Keeping Kids Safe: Halloween Tips for Toddlers and Preschoolers

www.babyandbeyond.ca

The spooky season is approaching and parents are starting to ask the big question: “What do you want to be for Halloween?” This spook-tacular time of year is a blast for toddlers and preschoolers who are just starting to trick-or-treat on their own, and a blast for parent picking out their kids’ costumes. When it comes to all Hallow’s Eve however, trick-or-treating can be scarier for the parents than the children; there are a lot of safety hazards to think about. Many Moms and Dads are turning to malls for candy, but we think the traditional neighbourhood pilgrimage is still the most fun if you follow some basic Halloween Safety tips!

1.       The Perfect Fit. Find a costume that fits your little one properly and doesn’t drag or have too many flowing pieces. Thos little legs have a hard enough time navigating bumpy sidewalks in the dark and can get caught up in long dresses or dragging capes; make sure to hem costumes that are too long.

2.       Dress for the Weather.  Halloween night can be downright cold so make sure your child has the proper clothing on to beat the chill. Be sure to leave a little extra wiggle room in the girth of the costume so sweaters and maybe even long johns can fit underneath. Most children’s stores, Canadian baby Boutiques and even supermarkets are now selling cute gloves and hats that can easily be worn as an accessory to a ghastly outfit.

3.       Don’t hide that face! It has been said before but we’ll say it again: instead of masks, wear makeup! Masks may look cool, but unfortunately they can seriously hamper a child’s ability to breath and see properly. If your kid’s costume simply just won’t work without the mask try these tips to make them safer:

·         Cut off the bottom portion of the mask and leave the mouth free to breathe. Simply use makeup to accentuate the bottom portion of the face.

·         Cut the eyeholes a bit bigger. Again, you can use cheap, store-bought makeup to fill in the gaps a bit (be careful not to get the makeup too close to those precious peepers!)

·         Situate the mask properly. Make sure the mask is in the right place and tightened enough so it will stay where it is supposed to be.

4.       Lighten the load. Little legs can only go so far, so fast without any help carrying the load and a tuckered toddler is no fun. Candy gets heavy Mom & Dad! Don’t load your tot down with weapons, bags and accessories: take the bare minimum. If your little one is REALLY little, think about taking a wagon for rides if they get too tired (or to carry all their Halloween booty!)

5.       Be Seen. Even though it’s dark for little boys and ghouls on Halloween night and they still need to make themselves be seen. If you can’t choose a bright costume (Dracula wears all black!) then try and incorporate some reflective tape on pillowcases, jack o’ lanterns, shoes, etc. Or, consider glowsticks and glowstick bracelet and necklaces (available at a ‘dollar store” near you.) The brighter your child is, the more likely it is they will be seen by passing drivers.

6.       Learn the rules of the road. Even if your kids are accompanied by an adult, they still need to recognize the dangers of the road. Caution them not to run out across the road, but instead to always cross at sidewalk corners where possible. If you are with a group of kids, form a hand-holding chain before you cross.

7.       House Rules. Before you venture out, chat with your kids about the Halloween house rules.

·         Step off of the porch after yelling your “Trick-or-treat” to avoid getting knocked down by the door.

·         Only go to houses with their porch light on and watch for pumpkins lit with candles –they can be a fire hazard.

·         Never go inside to get candy – make the candy come to you!

·         Don’t dip into treats before you get home – always have them checked by an adult first.

Have fun this Halloween and be safe. Make sure that the only thing that’s terrifying this year are your little monsters!

Lilly Gordon is a freelance writer and web publisher. She is a Mom of two boys and loves writing about holiday tips for kids and infants and kids costumes for Halloween.

7 Tools for Better Internal Communication: Intranet Software Solutions - just the tip of the iceberg

Companies, organizations, school systems; no matter the size or purpose of the organization, it is more important now that ever in the global workforce to focus on proper internal communications. The most successful organizations are those with happy employees and employee satisfaction starts internally. Effective internal communication requires a well-thought out plan; one that encompasses the mission and values of the company or group.  Many executives, business owners and supervisors make the mistake of thinking that people can read their minds or that the memo sent out last week was not filtered directly into the “Trash” folder of employee inboxes. Effective internal relations involve modern intranet software solutions, actual face-to-face time and a willingness to listen.

1.       Intranet Software Solutions: Recognizing the effect that good internal communication has on the success of businesses, many software companies have come out with their versions of intranet software or document sharing software. Some software is even specifically designed for certain industries. Intranets are like internal bulletin boards that employees or members can use to access all of the current company information, news, events, celebrations, reports, etc. without paper copies and internal happenings away from the public eye. Intranet postings replace paper memos and company-wide emails. Instead of printing out copies of documents that get lost in the “In-Box”, unfinished documents and reports are shared via the intranet. As well, group discussions can happen in a fraction of the time it would take to have a lengthy phone conference.  Employees can make more informed decisions and make more time-effective choices when checking an organization’s intranet.

2.       Creating Company Policies: Many companies have very steadfast policies , visions and missions but due to lack of communication they fail to convey the importance of the rules, regulations, tone and culture of the office. If a company or organizational policy handbook or statement is made available to all employees, less time will be wasted by supervisors gently enforcing or explaining the employer’s vision and direction.

3.       Detailed Job Descriptions: Accompanying every employee’s copy to the company Policy should be a detailed job description. If every employee has a complete description of their overall duties, there shouldn’t be much overlap in people’s tasks; this will make everyone’s job more time effective and efficient.

4.       Performance Reviews: All personnel have one question: How am I doing? And even if they don’t want to know, it’s an employer’s responsibility to tell them on at least a yearly basis. Employees generally want feedback and can then know that they are on the right track and what area’s need improvement (if any.) If also gives people a chance to personally and privately communicate any ideas, or concerns. As an employer, having a a “Job Well Done” chat (whether formal or informal) is essential  to employee well-being and confidence. It is also a great opportunity to review goals and job direction.

5.       Have Regular Meetings: Scheduling weekly or monthly meetings with the whole department is crucial for effective internal communications. Employees need to feel as though they are being heard; conversely this is the perfect time for management to hear feedback and new ideas from ther employees or team of employees.  If the department is too large for a sit-down meeting, consider other resources or communication tools like Skype.

6.       Make Procedures a Priority: Every company should have a set of procedures for every situation. Also, desk references and templates are a must. Posting them on the company intranet will give all employees another way to be time efficient when creating reports, filing, contacting customers or sending proposals. This will reduce frustration over producing original documents, etc.

7.       Celebrate Accomplishments: Whether people are retiring, starting a family or reaching their goals, they deserve a chance to be recognized for their hard work and team efforts. They also deserve a chance to see employers publicly recognize and congratulate them.

Internal communications can most definitely make or break an organization and should be a priority for all business owners, CEOs and management. Not only can they retain employees and reduce costs, they can also learn a thing or two along the way.

Lilly Gordon is a freelance writer and web publisher. She is currently researching internal communications and Sharepoint Alternatives.

Mildew & Mold Removal: When to Do it Yourself and When to Call a Professional

Mildew and mold removal is usually a topic reserved for those with some BIG basement problems... right? Wrong! Mold can grow anywhere in your house where there is moisture; bathrooms, window frames, walls – anywhere there is an excess of humidity and wetness. The most typical places to have a mold problem are basements and bathrooms but no room is really safe when faced with water damage and restoration. When homeowners are faced with mold problems, they need to know how to remediate mold, and whether or not to call in the professionals.

When to Call the Mold Remediation Crew
Calling in a mold remediation crew can be an expensive prospect but a necessary one. Mold and black mold are dangerous organic fungi that can pose serious health threats to people and animals. Generally they cause respiratory illnesses that are hard to treat; if your household needs a mold remediation expert then you will have to come up with the cash. (The damage caused may be covered by your home insurance.)

If you have small to moderate mold formation in your home, on drywall, insulation carpet padding, etc., you can probably handle the removal yourself. If the area is less than 10 square feet, you can easily and fairly cheaply turn your mold problem around. IF the affected area is bigger OR if the damage is caused by something that’s covered by insurance, it’s necessary to call a water damage and restoration crew.

The professionals may use any one of several methods:

• Vacuuming: Using a HEPA vacuum, the crew may wet-vac the area.
• Dry Ice Freeze Blasting: Using dry ice to instantly freeze mold and then carefully disposing of it.
• Damp Wipe (for non porous surfaces): Crews will use a chemical solution to wipe down surfaces to eliminate any trace of the mold.
• Enzyme Fog: A relatively new treatment, it is safer and usually less expensive, safe for humans and pets and doesn’t cause any damage to the home.
• The treatment your home receives will depend on the severity of the damage and the methods that the mold remediation company is currently using.

DIY Mold Removal
When faced with a smaller water damage or mold removal problem, it isn’t hard to defeat the culprit yourself, with the proper tools. 

First, be sure to wear the proper clothing and protection; rubber gloves and a facemask are necessary.  Be warned that the clothing you wear may have to be discarded depending on the severity of your problem. Try not to disturb the area at all as the mold spores will float around in the air when they are dry. Seal off any vents in the area or room to prevent spores from traveling. 

Next, mist down the area lightly to make sure the mold is damp and then clean the area with a mixture of bleach and water. The ratio of the bleach to water depends on damage and how long the area has been wet. If the area was dried out quickly, a mixture of ¼ C bleach per gallon of water should work, but you could use anywhere up to 1 ½ C of bleach per gallon if the problem is severe. Wipe down any surfaces that have been affected by the mold and let the mixture sit for 15 minutes. You will have to remove certain materials if they have been touched: drywall, insulation, and carpet underlay are all things that should be discarded if too wet or covered in mold.

Before you replace anything that has been damaged, cover the area loosely with plastic sheets and let it dry for at least 48 hours or until nothing is damp anymore.

Whether you hire a crew or do-it-yourself, the final step to mildew and mold removal is to fix the cause of the water damage to make sure it never happens again! The biggest thing to remember is just how dangerous black mold can be – the quicker you resolve it, the quicker you can breathe easy again.

Lilly Gordon is a freelance writer and web publisher. She is currently researching mildew and mold removal and carpet cleaning in Edmonton.

Your Child’s Preschool: Getting the Kids’ Backpacks is the Easy Part!

The first laugh, first step, first tooth… If you’re like most parents, your child’s newborn and toddler years flew by faster than you could have imagined. At the age of about three, your child is considered a “preschooler” and can be encouraged to start learning in a classroom setting. Choosing a preschool can be a complicated task; it may be the first time your child will be away from you for longer periods of time, or you may not know what you want in a preschool.  Preschool may be the first time your child will get a chance to learn in an educational setting and may be the first time that your little one is in someone else’s hands for longer periods of time. It is important to try and choose the right environment for your child – not only from an educational standpoint, but also a social one as well. Here are 10 Steps to choosing the right environment for your preschooler. 

Step 1: Start your research early! Most preschools start registration in January or February before the school year starts. You should start doing your research a couple of months before that deadline so you have a chance to find the appropriate school.

Step 2: Make a list of the attributes you would like your child’s preschool to have. Mainly, think about what kind of learning environment is most important to your family. Many preschools focus on learning through play, while others focus on a more traditional educational approach. Some schools incorporate a bit of both, while others are more extreme in their values systems, like the Montessori schools. None of them are better than the other, it is simply a matter of what suits your child’s personality the best. (It’s always good to include a couple of schools that do not teach based on the method you think you prefer, just to compare.)

Step 3: Make sure the price is right! It is pre-school, not college so make sure the monthly fees for the preschools on your preliminary list are within your family’s budget. Some preschools are more expensice due to the cost and use of learning materials, while others are less expensive but run as a “co-op” (parents are expected to volunteer their time to help clean, make snacks and organize events.) The price should never be the determining factor but you definitely have to factor the costs in as it will be a consistent charge for two years.

Step 4: After you have made a list of preschools that “fit the bill”, schedule visits with them. Ask if you can bring your child and sit in for a partial or even a whole class. Use this time to observe the way the teacher interacts with the class and how the class responds. Your child may be a bit shy at first, but ask yourself if you can actually se your child forming a good relationship with the teacher. Also take not of the class sizes – smaller class sizes can be beneficial but can also take away from the socialization aspect of the school.

Step 5: Talk to the Director or teacher about their disciplinary tactics. Many parents forget to ask about this and then later find that they disapprove of the teacher’s methods.

 Step 6: Review a list of the preschool’s policies:

• Are children allowed to use the bathroom whenever they need to go, or are there set times?
• Are children required to wash hands, use hand sanitizer before and after snacking?
• What is the sick-child rule?
• Are snacks built in to the fees?
• Is there an emergency evacuation plan?
• Is there any mention of religion at the school? If so, how heavily focused is the program on this topic?
• What are the end goals the teacher hopes to achieve in two years?
• What is the school’s policy on reporting problems or achievements to parents?

Step 7: While on your tour, take a look at the organization of the class. Even play-based programs should be well structured and have a fairly strict schedule. Children so well when given routine activities on a consistent basis.

Step 8: After visiting the facility, think about the big picture and whether or not your child (and future preschoolers) will thrive in the environment. Don’t forget your involvement either; will Mom and Dad thrive? Parents are often expected to have at least a bit of involvement with the school as well so make sure it is a good fit for everyone. Weigh all of the benefits and flaws out together and see what cancels what out.

Step 9: Call references that the school has given you and ask around to friends, family and neighbours to see if they have comments that are positive, negative or anything at all to say about the schools.

Step 10: As always, parents should trust their instincts. If a school looks like the right fit on paper but you’re still getting that “not-quite-right” feeling then don’t enroll your child there!

Preschool is a time for learning, exploration, social development and fun. Choosing your preschool should be about the same experience. Finding an environment where your little one can grow stronger every day will help them gain the independence and knowledge that they need to flourish in the coming years.

Lilly Gordon is a freelance writer and web publisher. She is a Mom of two and is an expert on preschool, kids backpacks and all things children!

From Web Design to PPC: Online Marketing Tools Every Business Needs

Marketing strategies will play a huge part in every company’s success. That’s why it’s recommended that businesses large and small create a marketing plan. But what tools are the most successful? Which strategies get you noticed? For every product, service and organization, it varies. Tools and strategies should be chosen based on the goal of the plan; but there are 5 online marketing tools that are guaranteed help make every company’s plan pop and ultimately help reach those end marketing goals. A good web design, newsletters and more will reach your target audience and get your message across.

1.       Website: A necessary marketing tool in the new millennium, websites are crucial to the success of most businesses now. As a good portion of shoppers make their decisions based on online research, if your web site doesn’t have the information to help those visitors make their decisions, your company might not get a second glance. Having a URL isn’t enough – a good web design is the best route to take. Clean, streamlined information-packed sites will give you a leg up on the competition. Make sure your site is easily navigable and has a call to action; whatever your goal is for visitors should be easy to see.

2.       Social Media: This encompasses Facebook, Twitter, YELP, LinkedIN, Hunch and more. Companies should create their free accounts and use these tools to manage their online images, as well as promoting products, spreading company news and gathering informal market research. Day by day these companies grow and become more important to online visibility… 400 million Facebook users are registered – a global audience for companies and products galore.

3.       Blog: These tools can be touch and go but offer genuine sounding boards for company news and ideas – not only for business owners, but also for employees, customers, industry affiliates, potential customers and more. A company blog offers value for website visitors and can be incorporated by website designers quite easily to most sites. There are also free blog sites that offer the chance for smaller companies to promote company’s mission and valuable information month after month, providing followers with industry information in a more casual way.

4.       Pay-Per-Click (PPC) Ads: These ads generally work better than tradition print ads for three reasons:

·         Companies pay only when the ads are clicked on.

·         The ads link directly to the company’s website.

·         The ads are extremely targeted.

Using platforms such as Google and Facebook, you can direct your ads at people in the demographic that you choose and ensure that they see it every time they do a web search. The demographical information is based on the shopper’s surfing trends that these companies collect. Having fine-tuned these algorithmic tools, you can bet on a good return rate.

5.       Email Newsletter: Newsletters are still great tools for information dissemination. Although the paper versions are out of fashion, the email version is right on track with most companies’ marketing goals. A monthly newsletter will keep your patrons, website visitors and potential prospects informed, engaged and entertained. A good web design will include email newsletters directly on the company site as well as downloadable versions for site visitors.  Be sure to have an easy-to-use (and see) sign-up form as well.

Making use of these 5 online marketing tools is a company’s best bet for success. Using them in tandem and to the best of your abilities will enable you to provide not only value to your visitors, clients and audience, but also for your company as well.

Lilly Gordon is a freelance writer and web publisher. She is well-versed in online marketing and is currently researching Edmonton website design and Edmonton web designers.