Do You Have a Fussy Eater at Home? Read This!

Does your child pick around his or her plate at dinner time?

Is your child leaving veggies and fruits untouched?

Are you worried that your child may lack the daily recommended amount of nutrients?

Don’t worry! According to the Mayo Clinic, “most kids get plenty of variety and nutrition in their diets over the course of a week.” Typically, picky eaters are common among 2-5 year-olds, and outgrow the pickiness once they get to a certain age.  

However, there are many things you can do for dinner that will help introduce healthy and nutritious food into your child’s diet. According to the Mayo Clinic, parents can take a few simple steps, including:

1. Respect your child’s appetite.
2. Stick to a routine of serving meals and snacks around the same time every day.
3. Be patient with new foods. Repeated exposure to a new food is usually a requirement.
4. Make it fun! Serve favorite dips or sauces with veggies.
5. Recruit your child’s help for selecting groceries at the store.
6. Set a good example. If you eat your veggies, your child is likely to follow your example.
7. Be creative! Add veggies in soups or sauces, or add sliced fruit in cereal.
8. Minimize distractions at dinner by turning off all electronic devices.
9. Don’t offer dessert as a reward. Withholding dessert sends the message that the dessert is the best food, which might only increase your child's desire for sweets.
10. Don’t be a short-order cook. Preparing a separate meal for your child after he or she rejects the original meal might promote picky eating. Encourage your child to stay at the table for the designated mealtime — even if he or she doesn't eat.

Have you found other ways that get your child to be less fussy at dinner time? If you have any techniques, please share it with us below in the comments! At Little Angels Preschool & Daycare Ypsilanti, we’re dedicated to our students’ health and well-being.

Preschool in Ypsilanti Suggests Tips For Going Back to School

Is your child enthusiastic or unhappy about the new school year?

Does your child find his or her new school intimidating?

Are you having a hard time motivating your child for the new school year ahead?

Don’t worry! We’ve got you covered!

Whether your child is a new or returning student at our preschool in Ypsilanti, there’s always a solution to help ease your child into the idea of going to school.

PBS Parents recommends the following steps:

1. Practice going to school to help your child get familiar with the route and routine.

2. Describe to your child what will likely happen on their first day of class.

3. Ask your child compelling questions about what they’re looking forward to the most, and what concerns they have.

4. Schedule play dates with other children your child may not have seen all summer to acquaint them with familiar faces.

5. Walk your child into the classroom on the first few days.

6. Read books about starting school and how exciting it can be!

We hope these tips will help you and your child shift from summer back to a school schedule with ease. Have you found other ways that get your child excited about school? We’re not talking about bribes, we’re talking about techniques that work without you caving into your child’s demands. If you have any techniques, please share them with us! We always appreciate more ideas! 

Do you know of a parent looking for a quality preschool in Ypsilanti, Ann Arbor or the surrounding area? Please encourage them to contact us to schedule a tour of Little Angels Preschool & Daycare.  

Preschool in Ypsilanti Suggests Teaching Your Kids the ABC’s of Sunburn Prevention

Everyone knows when you stay in the sun too long you increase your risk of sunburn. But did you know that sunburns can be especially painful for young children?

According to WebMD, “most of their (children’s) lifetime sun exposure is in their first 18 years of life.” So it’s important that you protect their skin, to help decrease their risk of skin cancer and delay the development of wrinkles as they get older.

It’s hard to educate young children about the sun’s harmful rays, so parents need to make sure their kids are protected and aware of its effects. 

We would like to suggest some tips to help you teach your kids the ABC’s of how to protect their skin from sunburns, as suggested by WebMD.com

• A = Away. Stay away from the sun in the middle of the day from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• B = Block. Use a sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or higher to protect babies’ and children's very sensitive skin.
• C = Cover up. Wear clothing that covers the skin, hats with wide brims, and sunglasses with UV protection. Even one-year old children should wear sunglasses with UV protection.
• S = Speak out. Teach others to protect their skin from sun damage.

Our Preschool in Ypsilanti staff at Little Angels Preschool & Daycare incorporate learning into your child’s daily life.  We’re always happy to share lesson plans and ideas so you can continue the learning at home.  We all need to work together to support children as they expand their knowledge and grow to be intelligent, respectful, global citizens! 

Not All Bugs Are Harmless Advises Daycare in Ypsilanti

Do you ever see a creepy crawler and wonder whether it’s harmful or not?

Do bugs give you the willies?

Whether you’re a person who likes bugs or not, it’s still important that you and your child know which types of bugs are harmful!

Most people, depending on where they live, know whether a bug is unusual for that type of climate and region. But it’s always good to brush up on some bug knowledge. 

According to ListVerse.com, there are many bugs that are harmful (you will only find a few of these in Michigan, thank goodness!). The list includes:

1. Hemiptera – Transmits Chagas Disease.
2. Giant Japanese or Asian Hornet – Stings have a higher concentration of Acetylcholine than any other stinging insect.
3. Siafu – Bites can cause asphyxiation in young children and the elderly.
4. Wasps – Stings can cause people to go into anaphylactic shock.
5. Locusts – Contribute to starvation because they like to eat crops.
6. Fire Ants –Bites can swell up into a painful pustule and burn.
7. TseTse Fly – Carries a deadly sleeping sickness.
8. Bees – Stings can result in anaphylactic shock causing death.
9. Fleas – Bites can swell into a pustule and cause allergic reactions.
10. Anopheles Mosquito - Carries blood-borne diseases, like Malaria.

We hope we didn’t send goose bumps down your back! We hope that you will take this information and be more aware of the types of bugs you find in and around your home in the Ypsilanti area. At Little Angels Preschool & Daycare Ypsilanti, we’re dedicated to our students’ health and well-being. We want to ensure the safety of our students and their families.

"Mom! Where's your cape?"

Image by Gregoire Guillemin "Secret Hero Life"

Do you sometimes feel like a super hero in disguise? 

You keep your family safe, fed, entertained, and organized, but you tend to put yourself last.  Mom is “WOW” upside down, but it doesn’t mean you need to be 100% perfect 100% of the time.  If you don’t get enough rest and rejuvenation, you could burn out!

It’s so important to not feel guilty when you take some time for yourself.  It will help you de-stress and re-charge, and put you in a better mood.  This will allow you to be happy and present when you’re back in Mom mode. 

The next time you have some time off from work, drop your child off at your favorite preschool and daycare in Ypsilanti…Little Angels Preschool & Daycare!  We’ll keep your child safe and happy which will relieve your mind, so you can focus on treating yourself.  We share a few ideas below on ways to treat yourself without guilt!

• Read a book for a few hours at a coffee shop or a park. 
• Take a walk around a park, garden, or zoo.  
• Paint your toenails and get your feet ready for flip flop weather. 
• Write in a journal and list everything that you’re grateful for.  
• Go for a bicycle ride in a park or around your neighborhood.  
• Call your favorite friend or family member and reminisce.  
• Visit a history or art museum.  
• Go to a movie matinee.  
• Volunteer.  Helping another person has positive results for you and them!  
• Try your hand at a new craft or home project.  Libraries, craft, and hardware stores often offer inexpensive classes to learn a new hobby.

If you get intimidated about going places by yourself, invite another mom who also needs a break.  Although, it can be therapeutic to take a few hours to be by yourself.  You may enjoy the silence and the solo adventure out and about meeting new people. 

The staff at Little Angels Preschool and Daycare in Ypsilanti knows how hard mothers work.  As Mother’s Day approaches, we want you to know how much we appreciate YOU!  We know you’re a super hero even when you leave your mask and cape at home!  

Tips to encourage your child to brush regularly!

Do you struggle getting your child to brush his/her teeth?

When they finally pick up the toothbrush are they brushing correctly and for the recommended time of two minutes?

Are you looking for ideas to help make the process easier and more fun for them and less stressful?

Periodontal disease is becoming more common in children.  In fact over 75% of the American population has some form of the disease.  What’s worse is that periodontal disease is also being linked to more fatal diseases like stroke, cancer, and heart disease.  The first step to decreasing your chance of periodontal disease is good oral hygiene. 

We’ve shared some tips below that may make the routine of getting your kids to brush more enjoyable. 

Little Individuals

• Kids enjoy having some ownership with making choices.  Allow them to pick out an age-appropriate toothbrush.  There are a variety of toothbrushes available that have characters, lights, music and special designs.  You may want to consider getting an electronic spin brush.  A lot of kids enjoy the vibration as it tickles their teeth and gums.

• Also consider letting them choose their own flavor of kid’s toothpaste! 

• Designate a special cup or disposable cups just for them to rinse with. 

• Use charts and reward stickers that highlight their favorite character, sport or hobby. 

Use Your Imagination

• Remind children to brush in a circular motion by comparing brushing to wheels from a “choo choo” train or a car.  This may keep them from brushing back and forth, which can irritate or damage gums.   

• Tell a story or read them a book to explain how sugar makes holes in teeth.  If they need more visual evidence that they aren’t brushing enough, show them the “Pink!” by having them chew a tablet made from a dissolving agent that clings to plaque.  These tablets are available at most pharmacies!

• Encourage them to make a lot of bubbles and foam when they brush.  You could brush your teeth beside them and have a contest to see who can make the biggest or most bubbles. 

• Make an imaginary game out of brushing.  For example, the toothbrush could be a super hero, their toothpaste their special power agent, and they could pretend that they’re waging a battle against monster germs and evil cavities. 

Timing is Everything

• Try using an egg timer to ensure they are brushing the appropriate amount of time.  There are numerous designs to choose from, including frogs, cows and Disney characters. 

• Sing or play a special song while they brush, and insist that they keep brushing to hear the whole song.  There are also toothbrushes designed to play music or light up while brushing. 

All Together Now

• Most children want to be like Mom or Dad.  The simple act of brushing your teeth correctly in their company can inspire them to brush, too.  You may want to comment on how fresh and smooth your teeth feel afterward. 

• Try to make brushing a routine.  Have the whole family brush together after dinner or after their last snack before bed.  It may be helpful to do this at least an hour before bed time before everyone is too tired. 

• Another fun activity is to allow your child to brush your teeth while you brush theirs.  They may not do much with your brush but it may distract them while you’re brushing theirs.  There’s bound to be lots of giggles! 

• Allow them to have their favorite stuffed animal with them when they brush.  Get a special brush for them to brush their toy’s teeth. 

Most importantly, remember to praise them when they remember to brush correctly or on their own. 

Have you found a technique that gets your child to brush properly?  Please share it with us below.  

Do you know of a parent looking for a quality daycare or preschool in Ypsilanti, Ann Arbor or the surrounding area? Please encourage them to contact us to schedule a tour of Little Angels Preschool & Daycare.  
 
http://preschooldaycareypsilanti.com/

"It's not easy being green!" But we share a few easy tips below!

Is your family as “green” as they possibly can be?

Kermit D. Frog was right when he said “It’s not easy being green!”  Between recycling, buying products with less packaging, and eating at home…it takes time, thought, and effort to be more “green.”  As one of the longest running, large preschool - daycares in Ypsilanti, we care for you and your child.  Our motto is “Changing the world, one child at a time!”  We all need to pitch in to make sure our world will be livable for generations to come. We strongly encourage you and your family to try some of the tips below. 

Ditch the Throw-Away Plastics

• When you’re preparing your family’s lunches, place food in re-usable lunch wrappers, or small plastic containers to limit your use of throw-away baggies, foil, and plastic wrap. 

• Use a water filter system on your faucet, or use a pitcher with an inner filter, and say “Goodbye!” to those plastic water bottles.  Purchase re-fillable water bottles for your family to use while traveling.  Each family member could decorate their bottle with paint markers to make their bottle unique and easy to identify. 

• Take re-usable grocery bags shopping with you.  If you have a stock-pile of plastic bags use them for small garbage can bags or take them back to the store for recycling.  

We found a few helpful links for tips on how to re-use plastic grocery bags:

http://lenpenzo.com/blog/id1594-amazing-uses-for-plastic-grocery-bags.html 
http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/photos/0,,20310499,00.html
http://www.realsimple.com/home-organizing/new-uses-for-old-things/10-smart-uses-old-plastic-bags-10000001097755/page7.html
 
Be a Smart Consumer

• Look for items that are sold with minimal packaging.  Buying bulk items will save money and use less packaging. 

• If you’re in the market for new appliances, look for high efficiency [HE] washers that use less water, or Energy Star rated appliances.  These appliances not only decrease your energy use, they’ll save you money too! 

• Do you have furniture, equipment, or other like-new items that you no longer need?  Participate in a free-cycle program in your community or church.  It’s a great way to clean out your garage or storage and help out another family in need.  It’s also a way to keep perfectly good objects out of landfills and save money!  As your favorite preschool – daycare in Ypsilanti, we even have a Facebook group page that is perfect to advertise items you’re seeking, or trying to give away.  We encourage you to use it!

https://www.facebook.com/groups/801624383187827/

• Sign up for on-line statements and pay your bills through your bank’s on-line service.  You’ll not only save a stamp, but cut down on the paper used for printing bills and envelopes. 

• Eat out less and try to eliminate meat at least one day a week.  Geophysicists estimate that if Americans reduced their consumption of meat by at least 20% it would have the same impact as if all American drivers switched from a standard sedan to a hybrid vehicle! 

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/27/weekinreview/27bittman.html?_r=0

The suggestions above are just a few, of the many ways that you and your family can be kinder to our planet.  It’s not surprising that Little Angels Preschool - Daycare in Ypsilanti focuses on issues that effect children.  We lather sunscreen on your child and take extra time cleaning up spills so no one trips.  We do everything we can to keep them safe.  It’s time we all put more effort into improving our environment before it’s no longer safe to roll in the grass, or go to the beach, or splash in puddles.  This wonderful quote says it all. 

Anne Frank — 'How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world.'