My Pal Scout Electronic Plush Toy Dog Recalled

LeapFrog Enterprises, Inc., of Emeryville, CA. in conjunction with the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) have mandated a voluntary recall of their My Pal Scout Electronic Plush Toy Dog. The decals on the paws of the plush toy can be removed and ingested by a child, posing a choking hazard.

These toys were sold at Toys "R" Us stores nationwide, and on the Web at www.toysrus.com, www.leapfrog.com and other retail Web sites from May 2009 through June 2009 for about $20. Consumers should immediately take the toy away from young children and contact LeapFrog to receive a replacement My Pal Scout with embroidered paws rather than decals. Click here for

Becka has a Bachelors in Early Childhood Education and Development, and has 18 years experience in the field. She is a Certified Parent Educator and Licensed Baby, Toddler, and Preschool Sign Language Instructor. You can visit her site, at www.learnandgrowtogether.com

Know the Rules...For Going To and From School More Safely

Every day millions of children take to the streets and highways to get to and from school. For many children this experience is a new one and they may not understand or be able to use the safety rules. Young children do not have the same frame of reference for safety as adults do. They may not “look before they leap,” which is why it is so important for families to supervise young children and practice safety skills with their older children to make certain they really know and understand them. The tips noted below will help prepare for a safer journey.
Tips for Parents and Guardians

1. Instruct your children to always TAKE A FRIEND, always stay in well-lit areas, never take shortcuts, and never go into isolated areas. Teach them to stay aware of their surroundings and observe all traffic rules in place to more safely share the roads and sidewalks with others.
   
   
2. Walk the route to and from school with your children pointing out landmarks and safe places to go if they’re being followed or need help. Make the walk to and from school a "teachable moment" and chance to put their skills to the test. Make a map with your children showing acceptable routes to and from school. If your children wait for a bus, wait with them or make arrangements for supervision at the bus stop.
   
   
3. If anyone bothers your children or makes them feel scared, uncomfortable, or confused, while going to or from school, teach your children to trust their feelings, immediately get away from that person, and TELL you or another trusted adult. If an adult approaches your children for help or directions, remember grownups needing help should not ask children for help; they should ask other adults. Instruct your children to never accept money or gifts from anyone unless you have told them it is OKAY to accept in each instance.
   
   
4. Even though there can be more safety in numbers it is still not safe for young children to walk to and from school, especially if they must take isolated routes anytime during the day or in darkness. Always provide supervision for your young children to help ensure their safe arrival to and from school.
   
   
5. Instruct your children to leave items and clothing with their name on them at home. If anyone calls out their name, teach them to not be fooled or confused. Teach your children about the tricks someone may try to use to confuse them or engage them in conversation. Children should also be taught that they do not need to be polite if approached and to get out of the situation as quickly and safely as possible
   
   
6. Ensure current and accurate emergency contact information is on file for your children at their school. If you, or another trusted family member or friend, need to pick your children up, make sure to follow the school’s departure procedures. These procedures need to include the school’s confirmation of your children’s departure with only those you authorize to pick them up.
   
   
7. Teach your children if anyone tries to take them somewhere they should quickly get away and yell, “This person is trying to take me away” or “This person is not my father/mother/guardian.” Teach your children to make a scene and every effort to get away by kicking, screaming, and resisting if anyone tries to grab them.
   
   
8. Teach your children if anyone follows them on foot to get away from that person as quickly as possible. If anyone follows them in a vehicle they should turn around, go in the other direction, and try to quickly get to a spot where a trusted adult may help them. Advise them to be sure to TELL you or another trusted adult what happened.
   
   
9. Instruct your children to never leave school with anyone until they've checked with a trusted adult. If anyone tells them there is an emergency and they want your children to go with them, teach your children to always CHECK FIRST with you before doing anything. Also teach your children to always CHECK FIRST with you if they want to change their plans before or after school. Make sure your children always play with other children, have your permission to play in specific areas, and let you know where they are going to be. Instruct your children to TELL a trusted adult if they notice anyone they don’t know or feel comfortable with hanging around them.
   
   
10. In the event your children may be lost or injured, make sure they carry a contact card with your name and telephone numbers such as work and cellular. This card should be hidden from plain view.

Key Tips to Reinforce With Your Children

1. Always TAKE A FRIEND with you when walking, biking, or standing at the bus stop. Make sure you know your bus number and which bus to ride.
   
   
2. Say NO if anyone you don’t know or a person who makes you feel scared, uncomfortable, or confused offers a ride unless I have told you it is OKAY to do so in each instance.
   
   
3. Quickly get away and yell, “THIS PERSON IS NOT MY MOTHER/FATHER/GUARDIAN” if anyone tries to take you somewhere or is following you. If anyone tries to grab you, make a scene and every effort to get away by kicking, screaming, and resisting.
   
   
4. NEVER LEAVE SCHOOL GROUNDS before the regular school day ends. Always check with the office before leaving school early.
   
   
5. NEVER take shortcuts or walk through alleys to get to or from school faster. We will talk about which way to go to and from school. Remind me if activities you participate in cause you to leave earlier or arrive home later than usual. Remember to call me once you have arrived home.

Becka has a Bachelors in Early Childhood Education and Development, and has 18 years experience in the field. She is a Certified Parent Educator and Licensed Baby, Toddler, and Preschool Sign Language Instructor. You can visit her site, at www.learnandgrowtogether.com

Tuesday MEME Beginner BabySteps

So in my local moms group we are doing Fly Lady Baby Steps. Today is day 18 of 30. I have been doing ok with keeping up with it. My house is always pretty clean, though the bathrooms, baseboards, floors, and fans could use a little light cleaning. We try to do a deep cleaning every couple weeks. With Evan here, it has been a little harder then usual, but we are getting the job done!

Come join us on Triangle Mommies to see what we are all about!Have a Tuesday Toot? Check it out here!

Becka has a Bachelors in Early Childhood Education and Development, and has 18 years experience in the field. She is a Certified Parent Educator and Licensed Baby, Toddler, and Preschool Sign Language Instructor. You can visit her site, at www.learnandgrowtogether.com

Unsolicited advice

So yesterday I decided to take the kids to the new Family Dollar. I had forgotten my sling, so I had to take the lil man in with his car seat. Of course, he does not like his seat...so he proceeded to scream. Now normally, I would carry him, but I had all 4 of the kids with me, so it was a little difficult.

Now, this is actually the first time I have gotten a comment other then "you have your hands full" from anyone other then some family memebers (who will remain nameless, but they know who they are!). The EMPLOYEE was actually following me around, telling me to pick him up, that he is going to choke, and that I am being mean. Really lady? Wonder what she would have done if I pickd him up and handed him to her?! Would she have stopped telling me how to parent my children?

I wonder when it became OK for complete strangers...and employees of a store for that matter...to tell people what to do with their kids.

OK rant over!

Becka has a Bachelors in Early Childhood Education and Development, and has 18 years experience in the field. She is a Certified Parent Educator and Licensed Baby, Toddler, and Preschool Sign Language Instructor. You can visit her site, at www.learnandgrowtogether.com

Bullying and Cyberbullying Ends With Me!

Bullying is a serious problem that affects millions of kids and teens of all races and classes. Bullying and cyberbullying are at an all-time high; one out of four kids is bullied and 42 percent of kids are cyberbullied.

Read more here

Becka has a Bachelors in Early Childhood Education and Development, and has 18 years experience in the field. She is a Certified Parent Educator and Licensed Baby, Toddler, and Preschool Sign Language Instructor. You can visit her site, at www.learnandgrowtogether.com

The benefits of co-sleeping...

So I see a lot of my friends getting slack for sleeping with their babies in their bed. WHY do people insist on trying to tell others what is best for them...most without any real research to back them up.

I found this awesome article on the benefits of co-sleeping.

Other cultures around the world co sleep, and many never even heard of SIDS or colic! Perhaps they know something we do not? Maybe we could learn from them!!

Becka has a Bachelors in Early Childhood Education and Development, and has 18 years experience in the field. She is a Certified Parent Educator and Licensed Baby, Toddler, and Preschool Sign Language Instructor. You can visit her site, at www.learnandgrowtogether.com

New Nationwide Study Confirms Homeschool Academic Achievement

Next time someone tells you that your child will not be on par with their public school peers, send them to this article.

Each year, the homeschool movement graduates at least 100,000 students. Due to the fact that both the United States government and homeschool advocates agree that homeschooling has been growing at around 7% per annum for the past decade, it is not surprising that homeschooling is gaining increased attention. Consequently, many people have been asking questions about homeschooling, usually with a focus on either the academic or social abilities of homeschool graduates. 

Becka has a Bachelors in Early Childhood Education and Development, and has 18 years experience in the field. She is a Certified Parent Educator and Licensed Baby, Toddler, and Preschool Sign Language Instructor. You can visit her site, at www.learnandgrowtogether.com

Sale Hours, Location, & Important Information

Saturday, August 15, 2009

7:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.

The sale is open to the public on Saturday.

The sale is held at the Kerr Scott Building at the N.C. State Fairgrounds.

CASH ONLY (no checks).

Come early for the best selection. We recommend you bring a clothes basket to help you carry items you want to purchase.
Listen to our radio ad for the August 2009 sale! It is playing all week on G105 and 93.9KISS FM.


See news coverage of the March 2009 Sale on WRAL.


See more here

Becka has a Bachelors in Early Childhood Education and Development, and has 18 years experience in the field. She is a Certified Parent Educator and Licensed Baby, Toddler, and Preschool Sign Language Instructor. You can visit her site, at www.learnandgrowtogether.com

Tuesday MEME

Today is simple...I have 3 of 4 kids (the 6yr old, 2yr old, and 7 week old) who have high fevers. I have actually managed to keep the house tidy, and get them fed at a reasonable time! And to also go to the bathroom lol. Becka has a Bachelors in Early Childhood Education and Development, and has 18 years experience in the field. She is a Certified Parent Educator and Licensed Baby, Toddler, and Preschool Sign Language Instructor. You can visit her site, at www.learnandgrowtogether.com

Easy Baked Mac and Cheese! YUM

Ok so the easiest meal I know how to make, which apparently can feed about 200 people...is my gramma's baked mac and cheese!

All you need is:

32oz Elbow Macaroni

1 big blok sharp cheddar cheese

1 large can CRUSHED tomoatoes

heat oven to 350

cube cheese

cook macaroni aldenti, drain, return to pot

pour in tomatoes and cheese

mix well

pour into large baking dish, cook 15 min

take out, stir, back another 15 min

let cool and serve

This is a family favorite, and has also been served at a large group get together, of over 200 people. I have been asked many times about this recipe!!! Total prep to serve time is no more then 45 min to an hour! Becka has a Bachelors in Early Childhood Education and Development, and has 18 years experience in the field. She is a Certified Parent Educator and Licensed Baby, Toddler, and Preschool Sign Language Instructor. You can visit her site, at www.learnandgrowtogether.com

365 Days of Creative Play

My friend Gabriele over at A Work Of Childhood is having a great giveaway! Gabriele homeschools and has SO many great things to share on her blog. I think this is such a great contest!

365 FUN, CREATIVE ACTIVITIES TO STIMULATE YOUR PRESCHOOLER EVERY DAY OF THE YEAR

A fun indoor or outdoor activity for each day of the year! For parents, grandparents, childcare providers! Uses only safe, simple, household supplies! "Projects that you can do with your kids, and even better, activities they can do by themselves."-Family Circle "Now there is a solution to every day of the year."-Parenting This amazing resource of fun and thoughtful activities for kids ages two years and up will help encourage their creativity and learning through play. Using only safe, simple household supplies, 365 Days of Creative Play is great for parents, grandparents and childcare providers. Illustrated by children. Go on over and check it out!

Becka has a Bachelors in Early Childhood Education and Development, and has 18 years experience in the field. She is a Certified Parent Educator and Licensed Baby, Toddler, and Preschool Sign Language Instructor. You can visit her site, at www.learnandgrowtogether.com

Another great one from Elizabeth Pantley!

I love love love! Her books. I recently started reading Hidden Massages: What our Words and Actions are Really Telling our Children. I came across this line, that I have always used as my mantra:

Making our children ultimatley responsible for their own behavior doesn't hinder them. Instead, it frees then to achieve success, unencumbered by the fralities that can readily drail a less-disciplined person, and it helps them to find confidence and happiess in their lives when they reach adulthood. Isn't this one of our highest goals as parents?

I love it! More people need to start making their children become responsible for their actions. You see too many parents getting mad at someone else for something their child did, in turn relaying to that child that they will not be held accountable for their actions. This could be disastrous in the long run!

Becka has a Bachelors in Early Childhood Education and Development, and has 18 years experience in the field. She is a Certified Parent Educator and Licensed Baby, Toddler, and Preschool Sign Language Instructor. You can visit her site, at www.learnandgrowtogether.com

6-Month-Old Kicked Out of Restaurant for Not Wearing Shoes?!!

When Jennifer Frederich took her 6-month-old daughter, Kaylin, with her to Burger King earlier this week, she never imagined that the tot’s bare feet would have her kicked out of the restaurant.

Frederich was standing in line to order her food with her baby, her mother, and her grandmother when the restaurant’s manager looked over and told the group that they would have to take their order “to go”, because the baby’s shoeless feet violated the restaurant’s policy.

Trying to explain to the manager that the baby didn’t even have a pair of shoes yet because she didn’t walk did no good, the manager insisted that shoes needed to be worn, and threatened to call the police. Frederich and her companions quickly finished their meal and left the restaurant.

read more here

Defending Wake's handling of No Child Left Behind

Seriously, are they for real?!

School board members and administrators managed to simultaneously defend their handling of No Child Left Behind choice requirements while also acknowledging they can do some things better.

continue here

Becka has a Bachelors in Early Childhood Education and Development, and has 18 years experience in the field. She is a Certified Parent Educator and Licensed Baby, Toddler, and Preschool Sign Language Instructor. You can visit her site, at www.learnandgrowtogether.com

Wake schools' student market share drops

So this is how they view our children? As market shares?!

The school district's market share dipped to 83.3 percent of the school age children in the county.

continue reading

Becka has a Bachelors in Early Childhood Education and Development, and has 18 years experience in the field. She is a Certified Parent Educator and Licensed Baby, Toddler, and Preschool Sign Language Instructor. You can visit her site, at www.learnandgrowtogether.com