Special Needs Apps 4 Kids Review System

I must admit I have iPad envy.
What fun! - I could be lying on some exotic beach with a screen in my face.

Some parents not only have iPads and/or iPods for themselves but for their children too. If you are one of these lucky parents, you may want to check out the website SNApps4Kids.com. It is a community of parents, therapists, doctors and teachers who share information on how we are using these devices with children who have special needs.

20 apps for kids are reviewed at:
http://www.snapps4kids.com/applicationreview/snapps-reviewed-app/
The reviews focus on skills, not age or developmental level.

As for me, I remain in front of my monitor that is attached to a computer the size of a suitcase.

Stem Cells and Cerebral Palsy

Our nurse, Dorothy Harris, gives two thumbs up to the article "Stem Cell Treatments for Cerebral Palsy, factsheet for patients and families". It is written by Crystal Ruff, Jared Wilcox and Michael Fehlings.
You can find a copy of the factsheet as well as a more in-depth newsletter at:

http://www.childhooddisability.ca/cdc_en/newsletter.php

Dr.Thomas W.Phelan's 1-2-3 Magic Parenting Newsletter

The April issue of this newsletter has the following articles:

• What To Do About Lying - A primary rule for parents when dealing with living is don't badger or corner children! Imagine you give a child the third degree about whether or not he has homework...
• Kids Won't Pick Up? Try This! - This idea was described to me by a woman many years ago. She told me that picking up around her house had never been a problem. This resourceful mother...

You can read the full text articles (along with previous issues) at http://www.parentmagic.com/newsletter-view.cfm

Why play dates are more than just fun and games

While our moms are busy scrapbooking, card making, quilting, painting or sewing..... during our "Just 4 Moms" program, the kids are also busy. They are getting together for a play date every Wednesday.

The kids are highlighted in the article "The More We Get Together... why play dates are more than just fun and games" (Abilities magazine spring 2011). The author, Lynn Swanson, is a freelance writer who lives in London, Ontario. She writes:

"Play is a kid's job...Play dates allow kids to be kids and to have fun without pressure. It's a great opportunity for them to learn, practise and develop their social skills."

Cold-Weather Cabin Fever Fun

Is the cold weather giving you cabin fever? I was surfing around looking for some good articles and came up with this one written by Nava Atlas. I found it at http://www.pedsforparents.com/articles/3036.shtml  The website is the online version of the magazine/journal "Pediatrics for Parents". You'll find tons of helpful articles on their subject index page  http://www.pedsforparents.com/articlesindex/subjectindex.shtml

The article starts out:

"Instead of feeling frustrated by the cold, dark days of winter, try to savor a slower pace, and incorporate simple pleasures into your days. Teach your children to do the same. It can be a delightful time to retreat to the shelter of home and hearth and get things done without the distractions afforded by the other seasons. Create special "cabin fever" rituals that will help you actually look forward to, rather than dread, those long cold days at home. This is especially helpful if you have preschoolers or young school-aged children home on snow days and sick days..."

It goes on to give you some good suggestions that may help eliminate the winter blues for your kids.
Happy kids = Happy mom

5th Annual Family Fun Festival

Consider bringing your family to the 5th Annual Family Fun Festival on Sunday, February 27, 2011 from 11 am to 2 pm at the Hellenic Community Centre.

It's a fundraiser for Childreach, tickets are $10 for children 2 to 12 and $40 for adults, and it's fabulous value and fun for all ages. This year's event is shaping up to be the best year yet with Storybook Garden's Imagination Playground, crafts from the Children's Museum, karaoke, cupcake decorating, crafts with the Waldorf School, face-painting, clowns, and visits from Princesses Belle & Aurora and Spiderman! There's a child-friendly brunch buffet, a sundae bar, a family-focused silent auction, a big loot bag for each child, and so much more!

For more information or to buy tickets, call Jane Powers at 519-434-3644 x36 and check out the website at
http://www.familyfunfestival.ca/

New Additions to the Resource Centre

There are always new items available in the Resource Centre for you to borrow. Follow this link to our list of new purchases http://www.tvcc.on.ca/new-and-hot-2.htm