Constant turnover at daycare centers, safety concerns, and the preference for children to be cared for in their own home are a few of the many reasons many families are looking at an au pair arrangement for child care.  There are pros and cons to be considered, and the cost is certainly more than at a traditional daycare center, but the rewards can be worth it if the au pair and family hit it off well.  The hardest part is that you still have to say goodbye to an au pair between one and two years. 

Character is a common theme taught throughout the month of November at daycare centers and classrooms.  Building on the holiday Thanksgiving and giving thanks for what a child has is emphasized throughout the month by many teachers and child care providers alike.    Caregivers talk about how teaching character, building virtues, and helping others who are less fortunate this month helps kids to maintain a more balanced sense of appreciation and minimizes "the gimmees" during the approaching holidays.   My younger kids are already talking about upcoming canned food drives and warm coat collections, and I'm so glad that they have the giving spirit!  I just hope it carries them through the holidays!

November is a favorite month for many families. Thanksgiving festivities provides an opportunity to teach and remind kids about thankfulness and virtues, and approaching holidays mean parents can reinforce manners and friendships. Cooler weather provides new ideas for fun. Kids aren't yet worn out from activities in November and delight in the seasonal changes and anticipation of what lies ahead.

Are you changing your Halloween plans because of the sickies that seem to be striking just about everywhere?  If so, you're not alone.  Some daycares are not holding their open house fall festivals this year or are forgoing traditional activities like cookie decorating or candy swaps because of the flu (seasonal and swine).  One family child care provider typically has had a pot-luck lunch the week before Halloween where kids dress up and everyone brings something to share, but cancelled this year after several kids have gotten sick.   Some worried parents have curbed their child's trick-or-treating as well, and are instead opting for home celebrations.  As they explain it:  "Doorbells and candy are germ culprits, and you really don't know who has handled the candy--even when they are in wrappers."  Most families are still opting to engage in kid-friendly and safe Halloween activities, however, but may be extra cautious in determining what they'll let their kids eat.

A newly released study shows that at least 1 in 5 U.S. children between the ages of 1 to 11 don't get enough vitamin D, meaning that they are at risk for a host of health problems including weak bones.  According to analysis, almost 90 percent of black children and 80 percent of Hispanic children are considered vitamin D deficient.  A significant effect of vitamin D deficiency in kids involve rickets, which can be treated and prevented with 400 units daily of Vitamin D.   Children can take in 400 units daily by drinking four cups of fortified milk or eating lots of fish.  The body also makes vitamin D when the sunlight hits the skin.  Child care providers can help parents make sure kids to get enough vitamin D by encouraging outdoor play as much as possible during fair-weather conditions, by always serving milk, and encouraging the eating of fish.  Dr. Jonathan Mansbach, a researcher at Harvard Medical School and Children's Hospital in Boston, served as lead author.

I have heard stories about the past practice of chicken pox parties, where parents would deliberately expose their children to the disease in the hopes that they would get only a mild case and not have to suffer a more severe case of it later.  (Luckily, a new vaccine now prevents children from this childhood disease.)  But, this week was the first time I heard of parents who were intentionally exposing their youngsters to the H1N1 flu by having them be around peers or family members who have it.  Why in the world would any sane parent do this?  I asked a local health expert, who surmised that it is because most reported cases are mild now, while fears exist that it could become worse later.  Another explanation is that many parents simply don't trust the H1N1 vaccine as being safe, and would rather take their chances with the swine flu itself.  I don't understand the logic, but know this belief is more than just some media-concocted story.  How?  A parent in my youngest child's school talked about how her husband had swine flu and she was having her family be around him so that "everyone got it at once" so that they would all be healthy for the holidays.  I'm still unsure of what to say, other than "stay away from me!"

Is it true that many moms assume the burder of arranging and paying for child care?  With four out of 10 mothers assuming the role of primary breadwinner today, it makes sense that they would be responsible for finding quality child care.  Obviously, single moms have the primary responsibility as well.  But what about two-parent families?  In a majority of cases, the mother still carries the brunt of arranging child care, finding a babysitter, and even readying the kids and preparing the home before a caregiver arrives or being taken somewhere for child care services.  Is that fair?  No, but it still seems to be a common expectation. 

Even though parents know that afterschool programs are the safest option for their children after the school bell rings and before they get home from work, a new study reports that an increased number of kids are home alone after school.  Reasons cited are cost and availability of programs where families live, although more afterschool programs are offered than ever before.  It's a scary thought indeed, as kids as young as kindergarten are being tasked with getting home and staying safe and out of trouble for hours at a time.

A majority of child care providers plan something special around Halloween, although it may be more to celebrate fall rather than the scarier side of the holiday.  Activities may range from attending a fall harvest, having a costume day, going to a pumpkin patch, or even attending a community-based trick-or-treat daytime event.  Families may opt for a traditional neighborhood trick-or-treat night complete with costume or welcome in fall in a different manner as well.  Regardless of what is planned at your child's care setting or with your family, Halloween safety should be the focus.  Whether you are a care provider or parent, here are Halloween safety tips to keep in mind.