Water Safety

Since we are in the heat of summer and pools are open for business, I thought this would be a good time to go over some basic water safety rules.

1) The most important rule for a child to know around water is that they cannot get in the water without permission from an adult. When my son started swimming lessons, the beginning of every lesson started with him looking me in the eye and saying, “May I get in the water?” He had to look me in the eye for my answer of yes or no.

2) All toys are to be removed from the pool and pool area when the child is not in the pool. If toys are near a pool, they can be very tempting for a child.

3) Be sure that all pools have barriers around them that are gated with a self-latching lock and at least 4 feet tall.

4) Set ground rules for pool limits based on each person’s ability. Enforce those rules without fail.

5) It is never okay to leave a child unattended around water. It may seem overly strict, but it only takes a very small amount of water for a child to drown. Better to play it safe!

6) Put away the cell phone or any other distractions around water. Your child deserves 100% of your attention.

7) Buddy up! Be sure that your child always has a buddy when she is in the water.

8) Never dive into shallow or unknown depths of water. If you are unsure, always go in feet first for safety.

9) Be sure there is always someone nearby who is certified in CPR.

Be safe around the water and enjoy the summer.

Angie @ Kids Matter

Monday Meanderings - Keeping Cool

I am not sure where you are, but here in KY the weather has been hot and humid! That means we need to find ways to keep cool so I thought I would go on a search to see how others are keeping cool this summer.

First we need a yummy dessert that does not require turning on the oven. Teaching with TLC really delivers with her amazing Ice Cream Cake. Doesn't it look delicious?

As much as would love to just eat dessert, I need some other nutrition too. Here is the  Katie Brown Blog with some great no cook recipes. I want to try the Gazpacho with Goat Cheese recipe that she links to from Real Simple Magazine. It looks delicious and the Farmer's Markets are bursting with fresh tomatoes!

If it is too hot to go outside where you are maybe you could do some of these activities.

The Line Game - Each person gets a piece of paper and they each draw a line on a piece of paper. It can be any kind of line: straight, angled, curvy or any other shape. Once the line is drawn, everyone switches paper. You now have to make a drawing from each other's line drawing. It is always fun to see what one person can make from another person's beginning.

Another great activity is Mad Libs. No need to always have the Mad Lib books, you can also make up your own stories. For Example:
Storyteller: There once was an animal. What kind of animal?
1st child: A Kangaroo!
Storyteller: There once was a kangaroo named_________.
2nd child: Star!
Storyteller: There once was a kangaroo named Star. Star liked to __________.
1st child: Wear socks!
Storyteller: There once was a kangaroo named Star. Star liked to wear socks.

The story can go on and on. You can also ask the kids to tell you the story. Once it gets some length to it (4-5 lines) ask them to repeat it to you. This will be fun and it will work on their attention and recall skills.

If you can go outside, try some of these ideas.

Come Together Kids Blog has a great Bubble Refill Station. The kids just go over and put more bubble solution in their containers. No worries! They also include a bubble mix to make at home.

Build a Kidwash! The kids can go through on foot or on bike. Keep cool is the name of the game. This post came from Discontinuity on Indestrucables.

Keep cool in this hot and humid weather!

Water Bombs

With Summer officially here, things are really starting to heat up. I love the pool but after a long day at work I do not always feel like driving to the pool and we don't have a pool in the back yard so what is a Mom to do? Get creative!

I made water bombs for us to play with and we have used them almost daily since.

Supplies:
Scissors
Sponges (2 or 3 per bomb)
Cable ties

If you are using a large sponge (5 inch or so) you will only need 2 sponges per bomb. If you are using smaller sponges, you may want three sponges. Cut each sponge into thirds (larger sizes) or fourths (smaller sizes) and then stack them in layers. See picture for explanation.

Put a cable tie under the sponges and pull tight. Once you have it pulled all the way, trim off the excess.

Now squeeze, squish and soak your water bombs. Do not aim for the face and be sure to play nice!