Rainbow Pikaninis

Where your child's education begins!
For more information or to book a tour:
021 9826442
[email protected]

Where your child's education begins!
For more information or to book a tour:
021 9826442
[email protected]

Think your toddler is too young to help around the house? Think again.

Toddlers are the perfect age for pitching in — given their budding sense of independence ("Me do it!") and their desire to mimic everything you do ("Can I sweep too?"). Of course, your toddler's "help" may slow you down, but resist the urge to finish the job yourself. By giving your child small chores, you'll be boosting her confidence and making her feel like a valuable member of the family. And the look on her face as she accomplishes her tasks will be priceless ("Look what I did all by myself!"). Here are some age-appropriate chores for children, and tips for making them easy and fun.

Putting Away Toys:
If the sight of all those blocks and stuffed animals all over the room makes you want to burst into tears, your toddler probably feels overwhelmed by the mess, too. Turn her into a pick-up artist by breaking the job down into manageable parts. Be specific — instead of telling her to clean up her stuffed animals, say, "Please take your teddy bear and put it on the shelf." Another way to make it easier: Label bins or buckets with a picture of what should go there (cars, blocks and so on). Or try to make a game out of cleaning up — "Let's see who can pick up these stuffed animals faster"

Sorting laundry:
Does your toddler enjoy dumping, sorting, tossing and piling things up? Take advantage by letting him help unload the dryer and drop the clean clothes into the laundry basket. He'll also get a thrill out of tossing dirty clothes into a hamper. Buy a kid-sized hamper and put it in his bedroom or bathroom, and add the chore to his bath-time routine. Toddlers also enjoy sorting and organizing things (that's why they like to line up their cars or put things in piles). So put him to work matching the socks or sorting all the clothes in piles while you fold.

Dusting:
Okay, so it'll be a while before your toddler's dusting passes the white-glove test, but he's got to start somewhere. Slip one of your parter's old socks onto his hand or hand him a feather duster and let him at the furniture legs or any large surface that's on his level. You'll probably need to guide him a bit to pick things up or to move on to another spot. To show him chores can be fun, put on some music and challenge him to see if he can finish dusting his spot on the table before the end of a song (and it can't hurt to take a few breaks so you can both dance around the room!). When he's finished, lavish the praise, but wait until he's out of the room to go over his handiwork. (You don't want to send him a mixed message.)

Food Prep:
Turn the witching hour into a bewitching one by giving your toddler some simple jobs to do in the kitchen while you do dinner prep. Set her up at the sink with some veggies and tell her to give them a bath. Cooking rice? Give her a bowl of rice, a spoon and a measuring cup, and show her how to spoon the rice into the cup. Other toddler-friendly food activities include greasing a baking sheet, stirring batter, spreading mayonnaise or mustard on a sandwich with a plastic knife, sprinkling cheese on top of pasta or tacos, shredding lettuce and, of course, cookie decorating.

Setting and Clearing the Table:
You might not want your toddler anywhere near the china and crystal (or anything else that's sharp or breakable), but there are still all sorts of chores she can do around setting the table. Keep it simple so she's not overwhelmed. Let her set out the napkins one evening; plastic cups the next. You'll have to show her where things go, or else just lower your standards (Spoons as a centerpiece? Why not!). Put her to work decorating the table, too. She can color the paper napkins or arrange fruit and veggie slices on everyone's plate. A 3-year-old can set the entire table (minus the plates, which might still be too big for her to carry) as long as you have a place setting as a model.

Watering Plants:
Populating your rooms with plants is one simple way to detox your home (they're great for removing pollutants). Your tot can definitely help out with watering duties, but you'll probably have to tap deep into your "type B" mom resources to deal with the puddles on the floor. To keep them to a minimum, let your toddler practice with a small plastic bottle or kid-sized watering can filled halfway with water. Can't be the laid-back mom of your dreams? Give him a little spray bottle of water, and tell him to mist the plants as you do the pouring. If the weather permits, you can always take the plants outside, where you don't have to worry about the mess.

Sweeping and Vacuuming:
Your little mini-me's idea of happiness is doing what you and your partner do. That's why toddlers are so quick to fall in love with pint-sized toys that look like household items, from strollers to brooms and dustpans. So indulge her — let her sweep alongside you as you clean up the morning's cereal-fest, even though she won't be able to sweep the crumbs and dirt into a pile until she's about 4. You can also hold the dustpan for her and let her sweep the dirt your way. Or cut your Swiffer down to toddler-size by leaving off one of the handles, and let her clean the floors with that or a hand vacuum, if she's not afraid of the noise.

Putting Away Groceries:
A toddler's love of sorting things can also come in handy when it comes to putting away groceries. He can organize all the boxes into one pile and the cans in another. Or you can let him sort the fruits — apples in one bowl, pears in another. He can also put the boxes and cans away on a low shelf, as long as you're specific about what goes where (or don't care). You can also point out interesting things about the groceries as he organizes them into smaller piles — mention that the apples are red or green, the cans are hard, the boxes are big.

Feeding the Family Pet:
True, your toddler would probably rather chase the family pet than dish out its chow. But he can learn about pet TLC as he helps you with pet chores, like doling out Fido's kibble. Give your child a kid-sized container filled halfway with water and ask him to replenish the water dish. Tell him you'll be in charge of putting the food in your pet's bowl, but he can put it on the floor. (Just prepare yourself for the inevitable spills.) Indulge his need for control by giving him the power to choose which can of food to give your pet that day. To speed his decision, give him a choice of only two flavors — otherwise, you'll drive your pet crazy (not to mention yourself) as he whiles away the minutes deliberating.

Think your toddler is too young to help around the house? Think again.

Toddlers are the perfect age for pitching in — given their budding sense of independence ("Me do it!") and their desire to mimic everything you do ("Can I sweep too?"). Of course, your toddler's "help" may slow you down, but resist the urge to finish the job yourself. By giving your child small chores, you'll be boosting her confidence and making her feel like a valuable member of the family. And the look on her face as she accomplishes her tasks will be priceless ("Look what I did all by myself!"). Here are some age-appropriate chores for children, and tips for making them easy and fun.

Putting Away Toys:
If the sight of all those blocks and stuffed animals all over the room makes you want to burst into tears, your toddler probably feels overwhelmed by the mess, too. Turn her into a pick-up artist by breaking the job down into manageable parts. Be specific — instead of telling her to clean up her stuffed animals, say, "Please take your teddy bear and put it on the shelf." Another way to make it easier: Label bins or buckets with a picture of what should go there (cars, blocks and so on). Or try to make a game out of cleaning up — "Let's see who can pick up these stuffed animals faster"

Sorting laundry:
Does your toddler enjoy dumping, sorting, tossing and piling things up? Take advantage by letting him help unload the dryer and drop the clean clothes into the laundry basket. He'll also get a thrill out of tossing dirty clothes into a hamper. Buy a kid-sized hamper and put it in his bedroom or bathroom, and add the chore to his bath-time routine. Toddlers also enjoy sorting and organizing things (that's why they like to line up their cars or put things in piles). So put him to work matching the socks or sorting all the clothes in piles while you fold.

Dusting:
Okay, so it'll be a while before your toddler's dusting passes the white-glove test, but he's got to start somewhere. Slip one of your parter's old socks onto his hand or hand him a feather duster and let him at the furniture legs or any large surface that's on his level. You'll probably need to guide him a bit to pick things up or to move on to another spot. To show him chores can be fun, put on some music and challenge him to see if he can finish dusting his spot on the table before the end of a song (and it can't hurt to take a few breaks so you can both dance around the room!). When he's finished, lavish the praise, but wait until he's out of the room to go over his handiwork. (You don't want to send him a mixed message.)

Food Prep:
Turn the witching hour into a bewitching one by giving your toddler some simple jobs to do in the kitchen while you do dinner prep. Set her up at the sink with some veggies and tell her to give them a bath. Cooking rice? Give her a bowl of rice, a spoon and a measuring cup, and show her how to spoon the rice into the cup. Other toddler-friendly food activities include greasing a baking sheet, stirring batter, spreading mayonnaise or mustard on a sandwich with a plastic knife, sprinkling cheese on top of pasta or tacos, shredding lettuce and, of course, cookie decorating.

Setting and Clearing the Table:
You might not want your toddler anywhere near the china and crystal (or anything else that's sharp or breakable), but there are still all sorts of chores she can do around setting the table. Keep it simple so she's not overwhelmed. Let her set out the napkins one evening; plastic cups the next. You'll have to show her where things go, or else just lower your standards (Spoons as a centerpiece? Why not!). Put her to work decorating the table, too. She can color the paper napkins or arrange fruit and veggie slices on everyone's plate. A 3-year-old can set the entire table (minus the plates, which might still be too big for her to carry) as long as you have a place setting as a model.

Watering Plants:
Populating your rooms with plants is one simple way to detox your home (they're great for removing pollutants). Your tot can definitely help out with watering duties, but you'll probably have to tap deep into your "type B" mom resources to deal with the puddles on the floor. To keep them to a minimum, let your toddler practice with a small plastic bottle or kid-sized watering can filled halfway with water. Can't be the laid-back mom of your dreams? Give him a little spray bottle of water, and tell him to mist the plants as you do the pouring. If the weather permits, you can always take the plants outside, where you don't have to worry about the mess.

Sweeping and Vacuuming:
Your little mini-me's idea of happiness is doing what you and your partner do. That's why toddlers are so quick to fall in love with pint-sized toys that look like household items, from strollers to brooms and dustpans. So indulge her — let her sweep alongside you as you clean up the morning's cereal-fest, even though she won't be able to sweep the crumbs and dirt into a pile until she's about 4. You can also hold the dustpan for her and let her sweep the dirt your way. Or cut your Swiffer down to toddler-size by leaving off one of the handles, and let her clean the floors with that or a hand vacuum, if she's not afraid of the noise.

Putting Away Groceries:
A toddler's love of sorting things can also come in handy when it comes to putting away groceries. He can organize all the boxes into one pile and the cans in another. Or you can let him sort the fruits — apples in one bowl, pears in another. He can also put the boxes and cans away on a low shelf, as long as you're specific about what goes where (or don't care). You can also point out interesting things about the groceries as he organizes them into smaller piles — mention that the apples are red or green, the cans are hard, the boxes are big.

Feeding the Family Pet:
True, your toddler would probably rather chase the family pet than dish out its chow. But he can learn about pet TLC as he helps you with pet chores, like doling out Fido's kibble. Give your child a kid-sized container filled halfway with water and ask him to replenish the water dish. Tell him you'll be in charge of putting the food in your pet's bowl, but he can put it on the floor. (Just prepare yourself for the inevitable spills.) Indulge his need for control by giving him the power to choose which can of food to give your pet that day. To speed his decision, give him a choice of only two flavors — otherwise, you'll drive your pet crazy (not to mention yourself) as he whiles away the minutes deliberating.

Allergies vs Cold in toddlers:

Common allergy symptoms can include:
Itchy, watery eyes.
Runny nose.
Cough and congestion.

Common cold symptoms can include:
Runny nose.
Cough and congestion.
Sneezing.
Sore throat.
Fatigue.
Slight body aches.
Fever, in some cases.

Allergies vs Cold in toddlers:

Common allergy symptoms can include:
Itchy, watery eyes.
Runny nose.
Cough and congestion.

Common cold symptoms can include:
Runny nose.
Cough and congestion.
Sneezing.
Sore throat.
Fatigue.
Slight body aches.
Fever, in some cases.

Where your child's education begins!
For more information or to book a tour:
021 9826442
[email protected]

Where your child's education begins!
For more information or to book a tour:
021 9826442
[email protected]

Where your child's education begins!
For more information or to book a tour:
021 9826442
[email protected]

Where your child's education begins!
For more information or to book a tour:
021 9826442
[email protected]

Where your child's education begins!
For more information or to book a tour:
021 9826442
[email protected]

Where your child's education begins!
For more information or to book a tour:
021 9826442
[email protected]

[04/06/21]   How often should we deworm our toddlers?

"From the age of two years old, children and adults should be dewormed once every 6 months. It would be ideal to do it as a family and to have a set date to do so twice a year. The consequences of not deworming often lead to uncomfortable instances of stomach pain and vomiting."

https://www.cipla.co.za/childrens-health/back-to-school-deworming-children/#:~:text=How%20often%20should%20we%20deworm,of%20stomach%20pain%20and%20vomiting.

How Much Sleep Does a Toddler Need?

Between the ages of 1 and 2, a well-rested child typically gets more than 12 hours of sleep within a 24-hour period. As your child grows, though, sleep time will reduce to around 11 hours, especially by his third birthday.

First there is a change in how many times a day he sleeps; around age 2, children often take a short nap in the morning, a longer nap in the afternoon, and then sleep most of the night. By age 3, the morning nap has likely disappeared, and your tot will take only an afternoon nap and maintain a long stretch of sleep at night.

How Much Sleep Does a Toddler Need?

Between the ages of 1 and 2, a well-rested child typically gets more than 12 hours of sleep within a 24-hour period. As your child grows, though, sleep time will reduce to around 11 hours, especially by his third birthday.

First there is a change in how many times a day he sleeps; around age 2, children often take a short nap in the morning, a longer nap in the afternoon, and then sleep most of the night. By age 3, the morning nap has likely disappeared, and your tot will take only an afternoon nap and maintain a long stretch of sleep at night.

Lunch box ideas for toddlers:

Add cheese (slices, cubes, or string cheese); meat (cut up deli meat, leftover shredded chicken or beef); thawed frozen peas or corn, cherry tomatoes, shredded carrots; cut grapes, berries, melon, or another favorite fruit, to a lunchbox.

Lunch box ideas for toddlers:

Add cheese (slices, cubes, or string cheese); meat (cut up deli meat, leftover shredded chicken or beef); thawed frozen peas or corn, cherry tomatoes, shredded carrots; cut grapes, berries, melon, or another favorite fruit, to a lunchbox.

Five Ways to Help Your Child Prepare for Preschool:
*Don't over prepare.
*Create a healthy, regular routine.
*Read books together about starting pre-school.
*Visit the pre-school.
*Act it out.

Happy kids, Happy parents!

Five Ways to Help Your Child Prepare for Preschool:
*Don't over prepare.
*Create a healthy, regular routine.
*Read books together about starting pre-school.
*Visit the pre-school.
*Act it out.

Happy kids, Happy parents!