Welcome to the CKF/SB6 Newsletter for June 2017

 
Screens 'Not a Toy:' Canadian Pediatricians Promote Limits for Kids 5 and Under
In a position statement recently released to physicians by the Canadian Paediatric Society, the society said parents often ask about "screen time" - time spent with a screen whether it's a smartphone, TV, tablet, video game, computer, or e-reader.

The group recognizes how technology plays a valuable role in our lives. Based on a review of the medical literature, here's the advice on minimizing risk for potential negative effects.

Free online child trauma courses.  
The Child Trauma Academy offers short, free online courses on topics such as brain development, childhood trauma, the cost of caring (secondary traumatic stress), and bonding and attachment in maltreated children. These courses are designed for those with an interest in the topic but who do not necessarily have a background in biology or the neurosciences. Click here for further information.  
 
Live 5-2-1-0 Outdoor Games Booklet
This booklet contains twenty game ideas to help motivate children and families to get outside
and be active together. For each game there are instructions, a list of materials required, and a
recommended age range for participants. Many also have suggested coaching cues for parents to
help them guide kids through the different movements. 

Video: Secure and Calm: Sharing a Book  
CATCH
When we sit down with a child and a book, it's not just about reading, it's also about helping children to feel secure and calm, building secure attachments with adults, and becoming more emotionally literate.

What really sets the stage for Heart-Mind well-being in children is the ability to feel secure and calm- that is- to take part in daily activities and approach new situations without being overwhelmed with worries, sadness or anxiety. To feel secure, children need warm, responsive adults in their lives. These relationships provide them with a secure base from which they can be bold in their explorations, connect with others and take risks. And within these caring relationships are opportunities for helping children calm down so they eventually develop skills to calm themselves down.   Read more and view the video.
 
June is Jump Start Month
Canadian Tire's Jumpstart program is about getting kids active and giving kids from families in financial need the same chance to participate as their neighbours, classmates and friends. Whether it's the chance to try a new sport or to continue with a favourite one, no kid should be left out. Application process.

Never Ever Leave a Child or
Pet Alone in a Vehicle 
On days that seem almost mild, as well as on summer days of searing heat, the passenger compartment of a car can turn into an oven, with potentially deadly consequences.

Within 20 minutes the air temperature in a previously air-conditioned small car exposed to the sun on a 35ºC day can exceed 50ºC. Leaving a window slightly open, does little to prevent the inside the vehicle from becoming dangerously hot. 
Children are especially sensitive to heat exposure. When exposed to heat, a child's body temperature rises much faster than an adult in the same conditions putting them at risk of heat-related illness which can result in seizures, unconsciousness, organ failure, and even death.

Extreme heat affects infants and small children more quickly and dramatically than adults because of their size. Their core temperature can increase three to five times faster than that of an adult, putting them at risk of heat-related illness which can result in seizures, unconsciousness, organ failure, and even death.

Children are sometimes left or trapped in cars completely by accident.  This can happen when caregivers are distracted, tired, or when there is a change from daily routine.  Children can be forgotten in a moment of absent-mindedness, or trapped after playing unsupervised in an unlocked vehicle. Here are a few things that can help make sure no one gets left behind:   
  • Check before you leave. Make a habit of checking that all occupants (people and pets) are out of the vehicle before locking and leaving.
  • Lock your vehicle using your key, rather than a remote. Use the time it takes to lock with a key to look inside and make sure no one is left behind.
  • Put your child's bags and items in the front seat. With a child's belongings in plain sight, it is much easier to remember that he/she is in the car with you.
  • Place your cell phone, purse or wallet in the back seat -- a strategy that requires you to turn around and check the back seat whenever you leave the vehicle
  • Always keep cars locked while in garages or driveways to prevent children and animals from inadvertently becoming trapped.
         Canada Safety Council



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CFK Events!

Helping Kids Manage Big Emotions



Imagine that your child has a friend over for a play date. They are busy playing together, when suddenly your child's Lego structure gets knocked down. From your child's facial expression, you see that she is about to explode. You catch her eye and give her the signal. Then she darts away to her "calm zone," where you hear her counting down from five, while going through five  yoga poses for kids . There's a break of silence, and then after a little bit, your child comes back down to resume play. You look at each other and wink. 

Sounds blissful, right? But it is possible. Helping children to regulate their emotions doesn't necessarily happen overnight. Science tells us that the parts of the human brain that are critical to handling emotions aren't fully developed until we're in our twenties, but we can take little steps when children are young to help them manage their feelings. Read more.

List of Resources for Parents with Young Children with Anxiety



Looking for information and resources on anxiety and children? We've put together a list that might be helpful.   Check it out.

Check Early, Check Often
The ASQ Regional Project



Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ) provides a quick check on your child's development.  
More info

Questions, input, topic ideas?