NANA SAYS WATER SAFETY IS PARAMOUNT

Swimming lessons in Canada are for skill development but really about safety.There is water coast to coast in oceans, lakes, rivers, public and back yard pools. Teaching water safety is important for all ages. Little ones wear life jackets in pools and on docks. Adults must be in the water with young children at recreational centres like our Wave Pool here in Richmond Hill. The buddy system, no running around the pool, no shoving etc are all good rules. Yes there must be good rules in order to have fun. Adults need to role model by wearing life jackets in boats. No nonsense about being a good swimmer, it is a good idea for safety. If there are signs like no swimming here, beware of waves washing you off the rocks- pay attention! Of course, no drinking and water activities! In order to keep children safe, adults must keep themselves safe too!

TIME TO WORK TIME TO PLAY

Life is too short not to find time to play. Children's work is play. It is how they learn. Doing activities that are play like brings joy to life in the adult world. Little children always want us to play with them. Sit on the floor and play with them. It is good for the soul. Crafts, hobbies, sports, cards, and social events can bring play to adults. Remember all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy! So what's your play today?

NANA SAYS STOP AND APPRECIATE THE SIMPLE EFFORTS OF CHILDREN

Mother's Day was a happy event. To celebrate the day along with a granddaughter's baptism it was a positive family time. Children like to do something for their mothers. Schools and day care have themes where the children can make an item for Mom. My little grandson needed to be with us one night after school before the big event. He had made a card for his Mom. Proud, showing me how he printed the words- I love you. Then his pride expanded as he pointed out the heart he drew. Nana gave lots of praises to him. How simple, yet how important to stop and look at what little hands do. The thought and caring that went into a little handmade card for Mom. When his father picked him up, again he went over the details of what he had made. Very often, adults just look, that's nice and let's go! Next time little hands make something, really look, ask about the theme, ask why did you chose that colour and watch the face and the explanation bloom. Think about it! When we make a special dinner or buy a thoughtful gift or do something different for those in our lives, do we appreciate the casual thank you and everyone goes on to the next event. No matter how old, a real sincere thank you and time in acknowledging the many simple events in our lives. For children, their simple events are huge to them. If we stop looking at what they have done, they will stop showing us and even telling us about their lives. Looking, seeing, hearing and really listening- yes take our time. But the time is just minutes instead of seconds. The little ones usually then run off to do something else. However, there is an awareness you are an adult that listens and can be trusted with their efforts. I mentioned to my daughter how proud her son had been in the card he made. Oh yes, he was listening. He knew Nana thought his efforts were important. Adults that make children feel important. How emotionally grounded is that!

NANA SAYS WARM WEATHER BRINGS SOME CONSIDERATIONS

Along with creative outdoor play, the warm weather brings some renewed considerations. Bike riding safety is a must for older children and adults using helmets and reviewing the rules of the road. Remember riding on a sidewalk means the pedestrian has the right of way- please do not try to run people down! Street hockey is fun with a reminder to watch out for oncoming cars! Learning to drive does not mean drag racing on country or city roads- look at the number of fatalities every year! Sunscreen, sun hats and bug spray should be a part of daily life. On the very hot days- drink liquids to keep up proper hydration for the little ones and the old ones! Revisit the traffic rules- how to cross the street safely! If you like air conditioning, keep it at a normal setting! Freezing homes and hot outdoors are fodder for spring and summer colds! Since I have an allergy to bee and wasp stings, benedryl is a part of my stash of emergency items. There are allergy creams for both children and adults along with after the bite sticks that help with any bug bites! Take care of any little cuts as ordinary garden dirt is full of germs! Love the warmer weather and outdoors! Do you have any other suggestions for a fun and safe time? Do you have your stash of warm weather items?

NANA SAYS OUTDOOR PLAY IS GOOD FOR CHILDREN

With the warmer weather here, the outdoors becomes a great playground. A fenced in yard can keep children safe. Depending on the day- bug spray, sunscreen , a good hat and we are now advised to use sunglasses for not only adults but children of all ages. My yard is paths and gardens so teaching the little to leave the dirt in the garden and the stones on the path is a constant struggle. We are creating a little area under one of the trees so it can become " a fort"! Cheap plastic toys, a wagon and somewhere to sit makes for fun! My yard is full of rocks that the children like to climb and sit on! If you do not have a yard, there are many parks with lots of equipment or just go to the grassy area for some creative play. Make a picnic! Low tech! Old imagination! Listen to the birds- identify them. Teach about the trees! Pick up pinecones- then try to find uses for them! Nature becomes a lesson in constant progress! Walks, jogging and long bike rides work for older children and teenagers! If you are a lucky one with a cottage, learning the rules of the water- swimming, boating- learning to canoe or row a boat, and whatever the area brings in terms of wildlife and vegetation! Every adult becomes a teacher! Of course reading a book outside or doing a craft with natural products becomes fun. What do you have in your yard? Can an area become a castle for a princess and prince? Can a section of your garden become the little one's spot for flowers or vegetables? Get a bird book and a natural atlas for your area! Have fun looking up new any unknown "thing" with the family! Even if teenagers appear to be totally uninterested, keep at it anyway! They continue to learn through osmosis! As we spend more time outdoors with the children in our lives, it can have a great benefit on us! I find the screaming, and sometimes fighting that occurs with my grandchildren is less annoying as the sound evaporates into the air! Of course, helps with naps and sleeps as the play and air does tend to tire children. Tires adults as well! Oh the great outdoors- just love it!