Not everyone has access to a pool but children can still have lots of fun with water play. However, even without a pool, adults must be willing to spend the time to make absolutely certain that the safety of children playing in or near water is at the forefront of each activity.

WET AND FUN ACTIVITIES

“PAINTING”
Provide each child a small bucket or can with water in it and an old paintbrush. Children can enjoy “painting” —whether it be the house, some steps, the garage, or the sidewalk, it will be fun using their own bucket and brush.

GARDEN SPRINKLER
Instead of playing in a pool, attach the garden hose to a sprinkler. Turn on the water and watch as the children run through the spray of water.

BALLOON CATCH
Fill small balloons with water. These can be uses  to play a game of catch with
the children.

WATER PLAY ACCESSORIES
Simple household items can make water play a lot of fun. Any of these items are fun for the children to play with:

muffin tins
sieve
measuring spoons
funnels
measuring cups
strainer
empty plastic bottles
sponges
empty squeeze bottles
corks

WET SAND
Wet the sand in the sandbox or in a box.  The differences between the wet and dry sand can be very entertaining. Let children dig rivers, streams, and lakes in the sand, and fill them with water.

PING PONG BOATS
Use clean, empty margarine tubs for boats. Float the boats in a wading pool or dishpan. Have each child take turns trying to toss ping-pong balls into the boats

SAILBOAT

You will need:
clean styrofoam meat tray
crayons
construction paper
stapler
pipe cleaner

To Do:
Let the children decorate a styrofoam meat tray in their own way. Stick the pipe cleaner through the center of the tray. Secure it by bending the end on the underside of the styrofoam tray. Cut a diamond shape out of the construction paper and fold it in half to make a sail. Place the pipe cleaner in the fold of the sail and staple to hold it in place. Take the sailboat for a voyage in a wading pool or dishpan.

SINK OR FLOAT
Have each child gather a number of items from around the house or supply them with a cork, paper cups, plastic containers, marbles, sponges, or other items. Take them outside to a wading pool, dishpan, or bucket of water to see which items sink or float.

Try some experiments with the children. Can you make something that sinks or can float? Place a sinking object on a floating object. For example, place a marble on a sponge. What object holds the most things and still floats?

BUBBLE BLOWING
Blowing bubbles is a fun outdoor activity for all ages. Children around 2 -1/2 years old and older can learn to blow bubbles if you show them how.

An easy bubble solution can be made from:

1/2 cup hand dishwashing liquid
5 cups water

A tiny bit of cooking oil added to the soap and water mixture will make the bubbles tough enough to float in the air without breaking easily.

You can buy bubble wands and pipes at a store or try any of these:

• plastic berry basket bottoms (dip in bubble solution and wave in the air)
• thread spools (dip one end in bubble solution and blow through opposite end)
• plastic drinking straw (dip one end in bubble solution and blow through opposite end)

Prime Time will help in your immediate child care needs – visit any of our locations in Bergen County – we have a special tuition package just for you.  Just let the director know you are from Kid Kazoom and we will take care of the rest.  We are located in Paramus, Mahwah, East Rutherford and Edgewater in Bergen County and we are also located in Hudson County in Hoboken!!

The amount of time that American children spend using TV/Computer/Video games varies according to which survey you read. However, it is agreed that the average American child practically lives plugged in.
You may already know your child needs to watch less TV and spend less time on the computer or playing video games– but you can use some ideas to make that happen. Here are some ideas about how to limit your kid’s sedentary time.

Have a plan. Be prepared to offer alternative activities to TV or video games. You might consider a family game night, taking a walk, or maybe exploring a nearby park.

Be active with your children. Experts say that what kids want more than anything else is time with their parents. To give them that, don’t expect them to do that alone– go play with them!

Limit the availability of the television, computer and video access. Don’t position your furniture or arrange your rooms so that these items are the main focus.  Remember to avoid using television or video games as a reward or punishment.

Plan TV watching in advance. Go through the TV guide and pick the shows you want to watch. Turn the TV on for those shows and turn it off afterwards.

Practice what you preach. Your kids won’t accept being restricted to television, video or computer access if they see you not putting this into practice yourself. The best way to influence your kids’ behavior is through example.

But what do you do with your kids once you get them offline and outdoors? For that information, turn to the National Wildlife Federation and its “Be Out There” campaign. Their effort helps parents to give their children a “green hour” each day.

Another possibility is camping. You don’t have to go to a campsite either. You can camp out in your own backyard. The website for the Great American Backyard Campout offers some suggestions.

Remember, you can do it! Be strong, have a plan and stick with it. The rewards will be worth it!

Summer means vacation and vacation time once you become a family means ……Traveling with children.

Traveling with children can present challenges, but some forethought in planning is important. To help you get prepared here are some tips and ideas to reduce the stress and make the trip more enjoyable for the whole family.

Infant to One Year

Plan for breaks–a rest stop break or a playground – let them toddle or be carried around for a few minutes before climbing back in the car.

Pack the fun into the trip– music, mobiles, bubbles and books are good activities.

Pre-measure formula into bottles and carry a room temperature bottle of water to mix on the go.

Be prepared for a mess – snacks, diapers, spit-up, etc. – small trash bag, wipes, hand sanitizer (for the adults), spare water, tissues, bibs and a blanket.

If you are traveling by plane, a car seat can double as a feeding chair or nap location once you have arrived.  Be sure to reserve a crib at your hotel or make sure one is available from a rental center if you are visiting friends or family.

With this age group its important to be well-prepared but do not overload yourself. Once you get to your destination, there are probably many “essentials” that can be purchased locally.

Toddlers from 12 to 18 months

Many of the Infant travel tips also apply with this age group.

Use “links” to keep toys within your child’s reach and off the floor!

Even in the cool weather, crack a window for fresh air. Stale air makes everyone grumpy. Try removing heavy jackets and shoes for comfort.

Plan for the fun to include music, books, stuffed animal, play mirror and foam shapes that will “stick” to the car seat. In an airplane or a car headphones for music can be used by resting on your child’s shoulders instead of over their ears to hear the music.

Have some active playtime just before leaving and plan for frequent stops. In an airplane let children walk down the aisle when appropriate. Bulkhead seats are roomier and worth the effort to try and reserve for your trip with younger ones.

Airports can be busy places.  Checking your luggage at the curb or getting help with your luggage is not a luxury in this situation. Focusing on your little one’s needs without hauling our own luggage is paramount.

Twos and Threes

Many of the First Steps travel tips apply here.

Play window games – find the silos, trucks or red lights can help the time pass more easily.

Attach a mirror to the front passenger visor so you can see and interact with your youngster without having to turn around.

Buckle up a toy bin right next to the children so they can help themselves – books, ,stuffed animals and puppets.

Have your child help you pack a picnic lunch or snack and then serve it to everyone.

A blanket can make a quick play space in any lobby or airport or in the car.

Preschool to Pre-K

“ I Spy”  a red car, a white truck and other objects you can see while traveling.

A laptop desk for drawing with paper and crayons can be used at this age.

Car-Ride Checklist–make a picture itinerary of landmarks you will see along the way.

Car Bingo is another activity that keeps this age group happily engaged in the sights.

Play “I’m thinking of an animal.” Provide age-appropriate hints to help your child guess a particular animal.

When visiting attractions and places with older children, try the ‘trade-off’ method –some activities for adults, balanced with activities for the children to encourage cooperation and so that everyone on the trip has an enjoyable time.

Older children might like having their own (disposable) camera and “vacation diary” to record their own memories.

In most cases, keeping your trip as simple as possible with the younger set along will greatly help in reducing the potential for problems. Remember that children have shorter attention spans and get fatigued more quickly. Complicated trips requiring lots of traveling, jam-packed itineraries or too many visits to more adult-oriented attractions can end up spoiling everyone’s good time.