportunity to start a conversation with your child.
• Don’t leave children in the toy area of a store expecting store personnel to supervise your child while you shop in another area of the store.
• Don’t allow young children to shop on their own to purchase gifts for friends or family members.
• Don’t shop with your child if you feel you will be distracted.  Try to make other childcare arrangements…perhaps you and a friend who also has young children can take turns watching the children while the other goes shopping for a morning or afternoon.
• Don’t allow children to push the shopping cart if there is a younger sibling in it…and don’t allow children to hang on the cart, even if it is empty…too many accidents occur when shopping carts tip over.

PLEASE HAVE A SAFE AND HAPPY THANKSGIVING!