Health and Safety
The Best Kids’ Books on Mental Health
Each year, it seems that there are new children’s books that address every emotional or learning challenge. But how appropriate and helpful is the messaging? Experts at the Child Mind Institute reviewed over 60 books to choose this top 20 list of kids' books on mental health.
Active Supervision: Fostering Joy, Safety, and Connection in Early Childhood
As early childhood educators, we often find ourselves juggling multiple tasks and responsibilities throughout the day. In the midst of this busyness, it’s easy to fall into autopilot, going through the motions without truly engaging with the children in our care. One of the core aspects of our role, and one which is often on autopilot is supervision – but what if we could transform our approach to supervision from a mindless task to a mindful practice? What if supervision could become a tool for safety, joy, connection and personal growth?
Skinned Knees: The Benefits of Risky Play
Have you watched Skinned Knees: The Benefits of Risky Play yet? It was one of our top-rated sessions! Here’s what participants had to say: I truly appreciate the content... lots of helpful tips on how to approach parents... great tips that I can use in my work and my personal life.
Keep Children Cool! How to Protect Children from Extreme Heat
Extreme heat, and heat related illnesses, are especially dangerous for infants and young children. Children most at risk include those with breathing difficulties (asthma), heart conditions, kidney problems, mental and physical disabilities, developmental disorders, diarrhea, and those who take certain medications. Health Canada has these tips to keep kids cool this summer.
Insect Repellents: Info for Parents
Here's some information you can share with the newcomer families in your program about how to choose and insect-repellents safely and protect children from insect bites in Canada.
Toy Safety for Babies
Toys provide opportunities for babies to learn, develop, and interact with their environment.And one of our jobs is to make sure that all of the toys are age-appropriate and safe. To help, Families Canada has developed this tip sheet on Toy Safety for 8-12 Month Old Babies.
77 Children’s Books About Mental Health
Books provide opportunities for us to introduce ideas and open dialogue with the children in our programs. A good book can also help kids name and understand feelings and experiences they may be struggling with! The Child Mind Institute has put together a helpful list of the 77 best children’s books about mental health and learning disorders and other common challenges, like dealing with strong emotions.
6,500+ Fisher-Price toys recalled in Canada
More than 6,500 Fisher-Price toys have been recalled in Canada due to a potential choking hazard. In the recall notice, Health Canada advised parents and caregivers to immediately stop using the affected products, keep them out of reach of children, and contact Fisher-Price for a free replacement.
Babies need humans, not screens
Did you know that the negative effects of too much screen time for babies and toddlers range from shorter attention span to lower empathy? Here's why too much screen time can harm babies and the importance of ensuring children enjoy off-screen experiences.
Health and Safety Posters: Beware of Button Batteries
Small batteries can lead to some big health risks! Did you know that a swallowed button battery can burn through a child's throat or esophagus in as little as 2 hours. Button batteries are found in many household items, so it's very important for battery compartments to be screwed shut and/or kept out of sight and reach of children. Here are some resources that can help educate parents.