Summer is a time for fun in the sun, but all that activity can lead to dehydration if we’re not careful. At Early Bloom Academy, we understand the importance of keeping children hydrated and healthy, and we’re here to share some valuable tips for families.

The Importance of Hydration

While adults can often rely on their thirst cues, children may not always recognize or communicate their need for fluids. It’s crucial to proactively offer water and hydrating foods throughout the day to prevent dehydration, which can manifest as dizziness, fatigue, and headaches.

Water is the Best Choice:

While other beverages like coconut water and diluted juice can contribute to fluid intake, plain water is the gold standard for hydration, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. They strongly advise against energy drinks for children due to their high sugar and caffeine content. Many sports drinks also contain unnecessary ingredients for children.  For a refreshing twist, try adding slices of lemon, lime, or orange to water.

How Much Water Do Children Need?

Monitoring water intake is essential, especially for children who may not express thirst readily.  A general guideline is that children should drink at least six cups of water daily. The Institute of Medicine of the National Academies provides more specific recommendations:

• 1-3 years: Approximately 4 cups
• 4-8 years: Approximately 5 cups
• 9-13 years: Approximately 8 cups (boys), 7 cups (girls)
• 14-18 years: Approximately 11 cups (boys), 8 cups (girls)

Hydration Strategies:

• Timing is Key: Encourage children to drink water about 30 minutes before physical activity, such as swimming or outdoor games, and then every 15-20 minutes during the activity.
• Water-Rich Foods: Incorporate hydrating fruits and vegetables into your child’s diet. Watermelon, berries, apples, cherries, grapes, oranges, tomatoes, cucumbers, pineapples, and leafy greens are all excellent choices. These foods also provide essential vitamins and antioxidants.
• The Lunchbox Trick: Pack a frozen water bottle in your child’s lunchbox. It will help keep food cool and provide a refreshing drink by lunchtime.

Recognizing Dehydration:

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends contacting your family doctor if you observe any of the following signs of mild to moderate dehydration:

• Decreased activity level
• Infrequent urination
• Dry mouth
• Fewer tears when crying
• Sunken fontanel (soft spot) in infants and toddlers

At Early Bloom Academy, we are committed to promoting the health and well-being of every child. By working together, we can ensure children stay hydrated and healthy throughout the summer and beyond.

Handwashing is one of the most effective ways to protect children’s health and well-being. At Early Bloom Academy, we prioritize teaching and reinforcing proper handwashing techniques throughout the day.  We believe that partnering with families is essential to instill these healthy habits for life.

Why Handwashing Matters

Children are naturally curious and explore the world around them, often coming into contact with germs.  Because they frequently touch their eyes, nose, and mouth, handwashing becomes a critical defense against the spread of illness.  Beyond the obvious times like after using the restroom, we encourage handwashing before meals, after playing with shared toys, after nose-blowing, coughing, or sneezing, after outdoor play, and after contact with pets.

The Handwashing How-To

Making handwashing a consistent routine is key. Here’s a simple guide to help your child master the technique:

• Soap is Essential: Soap effectively lifts dirt and germs from the skin. Plain water alone is not sufficient.
• Scrub-a-Dub-Dub: Thorough scrubbing is vital. Encourage children to lather and scrub between their fingers, around their nails, and under their fingernails, where germs often hide.
• The 20-Second Rule: The duration of handwashing matters. Aim for at least 20 seconds of lathering and scrubbing. A fun way to time this is by singing “Row, Row, Row Your Boat” or the “ABC’s” twice.
• Water Temperature: While warm water can feel nice, the temperature isn’t the most critical factor in germ removal. Running water, regardless of temperature, is key. Cool water may even be gentler on sensitive skin.
• Clean Towels are Key: A clean hand towel is essential. Change towels frequently to prevent the spread of germs.

A Community Effort

Handwashing isn’t just beneficial for individual families; it contributes to the health of our entire community.  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has shown that proper handwashing can significantly reduce respiratory illnesses, like colds, and diarrheal illnesses.

At Early Bloom Academy, we are committed to creating a healthy and nurturing environment for all children.  By working together, we can empower children with the knowledge and habits they need to stay healthy and thrive.

October is dedicated to Bullying Prevention Month. The truth is, preventing bullying starts much, much earlier. In preschool, it’s not about kids intentionally hurting each other; they’re just beginning to figure out how to navigate big feelings and new friendships. It’s too soon for anything like cyberbullying, but you’ll definitely see disagreements and moments of frustration.

At Early Bloom Academy, we believe in giving little ones the foundational skills they need to thrive, both in the classroom and in life. As they grow with us, we gently guide them in vital anti-bullying skills: learning to pause and think before they act, understanding and managing their emotions, figuring out how to solve problems with friends, and being flexible when things don’t go their way. These are the building blocks that help children manage friendships, work through conflicts, develop a strong sense of who they are, and build confidence – all fantastic bully-busting qualities!

While “bullying” can sound serious, there are so many fun and engaging ways to help your preschooler develop a healthy self-image and a genuine respect for everyone around them. Here are five simple activities you can try at home or with friends to help stop bullying before it ever has a chance to start:

Play “Guess Who?”

This classic game is a wonderful way to teach children to notice and appreciate what makes each person unique. Start by describing someone you both know, focusing on their favorite toy, the color of their hair, or something else simple. As your child guesses, you can gently introduce the idea that everyone has special qualities, and that’s what makes us all so wonderfully different.

Craft Family Portraits

Gather your child’s favorite art supplies and invite them to draw pictures of different families in your life, including your own. As you create, talk openly about the similarities and differences between your friends’ families and your own. Point out how each family brings something special to your lives. The beautiful takeaway? No matter how families might look different, love is always at their heart.

Chart Similarities and Differences

Differences are truly beautiful! This activity helps your child recognize and embrace what makes everyone unique, while also introducing some basic math concepts. Together, create a simple chart of characteristics, hobbies, or traits (like: “tall,” “funny,” “wears glasses,” “speaks Spanish,” “loves donuts,” etc.). You’ll see how all the people in your life add rich variety to your community, and how each person shines in their own special way.

Imagine Being Someone Else

Pretend play is a powerhouse for building empathy! When children imagine themselves as someone else (or even the family pet!), they’re stepping into the hearts and minds of others, which helps them see the world from a brand new perspective. The best part? Kids don’t need much to start pretending – just their imaginations! Dress-up clothes, household items, or even empty boxes can spark all kinds of adventures. And don’t forget, you were a child once too, so join in the fun and watch the magic unfold!

Help Give Back to Your Community

A strong community thrives when its members support each other. One impactful way to help your child understand this is by showing them their role as a helper. Young children naturally love to assist, so channel that energy into action! Brainstorm a list of ways they can show kindness and lift up family members, friends, or even classmates. Chat with your child about how their actions, big or small, help build a community where everyone feels safe and belongs.

It feels like everywhere we look these days, everyone’s “plugged in,” even our youngest children. Whether they’re playing games, using educational apps, watching videos, or even peeking at social media, screen time is definitely a part of modern life. And while technology is an incredible tool, it also comes with a few worries, like kids being less active, having trouble sleeping, feeling a bit isolated, and even facing bullying.

At Early Bloom Academy, as a leading early childhood education provider, we share your thoughts about how much screen time children are getting and how they’re using it. These early years are crucial for children to develop the critical thinking skills they’ll need to make smart life choices, and that includes making safe digital choices. We have the privilege of teaching and caring for many children every day, and a big part of that involves guiding them to make better choices online through our Technology Track and STEM Learning Adventures programs. These programs help children explore coding, digital art, game design, and digital citizenship. We truly want kids to be active creators of technology, not just passive consumers. Our goal is for them to use technology as a tool to learn, discover the world, and build connections. But above all, we want our children to be safe.

Here are five practical tips to help children become safe digital learners and develop those essential 21st-century skills:

1. Set Smart Limits on Screen Time

Real-life, unstructured play is a fantastic way to boost children’s creativity and help them explore their world. The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests that children under two should generally avoid digital media (except for the occasional video chat with family), and two- to five-year-olds should stick to no more than an hour a day. Of course, a little screen time for your preschooler or school-aged child isn’t the end of the world! Just focus on setting clear limits and encouraging plenty of free play with friends or siblings, reading on their own or with you, going for walks, or playing outside. And remember, the more interactive the screen time, the better it is for your child.

2. Be Part of Their Online World

You chat with your kids about their day at school and who their friends are, right? It’s just as important to talk about what they’re doing and who they’re connecting with online. Try sitting with your children while they’re on a device and engaging with what they’re watching, reading, or creating. Be more than just a watchful eye; participate and help facilitate their learning. Let your children know they can always come to you about anything they see online, no matter what. The more you interact with them during screen time, the stronger your connection will be.

3. Use Technology as a Creative Tool

That “educational” app your child loves might claim to be beneficial, but what are they truly learning as their little fingers swipe across the screen? Technology can unlock incredible freedom for children to discover, create, and tinker, but only if the tools they’re using genuinely encourage curiosity and critical thinking. When we use technology at Early Bloom Academy, we make sure the children are “driving” the technology, not the other way around. It’s a great idea to check out reviews, like those on Common Sense Media, to ensure those favorite online apps and games are truly age-appropriate and put children in the driver’s seat of their learning.

4. Teach Thoughtful Online Behavior

What we put online can stay there for a long, long time. Talk with your children about how their online posts can influence how people see them – for better or worse. You can model great online behavior by teaching them to really think critically about what they read and hear online, and where that information came from. No matter our age, we all benefit from a reminder to pause and think before reacting to something we see or hear from a friend, whether we’re online or off.

5. Create Tech-Free Zones

Mealtime, family time, and bedtime are perfect opportunities to put screens away and truly be present with one another. It’s not enough to just turn down the volume or have a screen on in the background – completely turn off your electronics and encourage everyone in your family to connect the good old-fashioned way. You’ll be amazed where the conversation (or play!) might lead. Need a little help with this? Take a cue from our curriculum developers here at Early Bloom Academy. Many families have a special box they call their “phone home,” where all phones and portable electronics go during mealtimes, family time, and at bedtime. It’s a gentle reminder for everyone, kids and adults alike, about when to put down the screens and simply enjoy each other’s company.

Together, we can empower children to be smart and safe in their online adventures. Creating an open and understanding atmosphere about online activity helps build respectful, caring, and supportive relationships that allow our children to truly grow and thrive.

Winter weather can be harsh on delicate skin, leading to dryness, chapping, and irritation. At Early Bloom Academy, we understand the importance of protecting children’s skin during the colder months. We’ve compiled some helpful tips to keep your child’s skin healthy and happy, allowing them to fully enjoy winter activities.

Prevention is Key:

• Hydration from Within: Healthy skin starts with proper hydration. Encourage your child to drink plenty of water throughout the day.
• Shield from the Elements: When outdoors, especially on cold and windy days, protect your child’s face and lips with a scarf or a hat that includes a face covering. For infants in strollers, consider using a plastic weather shield to create a barrier against the cold air.

Sun Protection is Still Essential: Don’t forget sunscreen in the winter! Snow reflects a significant amount of UV rays, making sun protection just as important as in the summer months.

Bath Time Adjustments:

Bathing can actually contribute to dry skin by stripping away natural oils. Consider these modifications:

• Less is Often More: If possible, reduce the frequency of full baths. A warm washcloth wipe can be a gentle alternative on non-bath days.
• Shorter Baths: Limit bath time to no more than 10 minutes, especially if your child has dry skin.
• Gentle Cleansing: Avoid bubble baths and harsh soaps, opting for mild cleansers designed for sensitive skin.
• Lukewarm Water: Use lukewarm water instead of hot water, which can further dry out the skin.
• Moisturize Immediately: Apply a generous amount of moisturizer to your child’s skin while it’s still damp after bathing to lock in moisture.

Lotion is Your Friend:

While essential during cold and flu season, frequent handwashing can also lead to dryness. Keep a gentle moisturizer readily available near the sink and encourage your child to use it after washing their hands.

Indoor Air Quality:

Heated indoor air can contribute to dry skin. A humidifier can help increase moisture levels in your home. However, it’s crucial to maintain and clean humidifiers regularly to prevent mold and bacteria growth. Consult resources like the Mayo Clinic’s guidelines for humidifier care for best practices.

When to Consult a Pediatrician:

If your child experiences persistent dry skin, windburn, or other skin irritations, it’s essential to consult with their pediatrician. They can provide personalized recommendations for over-the-counter or prescription treatments to soothe and heal irritated skin.

At Early Bloom Academy, we are committed to partnering with families to ensure the well-being of every child. By following these tips, we can help keep children’s skin healthy and comfortable throughout the winter season.

Starting daycare is a big step—a mix of excitement and maybe a little worry for both you and your child. But with the right approach, you can make this transition a positive and empowering experience.

At EBA, Every Child Matters: Empowering Through Family, Leadership, Environment, and Community Support. A Collective responsibility, a community working together.

Here’s how to set your child up for success:

• Build a Foundation of Routine: Children thrive on predictability. Establishing consistent wake-up, meal, and nap times at home, and mirroring the daycare schedule will make the transition much smoother. Start these routines a few weeks in advance to give your child time to adjust.
• Explore and Discover Together: Visiting the daycare center beforehand is key. Let your child explore the classrooms, and play areas, and meet the caregivers. This transforms the unknown into something familiar and exciting.
• Paint a Picture of Fun: Talk about daycare in a positive and enthusiastic way. Highlight all the fun activities, new friends, and learning experiences that await them. Reading books about daycare can also help build anticipation and ease any anxieties.
• Empower with Independence: Teaching your child simple self-help skills, like using the bathroom, washing hands, and putting on shoes, will boost their confidence and make them feel more capable in the daycare environment.
• Create a Comforting Goodbye Ritual: Saying goodbye can be tough for both of you. Establishing a consistent and reassuring goodbye routine, like a special hug, a kiss, or a shared phrase, can ease separation anxiety and provide comfort.

At Early Bloom Academy, we are dedicated to a true partnership with families, supporting you and your child every step of the way. We encourage you to reach out with any questions you may have. Our commitment is to ensuring a seamless and joyful transition for your child into our care.