How do you keep your child “stranger proof” this summer? When children are out of school, there is more time for families to make life-lasting memories when going out to enjoy fairs, festivals, and amusement parks. Here’s a plan to keep them safe.

Parents, you know there is always an increased stress when it comes to the safety and security of your family during an outing. Can’t stand the anxiety? Not sure where to start? Take a few minutes with a family safety plan by following some of these easy steps so it’s not just the kids having all the fun…you can too! (more…)

The family vacation is a tradition intended to bring families closer together and one that many of us would just not think of giving up. Quality time for the family reinforces the importance of family values. It’s sort of a “time out” from the day to day routine of living and growing. A chance to focus on getting to know better those that are most important to us, our family.

 Of course, how much importance you place on this event depends on your past experiences. (more…)

Life gets busy, work is always demanding, and there are way too many things that demand our time and attention each day. Sure, we all say that we place a high priority on our families, but how many of our schedules  would reflect that our families are at the top of our lists?  One of the best ways to take a break from the demands of life and focus on what truly matters, your family, is to plan a family vacation. (more…)

The youngest age at which flying with a baby is allowed  is 48 hours old, and  it is highly likely you will need permission from your consultant to travel with a baby so young.
If you gave birth less than 48 hours ago, you and your baby will not be not allowed to travel on a plane.

Babies between 2 and 7 days old can fly if you have a letter from your GP. If you have given birth by caesarean section you must wait 10 days before you can fly. In general, it is best to wait until the baby is over two weeks old. (more…)

Are we there yet?

This is the typically recurring question that people hear from their son or daughter during nearly every trip.  Today, in addition to the standard sing – alongs and licence plate games, children can keep very happily occupied with video games and portable music players.

However, even more important than preventing boredom when travelling with children, is safety.  You really should take certain precautions before travelling.

Safe travelling with children starts with preparing items to bring along with you.  Firstly, before you leave, label the inside of your child’s clothing.  This information should include his or her name, home address and contact number.  Secondly, prepare neccessities for the trip.  If you will be driving, this should include emergency items such as a tyre jack, a mobile phone, and maybe items such as baby wipes.  Thirdly, be certain to carry the proper documents related to car or travel documents.

Not only should you prepare objects to bring on your trip, but also prepare your car properly.  If you are to travel by car on a lengthy trip, get the car serviced beforehand.  Have safety features such as child safety seats checked, as well as mechanical components.  Then before you start off on your journey, check that you and your family are buckled in, and secure all possessions in the car.

If you will be flying on your trip, other precautions should be taken.  Find out what is allowed when flying with children, as these guidelines are subject to change.  If you are travelling internationally, learn what passport requirements are needed for your child.  Also, be aware of any child safety signs displayed in the cabin.

 Whether in a car, plane or hotel, always prioritize your child’s safety.  

Never permit your child to play alone – anywhere!  Also, make it possible to always recognize your children if they wander off.  Bright clothing is advisable, and remember what clothes your child is currently wearing.  Also do store recent photos of them in your wallet.  Next, prepare a plan in case you become separated from your children.  Additionally, do your homework about hotel childcare programmes, and verify whether the programmes are licensed. 

Lastly, make your trip a healthy one.  A good quality first aid kit is vital.  Use car window shades, sunglasses and sunblock to protect you and your children when sitting by windows.  Never under any circumstances leave a sleeping child unattended in a car, as the interior can become scorching in a matter of minutes.  Furthermore, have your children wash their hands constantly, particularly in planes and airports.  It is also advisable to drink and ample amount of water during trips, and particularly when on airplanes. 

When travelling with your child, his or her safety should be your number one priority.  Taking certain precautions and preparations can put you on the road to happy travelling!

This week’s topic of the week is Travelling.

Travelling with children can be very challenging.  The secret to a successful trip is organisation.  It pays to be thorough in your planning and packing, so that when you get there you can relax, knowing you have got everything you and your children might need.

Although travelling with baby on holiday can seem like an intimidating task, especially for first time parents, if you plan well and follow a few basic guidelines, your baby’s first holiday abroad can be a wonderful, stress free experience. Within a month or two, new parents will be longing for a holiday and with a little preparation, travelling with baby on holiday will be the easiest family holiday you will have for many years! (more…)

Let Them Dig, Explore, Plant, and Play

Well it is May and we all want to get out into our gardens – so let the kids help and learn!
Teaching your children to garden can be a wonderful experience for both you and them. Let’s face it, children love to dig and get their hands dirty. They may even like it more that you do. Why not let them dig, explore, plant, and play by setting aside a part of your garden that they can call their own. (more…)