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6 Ways That Your Child Can Benefit From Childcare

Deciding whether or not to send your child to a childcare center can be a challenging decision to make. You may have concerns about leaving them unattended and worry about their feelings. However, there are many reasons why it is a good idea.

Below, we are going to discuss six ways that your child can benefit from attending childcare.

Interested in learning more? Then keep on reading. 

Understanding Emotions

As a child grows, they start to experience all of the different types of emotions, from happiness and joy to frustration and anger. At times this can be overwhelming for them as they don't have the words to express how they really feel. Educators at childcare centers help children manage these emotions with care and support while still teaching about the importance of self-settling. 

Social Interaction

One of the most essential skills that your child learns in childcare is social interaction. Being around other children will help them understand how to form and maintain healthy relationships. They'll learn to share, communicate and listen to others.

If you're looking for a childcare but don't know where to get started, check out Toddle Ringwood. You'll be able to compare centers and locate vacancies. 

Preparation for School

If you want your little one to get a head start before school begins, enrolling them in a childcare is a great step to take. Educators develop programs and activities that help assist in growing their literacy and numeracy skills. They'll learn to recognize letters and numbers and how to write their name. This ensures that they are ready and prepared for their first day. 

Language Development

Language development is essential, and in childcare, educators are trained to promote communication between each child. This is done through group times, one-on-one interactions, and planned activities. Alongside this, regular observations record their progress so that you can see exactly what they are learning. 

Structure and Schedules 

Children benefit from following a schedule. Childcare centers have a program in place that includes everything from their meals and rest time to outdoor play. This not only keeps your child interested throughout the day but helps them use up their energy, so they get a good night's sleep.

However, you should remember that parents are also encouraged to give their input. If you have a routine that you follow at home, most places are understanding and will try their best to stick to it (provided it doesn't disrupt anyone else). 

Self-Help Skills

Finally, the last way your child can benefit from attending a childcare is that they will learn self-help skills. From making their bed to washing their hands and putting on sunscreen. They'll become more independent and confident within themselves. Staff are also nearby to help assist with toilet training and any other requirements. 

And that's it! By reading through the above, you can surely see the advantages that childcare has. For more information, visit your local centers and tour the facilities. From here, you will be able to determine if it's right for you.
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#TBT The Early Years Of Learning

I stumbled across a video this morning that warmed my heart and brought me to tears at the same time. I used to teach William some reading and math basics at home before he was kindergarten age. Who knew he would end up being home schooled. He is in his second semester of third grade, and it looks like he will make high honors again like in the first semester. It's hard to believe that this little munchkin boy will be turning 9 this weekend!

Thanks for stopping by 💖
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Peppa Pig’s Big Splash Live Tour Headed To 40 U.S. Cities

Peppa Pig’s Big Splash, Peppa’s first North American theatre tour resumes on September 14. By popular demand, 40 additional cities have been added to the tour schedule for 2017, including coast-to-coast stops from Anaheim and Oakland to Newark and many more. In addition, the hit live show will make an exciting visit north of the border for the very first time with stops in major Canadian cities, including Toronto, Vancouver and Montreal. The new tour dates will give fans throughout North America one last chance to see Peppa Pig live on stage during this final leg of the Peppa Pig’s Big Splash tour. Tickets for select cities are on sale and available now at www.peppapigliveus.com.

Citi® Cardmember and Facebook presale tickets as well as VIP packages that include a meet and greet, are available for the 2017 tour dates starting Monday, September 12 at 10:00 a.m. (local time).

The Peppa Pig stage show, based on Entertainment One’s (eOne) top-rated TV series airing daily on Nick Jr., is one of the most successful family tours this year. It has sold 250,000 tickets in the U.S. to date with 75 venues completely selling out. The fun-filled show brings the hit TV series to life on stage, giving families the opportunity to engage with their favorite characters like never before for in an unforgettable first live theater experience.


In Peppa Pig’s Big Splash, the nursery roof is leaking and Peppa and her friends need to fix it quickly. They set up a fair to raise money so Mr. Bull can do the repairs. There’s plenty of fun to be had as Peppa, George, Mummy and Daddy Pig, along with Danny Dog, Pedro Pony and Suzy Sheep work together to organize an exciting day out complete with a Champion Puddle Jumping Competition judged by Mr. Potato, where everyone gets wet! An interactive experience full of singing, dancing, games, and muddy puddles, Peppa Pig’s Big Splash is a guaranteed oinktastic blast for the whole family.

For more information about Peppa Pig’s Big Splash, please visit www.peppapigliveus.com, Facebook and Twitter.

The current tour schedule includes:
2016 
September 14 Greenvale, NY Tilles Center for the Arts
September 15 Syracuse, NY Crouse-Hinds Theatre at John H. Mulroy CC at Oncenter
September 16 Binghamton, NY The Forum Theatre
September 17 Morristown, NJ Mayo Performing Arts Center
September 18 New Brunswick, NJ State Theatre
September 21 Portland, ME Merrill Auditorium at City Hall
September 22 Orono, ME Collins Center For The Arts
September 23 Waterbury, CT The Palace Theater
September 24 Kingston, NY Ulster Performing Arts Center
September 25 Williamsport, PA Williamsport Community Arts Center
September 27 Durham, NC Durham Performing Arts Center
September 28 Cleveland, OH Playhouse Square - State Theatre
September 29 Charleston, WV Clay Center for Arts & Sciences
September 30 Norfolk, VA Chrysler Hall Theatre
October 1 Roanoke, VA Berglund Performing Arts Theatre
October 2 Charlotte, NC Belk Theater at North Carolina Blumenthal PAC
October 4 Savannah, GA Johnny Mercer Theater - Savannah Civic Center
October 5 Chattanooga, TN Tivoli Theatre
October 6 Asheville, NC Thomas Wolfe Auditorium
October 7 Columbia, SC Township Auditorium
October 8 Richmond, KY Eastern Kentucky University - EKU Center for the Arts
October 9 Columbus, OH Palace Theatre
October 11 South Bend, IN Morris Performing Arts Center
October 12 Kalamazoo, MI Miller Auditorium
October 14 Merrillville, IN Star Plaza Theatre
October 15 Appleton, WI Fox Cities Performing Arts Center
October 16 Waukegan, IL Genesee Theatre
October 18 Lincoln, NE Lied Center for Performing Arts
October 19 Ames, IA Stephens Auditorium – Iowa State Center
October 20 Davenport, IA Adler Theatre
October 21 Bowling Green, KY Southern Kentucky Performing Arts Center
October 22 Memphis, TN Orpheum Theatre
October 23 Augusta, GA Bell Auditorium

2017 
March 25 Anaheim, CA The Grove of Anaheim
March 26 Santa Barbara, CA Arlington Theatre
March 28 Bakersfield, CA The Fox Theatre
March 29 Sacramento, CA Sacramento Community Center Theater
March 30 Santa Rosa CA Luther Burbank Center for the Arts
March 31 Fresno, CA Warnors Theatre
April 1 Modesto, CA Gallo Center For The Arts
April 2 Oakland, CA Fox Theater
April 4 Redding, CA Redding Civic Auditorium
April 5 Portland, OR Schnitzer Hall
April 6 Seattle, WA Paramount Theatre
April 7 Vancouver, BC Queen Elizabeth Theatre
April 8 Kelowna, BC Kelowna Community Theatre
April 9 Calgary, AB Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium
April 11 Edmonton, AB Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium
April 12 Regina, SK Conexus Arts Centre
April 13 Winnipeg, MB Burton Cummings Theatre
April 14 Grand Forks, ND Chester Fritz Auditorium
April 15 Sioux Falls, SD Washington Pavilion of Arts and Science
April 18 Toronto, ON Sony Centre For Performing Arts
April 19 Kitchener, ON Centre in the Square
April 20 Hamilton, ON Hamilton Place Theatre
April 21 Montreal, QC Place Des Arts Theatre
April 22 London, ON Budweiser Gardens
April 23 Ottawa, ON National Arts Centre
April 25 Lowell, MA Lowell Memorial Auditorium
April 26 Burlington, VT Flynn Center For The Performing Arts
April 27 Newark, NJ New Jersey Performing Arts Center
April 28 Scranton, PA Harry & Jeanette Weinberg Theatre at Scranton
April 29 Staten Island, NY St. George Theatre
April 30 Lancaster, PA American Music Theatre
May 2 Bethesda, MD Music Center at Strathmore
May 3 Sewell, NJ TD Bank Arts Center
May 5 Asbury Park, NJ Paramount Theatre
May 6 Rochester, NY Eastman Theatre
May 7 Springfield, MA Symphony Hall

Show Credits:
• Directed by Richard Lewis
• Composer Mani Svavarsson
• Matt Lewis is lyricist
• Simon Scullion is designer
• Andy Booth is music director
• Produced by Red Light Management, Fiery Angel and eOne
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Get ready for back-to-school with Fiskars #ad

As we near the end of July, it's time to start preparing for back-to-school. This means clothing, shoes, backpacks and school supplies. My kids have always enjoyed buying school supplies even if they aren't overly enthusiastic about going back to long school days and homework. I'm a big believer in buying quality school supplies and don't mind paying a little more for items that will last longer. Fiskars school scissors have been the only brand I have purchased since the pre-school days. My youngest child had the training scissors that were so important in helping his little hands master how to cut paper. 
Fiskars makes sizes and varieties for all different needs. I love the fun bold colors they now make. The quality is the same that it has always been. I don't think my kids have ever broken a pair of Fiskars scissors before. They are just that durable.
I love the non-stick blades. They give a clean cut. 
Fiskars is currently running a giveaway on their Facebook page to win a set of Kids Scissors for the entire class! Parents or teachers can enter. Wouldn't you want your kids' class to have high-quality scissors that will last all year long? It took me less than a minute to enter.
I can't believe how many different types of cutting implements they make. I have my eye on some of the mixed-media and fabric shears. I may have to treat myself! Yes, I get excited over cutting tools! Oh and you crafting mamas would drool over the selection. You can find the Fiskars brand at many retailers nationwide and of course you will see all the kids' scissors in the back-to-school section. Now that I think about it, a new sharp pair of scissors might be a nice thing to give my little one's teacher as a gift. Check out the Fiskars website and connect on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram.

I received products samples from Fiskars in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own as always. 
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My kid could have been a character on Drake & Josh

Do any of you remember the show Drake & Josh? My daughters always enjoyed that show (any maybe I did too) and they compare their sweet little brother William to the little sister, played by Miranda Cosgrove (Megan). You see, the sweet boy in the photo can melt your heart by just one smile.  He can wrap just about anyone around his little finger. He is smart, charismatic and sneaky. He is goood.
Around myself and his dad, William is the good little son... or at least that's how he portrays himself. When he gets around his sisters, he bosses them around and does all the typical, pestering things that little brothers do. As soon as one of the girls try to reprimand him, he runs up to me and tells me (sad face and all) how badly his sisters are treating him and how they need to be in trouble. You should see how pathetic he behaves when he does this. When I go and ask the girls what happened they say he did {insert offense here} and William innocently tries to defend himself. He will plead with me that he didn't do anything and then turn around and make faces at his sisters. He thinks he is so slick too! Funny thing is as I type this post, he is standing at the doorway of my office telling me "My girls are boddering me, they're being bad". I tell ya, boys are a whole different species!!

Shelly, Mom Files
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William's preschool updates

We are in the thick of things around here. Getting William prepared for school takes a great part of the day and sometimes I am ready to give up. He has become obsessed with the idea of going to kindergarten and asks me fifty million times a day if it is time to start yet. It gets tiring, but I guess it's good that he has such an interest in school, having a teacher and making friends. Speaking of friends, I remember about 2 years ago William was very anti-social when it came to being around other children. I was so afraid that he would never like kids his age!
Times have changed and he has become very social. Most people consider home schooled children to be less social but that is not the case here. William is very friendly and loves to be around other children. We went to Monkey Joe's the other day and there was a little boy around his age that was playing alone. William went up to him and introduced himself by saying "Hello, my name is William" and he gave the boy a handshake! The little boy was very shy but eventually warmed up and played with William. His mother was so grateful that William made her son feel comfortable in the environment. She was also very amazed when she found out that William was only four. She said that he was mature beyond his years. I do get that a lot from people. William is very mature and disciplined for his age (and gender). We are so proud of how well he is developing in all areas and can't wait for school to start next year. I think he will do just fine!
Shelly, Mom Files
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Wordless Wednesday | Halloween 2012

William dressed up as a scary dinosaur this year...a Carnotaurus, to be exact! That's what he says he was so we just went with it. We were so lucky to find this great quality costume at T.J. Maxx for only $21! We looked in the Halloween Express store and was not impressed by the cheap quality and marked up prices. If you haven't found a costume yet for you little one, I highly recommend T.J. Maxx!

Such enthusiasm, eh?
Shelly, Mom Files
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Trying to keep it together

I have been absent from the online world lately. My days are filled with all things back-to-school, volleyball practices, registration, senior pictures, preschool (at home) preparations, being a good wife, keeping our home in order and taking some down time with the family. It has consumed my time! I have had some really good days as well as some trying ones. So far, both girls are ready to start school next week. They both are fully registered, picked up books, got lockers and have completed everything needed for a smooth start. They also have been going through volleyball conditioning all summer long and had try-outs last week. Both of them made the Girl's Varsity team! The first scrimmage of the season is today. It is going to be a treat to watch my girls play together on the same team. They are excited about it as well...it is heart-warming :)

I have been getting things together for William to get him ready for kindergarten next year. It is so different teaching him that it was with the girls. I beat myself up a lot because there is so much he does not know or has trouble with. I feel like I am failing him most days. Sometimes I have a good cry and want to throw in the towel and just put him in pre-k. Other days, he does an amazing job and shows how much he is absorbing. My problem is that when my girls were little, technology had not quite blossomed yet. We didn't have a computer until the oldest started kindergarten and it was a while before we obtained digital gadgets. Of course back in the day, our means of learning was to physically go to the library and check out books for projects. Now in this day, our kids will receive mandatory mini notebook computers for school use. I am surprised they still have actual books. I know one thing though, some of the most basic things in life can't be taught from a computer. I have vowed to focus in on William and make sure I give him all I can over the course of the next year, to get him where he needs to be. I will fight through my own insecurities and anxiety and do whatever it takes.

If anyone has any tips to share on things I can incorporate into preschool at home, I would appreciate it! So is everyone ready for school to start back?

Shelly, Mom Files
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Four year old boys and shopping

Today I took all 3 kids out to do some back-to-school shopping. We had the stores all mapped out and set time goals. One thing I always do before we leave the house is make sure William is well fed and goes to the bathroom. Everything was set. We headed out. The first few stops were simple because we were literally in and out within minutes. The last stop required us to be in the store for over an hour. Belk had a HUGE clearance sale with tons of merchandise to browse through, so naturally it would take some time. Along the way, the girls would try on a few items and add them to the growing stack. William behaved pretty well and kept picking up random strands of thread from the floor. I usually don't encourage picking things up from the floor but made an exception this time. It was just thread after all.

You can tell that he was getting tired of being in the store so I took him to the boy's department. He then tells me how the store was starting to make him sad. He said he wanted to feel happy again, very dramatically at that. So after the long time spent in the store and the even longer time at the check-out, we finally headed for the exit. Of course all you heard was the loud BEEP BEEP BEEP. We went back to the check-out counter to find out why we were beeping. It turned out from the piles of clothes we bought, there was one ink tag that was not removed. We headed  back to the exit and were successful. We made it out of there! William begged to go home and I gave him his wish. After we were home for about 30 minutes I looked down on the couch and saw this. It was a collection of all the thread my boy picked up throughout the store.
All I could do was laugh. Of course, once he falls asleep tonight, I will turn into the mean mom and throw it away. He might have dislike being in a boring old department store but surely found a way to keep himself occupied!

The last two photos are from a recent visit we had at Monkey Joe's. It is hard to get decent photos when your kid is running wild! It is our new once-a-week spot to go to, especially with how hot it has been. You can't beat all the bouncing, jumping, climbing, sliding and screaming fun! I look forward to when school starts back so we can go on 'Half-price Tuesdays'.


Shelly, Mom Files
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Word-full Wednesday


I bought this book on clearance about a year ago for William and it only occurred to me yesterday that the Dr. Seuss "I can read all by myself" logo was upside down. I can't figure out if it was a mistake and put on clearance, or if it was made like that on purpose because of what the book is about. Hmmm, they mysteries of life...

Needless to say, William loves this book and enjoys pointing all the wacky things he comes across throughout the day. It is our special Wednesday book and I found it fitting to share today :-)
Shelly, Mom Files
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He still LOVES Carmex

I will start off by saying that this photo was in no way set-up nor was the row of Carmex arranged by no one other them William himself. I can't believe he had 5 of them at one time and was so proud spread them out and count them. William wakes up some mornings and the first thing that comes out of his mouth is "Where is my Carmex cherry?". He knows his little hiding places and will search high and low to find them! Wow, I am thinking intervention here! My boy is too funny :)


Shelly, Mom Files
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Snack is Fwack

Lately William has shown us what a big boy he is through his language. He never fails to amaze us with the words that come out of his mouth. He can speak in full sentences and manage to throw in some big words here and there. He does have one little problem though. He has trouble pronouncing his "L" and "S" sounds. For instance:
  • snack = fwack
  • snake = fwake
  • sleep = fweep
  • smell = fwell
  • slippers = fwippers
  • smart....I'll let you figure that one out!
It seems to be more of a trend with the sl, sn and sm words. He can say words like sky, sister, sun... I have been working with him to correct it and he gets it sometimes. It is really neat that he can say certain words flawlessly and others more in "baby talk". We are still very proud with how much he has learned and think back to the days that we thought he would never speak. I am hoping in the near future I will have the same memory about potty training!

Did your child have any issues with his/her speech? What did you do about it?
Shelly, Mom Files
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Homeschool or public school?

I am still trying to decide what to do with William. There is a HUGE part of me that wants to home school him. Then there is a tiny part of me that wants to send him to school. If I do send him to school then I would more than likely need to put him in preschool to get him used to a classroom setting. Oh what to do, what to do... This is one of those things I think about most of the day. I just don't know what to do!
Shelly, Mom Files
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William + School = HAPPY!

William's favorite thing to do these days besides fishing is going to "school". He loves when it is time to practice his alphabet sounds and words on the computer. You would not believe the squeals and excitement that comes out of this kid over lesson time. I hope this love for learning is here to stay.
**Please pardon his tongue chewing!



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Math= FREE time!

We went to Chick-fil-a yesterday and William was not interested in the food. He snatched up all the sauces to line them up so he could count them! He would keep rearranging them and had about 20 minutes of uninterrupted fun. This meant 20 minutes of peace for ME! :) I wonder what it would have been like if he had 10 or more sauce packs?

Shelly, Mom Files
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Preschool at home

I take my stay-at-home mom gig quite seriously so I do my best to stay on top of teaching William all I can. I recently started having him sort beans by color and size and then counting them. You would not believe how much enjoyment he gets out of it. He yells out each color and then places it in the correct group. Then he pretends to be me and says "Now count the beans".

Of course I would never leave him unattended for long with the beans~ Not that he would put them in his mouth but he would probably try to throw them all over the place or even at the dog. I think I am going to make a chart of each type of bean by gluing them in groups to help avoid a lot of mess. Of course I am sure he will figure out how to peel them off :)


Shelly, Mom Files
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My boy loves Dora and friends

It is amazing how much little William LOVES Dora the Explorer. He is always requesting to watch Dora and Boots. He is lucky that we can watch it On Demand through our digital cable. It's neat when you hear your toddler counting in Spanish from 1-10 and saying words like mountain, crocodile lake, rain forest or even "We did it!"

I think Dora the Explorer is one of the best preschool programs on television and I was thrilled to receive a complimentary copy of the new Dora the Explorer magazine! I love the fact that all of Dora's friends are featured, giving it a more gender neutral feel. The issue is filled with fun activities like coloring pages, matching games, puzzles, stickers and more. William sat down quietly and went through each page thoroughly and I was taken back by how much he knew. I admit, I did remove the stickers and hide them because I don't want to see what he might try to "decorate" with them :)

He was really into this particular page. He loves telling me what all the objects are. He is enjoying his magazine! I think that if he was a year older he would be able to do more of the activities in it. It's a great magazine and I would totally recommend it to any Dora fan.
Shelly, Mom Files
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