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Children are often excited when they get a summer break after a long and tough academic year and they want to be entertained for the entire day, however, for parents it could be equally exciting yet tough to find a good and affordable summer childcare programs. It feels great to be with kids for a few days or even a week, but soon you want to keep your kids occupied so that you have some time for your daily routine. Hence proper planning is essential than the last moment rush.  Though the process starts in winter where you need to line up for summer childcare, but it mostly goes on till it is back to school days. For people who work at home, one solution to summer childcare does not work. Thus planning sooner for the summer can make your life much easier. Summer childcare should be one that not only entertains your child, but should be quite affordable for you too. Here are 4 ideas for summer childcare that are affordable and fun for your kids too.

• Adjust your work schedules: Both the parents are equally responsible for their kid’s upbringing so during summer break, you and your partner can think about adjusting the timing of your work schedules. Though this option is not perfect for every family, but if you have flexible work schedules and you plan to work at different hours, you can baby sit your baby easily. Look if there are temporary night-time or part-time shifts, or if there is work from home option available or maybe there is an option where you can work for 10 hours a day and take an off on the other day to stay with your child. There may be some viable options, just talk with your boss.
• Summer camp: There are summer camps that are arranged for kids from different age group. Though the summer camps are not so affordable, as you have to pay for the field excursions, extra activities and meals, but it is always a better option to leave your kids during your work hours as these are safe and specially planned as per your child’s convenience.   
• Baby sitter: You can hire a baby sitter if you are unable to afford a summer camp for your child. If you hire a college babysitter, you will save a good amount as the college aged girls do not charge high and is young enough to keep your baby entertained throughout the day. They can enjoy the summer activities with your kids, drive them around, take them to a park or zoo, feeding proper meals, and also keeping your baby clean. This will keep the stress away and you too will enjoy summer time with your baby when you are back home after your job.
• Call your relatives or friends: Grandparents or your relatives are the best people to be around with your babies during summer time. Summer break is a relaxing period for everyone and family reunions are a great way to enjoy with the kids. Moreover, your kids and grandparents have a better bonding when they spend quality time together. Or if the grandparents are residing nearby, you may drop your kids while leaving for work and pick them while returning from your job.

Besides safety, quality and cleanliness most parents think a lot simple yet essential things before sending their child to a childcare. One amongst the most essential things to think about is the best types of food snacks to send with their child to childcare. Most children are quite choosy when it comes to food and want to binge on all the unhealthy food items that are not safe in the long run. Ice-creams, chocolates, chips, cookies, pastas, pizzas, noodles etc. may be on top of their priority list, but what about their health? Every parent’s main concern is that their child should eat healthy and balanced meal so they do not suffer from any deficiencies or illness.

Make sure you stock in plenty of fresh food items that are loaded with essential nutrients. Avoid giving your child pre-packaged or processed food stuff. These meals are high on sugar, fat and salt. Processed food contains preservatives that are really harmful for your child’s health. Plan a night before so that you have all things sorted. Pack your child’s lunch box neatly without any kind of messy food that get sticky and wet after some time.

Think about some simple, easy to pick, small bite size food snacks which are:

• Whole-grain and low-sugar breakfast cereals
• Fresh fruit cut into small pieces
• Cup cakes or mini muffins
• Whole-grain crackers
• Cheese slices or small cubes

As a parent you would want to fill up the lunch box to the brim, but remember that your child will eat small portions of food and a variety in one meal is enough to fill up his little tummy for hours. Here are different types of healthy meals and snacks that your child can eat and you can easily pack without that mess.

1. Spinach tartlet, potato fries, slices of cucumber
2. Roasted asparagus, meatballs, sweet potato cookie
3. Hard boiled eggs, tomato slices, chickpea patties
4. Roasted carrot slices, spinach pinwheels, small cubes of banana
5. Mini corn, crab cake, brussel sprouts

Snacks include:

1. Pancake tiny bites
2. Cinnamon and oats bar
3. Baby bel cheese cubes
4. Blueberries
5. Grapes cut in 2 halves

Though, you can include a fruit that your child loves to eat, like apple, mango, berries, pears etc. but make sure that the fruit doesn’t get over ripe and sticky. The choice of veggies can include avocado, green peas, fresh beans, potato, celery, ladyfinger etc. The more the variety the better it is for your child. While making patties, you can add several other vegetables of your choice to make it tastier and healthier. You can have a variety of combinations for making pancakes too. Make a number of snacks by using different types of cheese flavors so that your child loves what he eats.

Well, the variety of food snacks is endless; you just need to be creative with your ideas and make sure that it is nutritious and healthy for your child. Also give him a handful of dry fruits like almonds, cashew nuts, pecans, pistachios, walnuts etc. so that he can munch on while traveling or when he feels hungry at the childcare facility.   

Every parent wants that their kids should never miss their schools even for a day, but it is not possible. Kids fall sick ever so often and they need rest. Usually kids are vulnerable to viral infections almost every month which can lead to health conditions that can last for nearly 7 days. When the kids fall sick, the most confusing decision for you as a parent is when to keep your child home if they are not feeling well. This is really hard to decide as you have to consider several parameters before coming to a conclusion. You want your kid to be back to normal at the soonest and also don’t want other kids to get infection and suffer later. But at the same time you do not want your kids to miss their school as their education suffers eventually.

It is definitely a difficult choice, but you need to consider the medical viewpoint as well.

• Is he really that sick? Some kids are so sick that they have difficulty in breathing, or feel dizzy or maybe suffer from unbearable abdominal pain. These symptoms of sickness need immediate attention. Well, your choice becomes easier in such cases. Make him rest at home till he gets well.
• Is he fit enough to be attentive and participate in his school activities? If your child feels drowsy or very uneasy, surely he won’t be able to concentrate on anything that is taught in school. But if you so wish to send him, give him a doctor’s note along so that the teachers do not allow him to participate in demanding activities like gym or dance.
• Will your child’s childcare facility take good care of your child? The most comfortable feeling for a child when he is sick is when he is in his mother’s arms. At the facility the teacher’s or his caregivers may not give him the extra care and attention that he might need when he feels unwell. So, it is better that your child stays with you at home.
• Will the infection spread on to other kids? Kids are vulnerable to infections due to their low immunity level, hence the duty of a responsible parent is to not send his child to the childcare facility if he is suffering from severe infection. Moreover, it is always good for your child too. If your child is suffering from mild infection, you may send, but in cases where your doctor says that the infection may spread, make him stay at home.
• Does your child need only you? When kids feel sick, they want to feel safe with their parents, especially mother. Check his eyes, his body temperature and how cranky he gets. A mother’s intuition is never wrong. Remember your child needs you when he is not feeling well. It is ok to keep him at home. You can put in some extra efforts to help him with his lost studies. Also keep in mind that the mother is not at rest if the child is suffering at his childcare facility. ​ So believe in your gut feeling, is it says no, then do not send him to the facility.      

 
 

Oh we so wish if kids could come with an instruction guide, things would have been so easier! This is just what every parent desires. Every parent wants his child to be happy and successful. But the question that most parents ask is how to raise a happy child. Now the meaning of the word “happy” is different for everyone. Parents want to give the best things possible to their kids, but above all, they should teach their kids the actual value and meaning of happiness. It is a tough philosophy for them to grasp at such a tender age, but you as a parent can try these 7 tips for raising a happy child.
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1. Love: It is rightly said, love is the language that is understood by everyone, be it human or an animal. The very first step to raising a happy child starts with loving parents, who show their love for each other and their kids. Love provides a feeling of safety for them. It is the main element of their happiness. Your kids must know how much you love them and you need to tell them that you love them every day. Hug them as much as you can and be kind and affectionate towards them. Encourage him to share his thoughts and emotions with you.
2. Time: The greatest gift you can give your child is your time. You must spend quality time with your kids. Parental time plays a major role in providing them security which is another important source of happiness. Read bedtime story or hang out for an ice cream. Though with busy schedule, this might seem an overwhelming task, but it is worth it. Make sure you have set some time aside especially for your kids.
3. Appreciation: Appreciate your child whenever you get a chance. They want to be heard, they want their thoughts to be respected and valued. They love being appreciated. Even the little things like getting a glass of water or helping you arrange the dishes, which may seem easy for us, might be a task for them and they definitely expect appreciation from you. This will keep the spark of motivation alive in their tender minds. They will feel that they are being noticed, reward them with goody snacks once a while.
4. Privileges and Rights: Make your child understand the difference between their privileges and rights. They should be confident that their family will always stand with them to protect their rights while they have to earn the privileges. Motivate them, teach them their duty and help them know the importance of self-regulation.
5. Nature: Let your child connect with nature. Children today are no longer interested in playing outdoor games, thanks to the gadgets and gaming consoles. Fresh air and abundant nature makes your child feel fresh and brings happiness into your child’s life. Pets and plants at home improve the positivity and happiness in your home too. These are the best sources of happiness and positivity.
6. Keep your child away from violence: Kids should not be exposed to violence in any form, whether in TV, games or at home as it will lead to stress and anxiety. Make them feel safe if they come across any sort of violence. They should feel protected with you.
7. Routine and structure: A child adopts the routine from the environment hence make sure that it is healthy and positive. This develops stability in kids. Also ensure that your child knows his limitations and he positively adheres to it. Keep a check on their activities and play time. Do not indulge your child into activities that involve hatred against the other.     

Consider childcare and live in Albany?  Call TSL Adventures & check us out today!

A lot of parents are usually confused whether they should put their child in a childcare facility or not and on top of that choosing the best one that suits their child is yet another issue. It is very important to choose a childcare facility that not only satisfies you but is definitely suitable for your child too. It should be an environment where you child looks forward to, the next day. Your satisfaction and peace of mind is of utmost important while your piece of your heart is at a childcare away from you when you are at work.  

Here are 8 tips for choosing a childcare program in Albany that will make your job easy:

1. Safety and security of your child: While searching for a childcare center for your child the very first thing that comes up is how safe and secure the place is. Check around and look for security systems which are installed in the facility that are necessary for the child’s security. Child-proofing is another essential aspect to consider for the safety and finally check around to know if there are different sections for young and smaller children. Also see for potential hazards that can risk your child’s wellbeing.  
2. Cleanliness: Cleanliness ensures you child’s overall health. A clean and hygienic place is important for better growth and development of your child. Besides a clean environment, it is necessary to check if the caregivers are keen on teaching the importance of clean habits to your child, like washing hands before eating meals, after using washroom and after playing outside.
3. Find out if the facility is warm and friendly in their conduct: Your child wants to stay at a place that feels like home. A childcare facility with a warm environment just like home is what you should look for. Also, know is the caregivers and the other working staff have a friendly approach towards you child. You child should be smiling and feel happy just like at home.
4. Check for appropriate training: A childcare facility should have an educated and well trained staff and caregivers besides a well educated director of the center. The caregivers should be amply trained and qualified to handle the child perfectly.
5. Ask for referrals: Referrals are the best way to know about the authenticity and quality of a childcare facility. Ask for contact details of past parents from the center and personally talk to them to know how genuine and how excellent the center is. Also check online as many parents post their testimonials about the center.
6. Check if the facility is certified: Find out if the facility is accredited by Government authorities as they need to follow a strict process of accreditation to attain the license to run the facility. A certified center gives an assurance that it has met very high standards of requirements.
7. Look closely at how well the staff communicates: Parents should always be at a high priority when they are at the center. The caregivers should inform the parents about the child’s progress and you should closely observe how they communicate with other parents. If the caregivers inform about the daily progress and their experiences about the child, then you can be sure that the caregivers are really concerned and take proper care of your child.
8. See if the childcare facility is motivating: Pay attention to how the caregivers spend their day with the child. Are they really interested in your child’s progress? Are they putting in efforts to inculcate knowledge in your child?  Are there puzzle, blocks, art and craft material, story books, separate space for drama etc. which gives you a positive feeling about your child’s overall development? If yes, then you have probably found a good childcare facility for your child.

Finding the perfect daycare for your child is never easy. As a parent, there are a lot of factors you need to consider when choosing the perfect childcare center where your children find a comfortable, healthy and an educational environment.

If you’re a new parent and are desperately in search of a great child care center, here are five things you need to look out for before you make the decision.

#1 Take a Tour
When you’re finding a place to leave your child for the day, you want to make sure it’s an ideal environment. The only way you can do that is by personally visiting the child care center. We normally would advise both parents to be present for the tour on the first day but if that’s not possible, at least one of you should. When you’re visiting the child care center, keep a keen eye on how the caregivers are interacting with the children or how the children are behaving with each other. You can have a pretty good idea about how your child will be treated by keeping a sharp lookout.

#2 Is the Caregiver Competent?
It’s not easy to take care of a bunch of noisy, demanding children so the job of a caregiver is probably much harder than yours. That’s exactly why you need to make sure the caregiver is competent. If they’re too lazy, you probably want to start looking elsewhere. If they’re too strict and have a harsh punishment policy, you’d want to check out that other child care center a few blocks away.

#3 Get Reports or Make Them Yourselves
A typical child care center will inform you of the activities of your child every day. Even if the end of the day report comes out well, you’d still want to make sure if it’s legitimate. If your child is old enough to communicate, try asking them how their day went. But if they’re too young to talk, then you might want to drop by on a random time unannounced and inspect what’s going on in the daycare.

Finding a great child care center might take up some time and research but as parents, there really can be no compromise when it comes to your children. Help your children attain the ideal nourishing environment by choosing the ideal child care center in Albany.

One common problem both adults and children face is a fluctuating sleeping schedule. For children especially, this can be particularly worrisome because a good night’s sleep is essential to promote the proper growth of your child. Singing lullabies and reading princess stories might work for some but there are other more realistic tips to ensure a peaceful shut eye for your child.

Make the Bedroom Sleep-Friendly
You might think that children can fall asleep anywhere as long as they’re tired but that’s not usually how it works. Just like any adult, optimum environmental conditions to encourage sleep are essential for your child. Studies have proven that rooms that are warmer result in a more peaceful, uninterrupted sleep while colder temperatures even in the hot summers can be uncomfortable for sleeping.

Apart from making sure the temperature is ideal, you need to keep the lights dim and the noise minimum. A quiet, dark room is the first step to making your children sleep. Don’t worry if your child is scared of the dark; you can leave the door open or install a dim bulb in the corner.

Lay Off the Caffeine
Now unless your child is too sophisticated and mature for his own good, he probably won’t be reaching out for a cup of coffee or tea. But those beverages aren’t the only ones that keep you up at night. Soda and cokes are loaded with enough caffeine to disrupt your child’s sleep as well.

Set a Schedule
Our bodies are wired to work with a natural circadian rhythm. Falling asleep at the same time each night will help you and your child to set a fixed, healthy sleeping schedule. Allot a bedtime for your child (7 or 8pm) and your child will start feeling sleepy on the exact same time every day in a few days.

Encourage Sleep-Friendly Activities
Exercise and an active playtime in the day with a warm bath and a cup of warm milk at night can really help make your child feel cozy and sleepy. If your child is a fan of reading, then read them a story aloud in a quiet voice until they fall asleep.

Proper growth and development of your child greatly depends on the sleep your child is getting. With these aforementioned tips, you can help your child get a well-deserved beauty sleep at night.

These are the principles and ideas we implement at our Albany childcare program.  Have questions?  Give us a call!

Don’t get me wrong – I love babies. But there’s just something that I think any parent can relate to: the trouble of carrying a baby bag with you at all times. Forget your Louis Vuitton handbags, ladies and welcome a new accessory on board – an enormous baby bag.

So what do mothers carry in that big bag of baby heaven anyway? The simple answer would probably be a few diapers. But there’s really a lot more you need to have with you at all times if you decide to head out with your toddler.

If you’re confused on what exactly to keep in your baby bag, check out this comprehensive and helpful checklist below so you won’t ever have to face an emergency crisis no matter where you are!

1.  Diapers, duh!
Perhaps the most essential item your baby needs is a diaper. If your toddler is less than two years old, you’ll probably be changing diapers every hour so make an estimate on how many you should keep. Or to make things simple, keep the whole medium-sized pack.

2. Baby Wipes
Baby wipes are excellent to clean your child safely without the risk of a rash. Keeping a pack of wipes can save you from a giant mess later.

3. Disposable Bags
You’ll need to dispose a used pamper in an environment-friendly and hygienic way. The best way to go about is to use biodegradable plastic bags.

4. Hand Sanitizer
If you’re outside without a bathroom available nearby such as in a car, you’d want to keep a hand sanitizer for yourself in the baby bag as well.

5. Sippy Cup
Fill your child’s Sippy cup with water or milk and keep it in the baby bag at all times. This is important because children tend to put random items in their mouths so immediately handing them their Sippy cup can prevent a health disaster.

6. Extra Clothes
Children have a way of ruining their clothes. They might spill food or paint their shirts with your favorite lipstick you’re not looking. Keeping extra clothes in the baby bag at all times can keep them presentable whenever wherever. In winters, you’d want to keep an extra blanket as well.

7. Toys
Instead of having your toddler play with unsafe objects, distract them by giving them their favorite toys. Keep a few of them in your baby bag so your child can play with them wherever he is.

Other items that you can include in your baby bad are a small first-aid kit, sunscreen, pacifiers, tissues and nail cutters. Carrying around a baby is a difficult task, no doubt about that, but a little organization and pre-planning can go a long way.

If you are planning for childcare services and live in Albany, please consider TSL Adventures!

The 21st century has been wonderful in terms of technological advancements and computer engineering. But roses don’t come without the thorns and the advancement in tech doesn’t come without some major drawbacks. There was a time when the word ‘internet’ and ‘iPads’ were foreign and that time wasn’t so long ago either. Back then children would spend their time playing outside and engaging in actual physical activities.

Now, though, studies have revealed that an average child spends over eight hours in front of a screen, whether it’s a TV or a smartphone. While these machines can be educational and productive, too much of anything is never good.
Have you ever wondered why the older generation is a lot more physically active than their children? That’s because they were always wired to stay on their feet as children. Unlike the lazy couch potatoes the new generation is turning into, the previous one had a healthy, active lifestyle.

It’s not too late!
If you’re a parent and seriously worried about the hours your child spends in front of a screen, you can make amendments now and change your child’s lifestyle into a healthy one.

Slow and Steady
 If your child is used to playing with technology all the time, you might not want to take it all away at once. Setting appropriate limitations and building them up gradually will allow your child to adjust properly instead of acting in a rebellious way.

Secure your devices with a password and only allow the child specific hours to use them. Many parents spoil their children by buying them their own smartphones and tablets right off the bat before they’re even in primary school. That’s probably the worst mistake you can make and you’d want to avoid that.

Play with Your Child
It’s a fact that children copy what they see their parents do. If you’re on the phone or on the PC all the time yourself, you’re not doing your child any good. Engage with your child in outdoor activities and try to stay off the gadgets when you’re around them.

Looking for a great Albany childcare program?  Check out TSL Adventures today!  We serve the entire Albany area.

There’s nothing more beautiful than the arrival of a new life at your home. But with this blessing come responsibilities – and a whole lot of them. While babies are undoubtedly adorable, they are also extremely careless and dependent. Unlike a kitten or a puppy, human babies need a good few years to find their footing and to realize that poking their fingers in an electric socket isn’t such a wise idea.

While you can find a bunch of tips and tricks to baby proof your home, here’s a concise list of some of the most essential elements that you need to address.

Don’t Let the Baby Fall

Babies like to crawl around and discover new places. But sometimes crawling can go a bit too far especially if it’s on top of a staircase or a bed. Use safety nets, window guards and safe landings on any risky place. Installing a safety gate on the top of the stairs is a great strategy to prevent a staircase fall. Also, never leave your child unattended on a bed or any other high place such as a counter.

Hide the Wires, Seal the Circuits.

For some odd reason, babies are attracted to all the dangerous things like a moth to a flame. Use safety plugs on the sockets of your home, or keep the sockets hidden behind furniture. Hide any wires or cords behind the furniture as well.

Bathroom Injuries

One of the main sources of injury to your baby can come from the bathroom. When you’re bathing your child, make sure the temperature of the water is appropriate to prevent burns. Another helpful tip is to keep the child as far from the faucet as possible to reduce the risk of bumping into the metal. Never leave your child unattended in the tub alone and if you need to do something outside the bathroom urgently, then take the baby with you. Finally, dry your hands before you pick up your baby because babies can be pretty slippery.

Toilets also pose a risk of drowning. Locking the toilet lid with a toilet lock is a good idea to prevent bathroom hazards.

The good news is that babies grow up. Even though the initial period of taking care of your baby and turning the house baby-friendly might seem tedious, it resolves before you know. So enjoy your life as a new parent and start baby proofing your house now!

If you are starting to plan your search for a good childcare program in Albany, please consider TSL Adventures.  We serve all of the Albany area & surrounding Capital Region.