The San Fernando Valley Preschool Journal August/September Issu

Boosting Your Child’s Immune System & Back to School Prep

August + September

Photograph by Anne Koho

—- Dr. Gain Ginott

Back to School Must Haves that you and your preschooler will love

Healthy Relationships

Teach your child how to have a healthy relationship even at this young age

Simple

Whether your preschooler is homeschooled or attends preschool, these fun crafts are sure to inspire your child’s creative spirit

This is the part where you hand over the journal and let your preschooler or kindergartner write in the journal to test their skills

Birthday Party Skills

On the Cover:

On this month’s cover, we couldn’t help but to make it festive with the celebration of back to school.

This time holds so much excitement with a tinge of butterflies for you and your preschooler.

Preschool is the place where your child will meet new friends, launch their independence and explore the world around them.

The best is yet to come!

Packing a yummy lunch doesn’t have to be rocket science, get the recipes that your preschooler will look forward to each day

As a preschool parent, chances are you’ll be invited to a ton of parties, here’s the proper etiquette

Photograph by Syda Productions

Le er from the Editor

Just roll with it.

In this issue, we cover natural ways to ward against illnesses and to keep your preschooler free from sickness. Simple things like taking a bath each night is essential to their overall health and well-being.

Plus, we share back to school must haves that you and your preschooler will love.

He o there!

Let’s all cheer for back to school season!

This month, we are thrilled to offer insightful information about how to prepare your preschooler for this new chapter in their lives.

Maybe you have chosen to enroll your little one into a bonafide daycare/preschool program this year or maybe you prefer to continue their education at home. Either way, this issue is for you.

The back to school season is a wonderful time to begin again. As a parent, I often use this time of year to regain my focus at work, get the household in order and revisit our daily schedule.

I often hear concern among the parenthood about preschoolers and those pesky germs that get tossed around at school. Yes, it is a real thing but it isn’t anything to be afraid of or to try to avoid.

The San Fernando Valley Preschool Journal is created with your parenting journey in mind. My hope for you and your family is that you will feel supported, loved and empowered as you engage in this publication.

If there is a topic that you would like to learn more about, write to us. The San Fernando Valley Preschool Journal is your resource.

We are here to help

With Love,

Malena Jackson Editor-in-Chief

PUBLISHER

Family Ideals Group

FOUNDER & EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Malena Jackson

EDITORIAL

Associate Copy Editor: Gemma Lewis Fact Checker: Noah Ortega

DESIGN

Layout & Art Design: Alyssa Lorenzo

Graphics: Rameshwar Chawla

ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT

Tina Wells

ADVERTISING SALES

Chris Lewis

The San Fernando Valley Preschool Journal PO Box 800176

Santa Clarita, CA 91380 661.200.5667

Visit us online bit.ly/mypreschoolfair

The San Fernando Valley Preschool Journal is published bimonthly for the San Fernando Valley region. This is an independently owned and operated publication.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding this publication, please contact us directly by sending an email to mypreschooljournal@gmail.com

The advertisements in this magazine are paid for by the advertisers. Visit the website for newsstand locations.

A digital copy of the journal can be found by visiting www.issuu.com/mypreschooljournal

mypreschoolfair

mypreschoolfair

mypreschoolfair

Reproduction in whole or part without permission is prohibited.

The San Fernando Valley Preschool Journal. Copyright 2023. All rights reserved.

MUST HAVES

August is the month that is swirling with excitement of getting back to school. Whether your little one is gearing up for their first day of preschool or taking the big LEAP into TK or Kindergarten, this list has just what they’ll need.

Bento Box

Research shows that the majority of preschoolers do not like their food to touch when it’s on the plate. It must be some psychological hangup and the flavors mixing together or something.

This Silicone Bento Box by Pottery Barn Kids is just right. The soft Silicone makes it easy for preschool hands to put on and take off. Easy to clean and the colors are pretty basic.

Water Bottle

Water bottles are a standard back to school item. Preschoolers need to be able to open and close it on their own. While the most popular option is often the water bottle with a straw to avoid unwanted spills, it is important to disassemble the water bottler weekly for cleaning to ensure that the straw compartment doesn't get gunky.

The Camelbak water bottle for kids is a winner. It’s easy to handle, doesn’t leak easily and is priced just right in case it gets lost and needs to be replaced.

Cartwheel Shorts

The name says it all. These are a must have to go under those little cute sundresses during the warmer months. Your little princess will be free to play, do cartwheels and play on the monkey bars without flashing her Chonies.

Cartwheel shorts are the modern day bloomers, remember those? Be sure to grab a few pairs for your back to school shopping and pair them with the cute dresses that you have planned. Cartwheel Shorts are sold seasonally at Sam’s Club or purchase them online. Simply search Cartwheel Shorts.

Jumbo Crayons

Jumbo Crayons because why not? As your preschooler is honing their fine motor skills, jumbo crayons will help them master a solid grip during art time.

The Melissa & Doug Jumbo Triangular Crayons are perfect because they glide smoothly and they won’t roll off the table.

Sketch Pad

Pen and paper will do but this is on a whole other level. Preschoolers have thoughts too. Let them explore their creativity and practice writing their letters with a Sketch & Doodle Tablet. No internet connection, no Roblox games, just pure creativity. Ahhh, this is bliss.

The Sketch & Doodle is perfect for the ride to and from preschool or whenever your preschooler wants to create something wonderful.

Daily Vitamins

Boogie Wipes

A runny nose is inevitable if your child is around other kids. Help them keep their noses tidy with Boogie Wipes.

These specially formulated, saline wipes work really well because they don’t dry out the nose and won’t irritate the skin. While your preschool might not wipe noses all day, keep a stash in the car or in your preschooler’s backpack so when you drop off or pick up, you are able to give them a good clean up.

When it comes to proactive healthcare, there are only two words: Mary Ruth’s. It is essential to give your preschooler a dose of vitamins on the daily.

Mary Ruth’s has got you covered. There are so many varieties to choose from. Experiment and find out what flavor your preschooler prefers. The easy to administer liquid drops should be taken straight up, if possible.

Kid Friendly

Hand Sanitizer

Clean hands mean better health. It is best to wash with soap and water but when that is not available Honest Moisturizing Hand Sanitizing Gel will do.

This brand is so good because it disinfects and nourishes. Your preschooler’s hands won’t be left all high and dry with alcohol but instead they will feel soft. This formula is only available in 8 oz which means you should keep it in your purse or in the car. Don’t necessarily recommend keeping this in their cubby or backpack. This is the hand sanitizer that your preschooler should use.

Teach Your Children How to Have a Healthy Relationship

Words by Lori Bregman

When I first saw this quote I can’t even begin to tell you how many things went

through my head and rang true for me on so many different levels.

Children see and pick up on EVERYTHING. We often don’t give them enough credit for the things they are aware of. Your relationship with your spouse is setting the bar for them to follow. If you are in a toxic or unhealthy relationship you are showing them that this is OK. If you and your pouse treat each other with love and respect, you are blazing a trail for them on how to be treated and how to treat others this way. If it is OK for my mom or dad to be treated this way then why shouldn’t it be OK for me? Just a little something to think about.

We are the most open and sensitive to energy when we are children. Even though you might not always be fighting, children can feel your energy. They can sense when something is right or wrong. The bond between a mother and a child runs deep. My mother always told me that when I was little, I always seemed to know more than I should have. I would say things to her that I picked up on that she could not believe that I saw or felt. I am no different than the children that I see and work with every day.

I once worked with a client, who had three sons. The couple were having marital problems and later divorced. The husband was verbally abusive, disrespectful and cheating on her. She was always in a state of constant fear and anxiety. Feeling her anxiety (because children feel everything) the boys started acting out. Months later, they started treating her the same way her husband was treating her.

There was another case years ago, when I was working with someone who was telling me about her husband and how toxic and stressed out his energy was. He would walk in the door each night with a black cloud above his head and then take out all of his stress on his spouse. She would get upset and either lash out or hold it in while fuming inside. I remember seeing a vision of her baby playing on the ground getting energetically hit between the toxic energy that was emanating out of the two of them. Without even knowing what was happening, the energetic foundation for relating was beginning to form in this child.Years later, this child is demonstrating similar behavioral problems.

It is a fact that everyday will not be perfect, even the very best of relationships have their ups and downs. It is important to monitor the negative energy and whether it is the constant state and pace of the overall theme of the relationship. Similar to the 80/20 rule: It is what you do 80% of the time that makes a difference and has an impact.

Personally, I am grateful to have many couples, who are positive role models . These couples demonstrate what a healthy and happy relationship is and I can clearly see how their children thrive from it. I asked the couples I admire and respect what is the formula to having a balanced relationship? Here are the three things that they shared:

1. We want each other to be happy and we do what we each can do to make this happen.

2. We have a deep love and respect for one another.

3. We are supportive of one another

It is so simple, yet VERY effective!

As parents, it is good to strive for a happy home. Children, who live in a balanced home tend to feel more secure and empowered. As their parents, you set the tone for what they will look for once they begin dating or seeking a significant other. Let’s make being in happy and respectful relationships a normal way of life.

“The most important thing a father can do for his children is to love their mother”.

~Rev. Theodore Hesburgh

How Dinner as a Family Can Boost Your Child’s Grades

Words by Ann Dolin

Thirty years ago, sitting down as a family to eat dinner together was the norm. Most of us grew up this way, but in today’s hectic environment, family dinners have fallen by the wayside. With parents today juggling careers and children involved in multiple sports and activities, family time spent around the table is becoming much more rare. We are now beginning to understand just how important time spent around the dinner table is to your child’s academic success.

Dinner time as a family is the perfect time to bond. The routine of preparing and sharing meals regularly creates a sense of family togetherness and unity. It’s important to carve out time to sit down together around the table. Students who eat dinner with their families often are more likely to do well in school (40% more likely to earn As and Bs in school), be emotionally content and have lower levels of stress, have positive peer relationships and healthier eating habits, refrain from smoking, drinking, and doing drugs, and believe their parents are proud of them.

Research shows there are major benefits of family dinners to children emotionally, as well as academically.

These benefits include:

Improved Achievement Test Scores

A University of Illinois study of 120 boys and girls ages

7 to 11 found that children who did well on standard achievement tests were those that had consistent quality meal time with their families.

Improved Vocabulary and Reading Skills

A study by Dr. Catherine Snow at Harvard’s Graduate School showed that mealtime conversations teach children more vocabulary than when parents read to them. She followed 65 families for 15 years looking at how mealtime conversations played a critical role in language acquisition leading to improved vocabularies and better readers.

Greater Academic Achievement

A Reader’s Digest survey of more than 2,000 parents compared academic achievement with family characteristics. Surprisingly, eating meals together was a stronger predictor of academic success than whether the children lived with one or two parents.

Higher Grades

Researchers at Columbia University found a striking

relationship between frequency of meal times and grades. Teens who have fewer than three family dinners in a typical week are more than twice as likely to do poorly in school.

Twenty percent of teens who have infrequent family dinners (three or four per week) report receiving mostly C’s or below in school, whereas only nine percent of teens who have frequent family dinners (five to seven per week) report receiving mostly C’s or lower.

While your little one may just be starting preschool, it is a good idea to start incorporating this practice now. Family dinners are less about the food served and more about the time spent together. Use this time to talk and reconnect. Invite conversation. Ask open-ended questions and really listen to one another. As your child gets older, encourage them to invite their friends to join in family meals. It is the simple act of being together that tends to increase a sense of security with children, not the elaborate makings of the meal.

Simple Yet Effective Ways to Boost Your Child’s Immune System

Words by Amanda Bernier

It is officially back to school season and the perfect time to craft a plan to boost your child’s immune system before the looming cold and flu season is upon us.

When your child starts school, it might seem like they always have a bout with the sniffles and then the tummy bug comes knocking.

According to integrative pediatrician Dr. Alina Olteanu of Whole Child Texas in Frisco, young children can get upwards of 10 to 12 colds and viral illnesses each year. From the sniffles to strep—and yes, still COVID-19—the germs are bound to get passed around the classroom.

Have no fear! Aside from vaccines, there are natural ways to boost their immune system and ward off germs.

When it comes to the vitamins, supplements and potions that many parents swear by to give their child’s immunity a boost, experts note it’s hard to say with certainty whether they work.

“Many parents discover natural options they feel are right for their child, which can include zinc, vitamin D or C, echinacea or elderberry syrup,” said John Lazenby, MD, chief medical officer of Medical City Dallas and Medical City Children’s Hospital. “While these may not be regulated or tested by the FDA, some may find them beneficial.”

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), healthy children receiving a normal, well-balanced diet do not need vitamin supplements over and above the recommended dietary allowances. In fact, megadoses of vitamins, they warn, can produce toxic symptoms ranging from nausea to rashes to headaches. And children with autoimmune disorders need to be especially careful when considering supplements.

The key, experts say, is to talk to your pediatrician. “The best advice is to always check with your family physician or pediatrician to see what they recommend for your child based on routine check-ups,” said Lazenby.

There are natural ways to ward off the germs, experts say, but they aren’t quite as exciting as a magical supplement. Instead, the best way to kick your child’s immune system into high gear is to take daily steps to stay healthy, overall.

1. Wash Your Hands.

This isn’t news but it is worth reiterating. Encourage your preschooler to wash their hands throughout the day, even while at preschool. Clean hands whether using soap and water or handy dandy hand sanitizer is half the battle when it comes to a healthy child.

2. Eat More of the Good Stuff.

“I am frequently asked by parents what supplements to use to prevent colds, but before considering any store-bought vitamins, it’s crucial to talk about nutrition,” said Olteanu.

It’s true, chicken nuggets and pizza aren’t doing much for that immune system. Optimally, children should consume a variety of foods from the five major food groups every day: vegetables, fruits, bread or pasta, protein foods and dairy products. Each food group supplies important nutrients, including vitamins and minerals.

“As all illness starts and ends with inflammation, I educate all my patients on the benefits of an antiinflammatory diet,” says Olteanu. If you want to opt for nutrition that’s anti- and non-inflammatory, Olteanu recommends the following:

Eliminate processed food, artificial dyes and sweetener, and sweetened drinks and soda

Consume brightly colored fruits and vegetables (5–8 servings a day) and add lots of healthy fats from fish, egg, nuts, seeds and olive oil

Add some fermented food to your diet daily—think sauerkraut, pickled veggies, kimchi, kombucha and kefir

Dessert, Olteanu advises, should be a special treat, not a daily food. Moderation is the key.

3. Drink Up!

Keeping your preschooler hydrated not only helps prevent meltdowns, it helps ward off germs, too, by supporting a healthy immune system. To stay well-hydrated, children ages 1–3 years need approximately 4 cups of beveragesper day, including water or milk. This increases for older kids to around 5 cups for 4 to 8-year-olds, and 7–8 cups for older children. A good rule of thumb is to keep a cute water bottle handy for your preschooler to sip on at any time. Water is always best for hydration.

4. Get a Good Night’s Sleep + a Nap.

We all know that when kids don’t sleep well it can lead to some—ahem—difficult behaviors. But a good night’s sleep doesn’t just boost their school performance, memory and behavior, it actually benefits their immune system, too.

“Sleep is an undervalued and often overlooked habit to increase children’s immune system,” said Olteanu. Sleep deprivation can actually weaken the immune system.

The AAP recommends 10–13 hours of sleep, including naps for preschoolers up to age 5 and elementary-aged kids need 9–12 hours a night.

To establish a good sleep routine, be sure to give your child a bath each night, this will help them sleep better and wind down. It is also recommended to refrain from having a television in their bedroom and to cease screen time at least one hour before bedtime.

5. Practice a Solid Daily Schedule.

Your child will spend the majority of their day at preschool. It is important to give them time to unwind when they get home. Practice a set schedule for your preschooler. Children thrive when there is structure. Plan your life accordingly to ensure that your preschooler has a nice dinner each night, takes a warm bubble bath and winds down with a good bedtime story.

Keeping a nice, predictable schedule will help ward off stress and behavioral problems with your child. A low stress life is essential to boosting your child’s immune system.

Here are five tips for tried-and-true habits and natural strategies to help your preschooler’s body fight off thecendless array of germs that they may encounter.

The More You Know

Should Your Preschooler Take Vitamins? If So, Which Ones are Best?

Words by Sarah Thompson

The best way to ensure that your child gets the vitamins and minerals they need is by offering a well-balanced diet of vegetables, fruit, grains and lean proteins. But some factors—picky eating, food allergies, dietary restrictions and even climate—can impact their vitamin and mineral intake.

The big question is: Should your child take vitamins to get the nutrition they might be lacking?

Multivitamins for kids can round out your child’s nutrition, but with so many types on the market, it can be hard to decide which vitamin supplement is the best for your child. Here are ways to determine if your child needs multivitamins, as well as tips for finding the best multivitamins for your child.

In general, vitamin and mineral supplements are not regulated by the FDA, so make sure to read the labels and do your research. Vitamins should be listed as a “complete” supplement, meaning they contain diverse vitamins and minerals that are important for growing bodies.

Liquid vitamins are a usual first choice for small children since this form of supplement is easier to administer.

Chewable vitamins are kid-friendly and easier to swallow. You should also consider a food-based vitamin, which is derived from real food and could be better absorbed by the body than a synthetic vitamin.

Kids who live in a seasonal climate typically don’t get enough sun exposure during the winter, which makes a vitamin D supplement important.

Surprisingly, pediatricians confirm that children don’t need additional vitamins for immune support. Instead, they should focus on eating food rich in vitamins and minerals that support a healthy immune system, such as vitamins

D and E, calcium and zinc. Try serving your kid these foods to boost their immune system.

Immune Boosting Foods + Supplements

-Vitamin D: Salmon, cod, eggs, milk

-Vitamin E: Vegetable oils, nuts, seeds, leafy greens like spinach, chard and broccoli

-Calcium: Yogurt, milk, tofu, dark leafy greens

-Zinc: Red meat, poultry, brown rice, beans

Let’s Craft!

Creating fun things is what most preschoolers crave. Whether you’re homeschooling your preschooler or just looking for a weekend activity, preschool crafts projects are always a winner. They’re fun and keep little hands busy. What we love most about Arts & Crafts is that it provides practice with fine motor skills, builds confidence and is the perfect opportunity to make some pretty cute decorations for around the home or even a thoughtful gift for loved ones. Let’s craft!

Recycled Bottle Firefly

Materials Needed:

• 1 water bottle or pop bottle (clear)

• 1 glow stick any color

• 1 foam sheet any color

• 4 Pipe cleaners any color

• 1 pair Googly eyes

• 1 sheet Tissue paper

• 1 bottle Mod Podge

• 1 foam brush

Other Equipment Needed:

• Glue Gun

• Scissors

Instructions:

1. Cut a sheet of tissue paper into 1 inch strips.

2. Brush a layer of Mod Podge onto the center of your bottle.

3. Stick the tissue paper strips onto the Mod Podge, wrapping it around the bottle. Brush another layer of Mod Podge on top of the tissue strips.

4. Oncedry,wrapthreepipecleanersaroundthecenterofthebottle,on top of the tissue strips. Twist each one around the bottom to form the legs.

5. Cut 2 wing shapes out of a foam sheet. Using a glue gun, attach them to the top of the bottle.

6. Place your glow stick inside the bottle.

7. Glue on a pair of googly eyes onto the bottle cap then twist another pipe cleaner around the neck of the bottle to form the antenna.

8. Your pop bottle firefly is complete!

Craft by Megan Kapple

Tie Dye Art with Baby Wipes

Materials Needed:

• Baby Wipes

• Rubberbands

• Washable Markers and/or Liquid Watercolors

• Paper towels

Instructions:

1. Pinch the center of the baby wipe and hold it in your hand.

2. Twist the baby wipe.

3. Carefully attach a few rubber bands and have your child use a marker to color the sections of the baby wipe. The more that the marker gets into the folds, the more vibrant the color will be. You can also use your liquid watercolors to gently drip color onto the sectioned wipe. Just make sure that this is done over the sink.

4. Continue using other colors of markers to complete the tie dye baby wipe. Remove the rubber bands, gently unfold the baby wipe and lay on top of two pieces of paper towel until it has completely dried.

5. Display your craft.

Craft by Jenae

Lunch Prep: Presch l Lunch Ideas That Your Presch ler Wi Love

Words by My Preschool Journal

If you find yourself searching for ideas of what to make or pack your preschooler for lunch every day, you are not alone.

Whether you’re looking for ideas for preschool or school lunches or daycare lunches, coming up with the right combination can feel overwhelming.

Here are a few low-stress snack and lunch options for your preschooler.

IDEA 1:

Banana Oatmeal Cups

These are less like muffins and more like little bites of baked oatmeal. So they’re more filling than muffins and only slightly sweet (though you can adjust that, depending on how much sugar and chocolate chips you add).

Recipe by Sally Kuzemchak

Here’s What To Do:

• Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.

• Mix all ingredients together.

• Use cute and colorful muffin liners for the muffin pan

• Divide batter into 12 muffin cups

Here’s What You’ll Need:

• 3 ripe, mashed bananas

• 1 cup milk

• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar

• 2eggs

• 1 tbsp baking powder

• 3 cups oats, I use old fashioned oats

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 4 tablespoons chocolate chips

• Bake for 20-30 minutes until the edges start to brown and are firm to the touch.

• Cool on a wire rack. Remove the muffins from the pan after they have cooled.

• Store the muffins in a sealed container inside of the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Freeze them if you want them to last longer. Allow time for them to thaw before serving.

A good rule of thumb when it comes to planning your preschooler’s lunch is to incorporate the following formula:

Low Sugar Juice Box or Water Bottle Good Protein

Small Fruit

Small Vegetable

Crackers of Some Sort - Excellent for Snack Time

Dairy or Nondairy Item like Yogurt Tube or Cup

Simple, Not Too Sweet dessert/Treat

IDEA 2:

Bisquick Chicken Tenders

These easy to make crunchy chicken tenders are the perfect tasty protein for your preschooler’s lunch and even dinner. It only takes 20 minutes to make using the magic of Bisquick!

Here’s What To Do:

• Preheat the oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a cookie sheet with aluminum foil and spray it with cooking spray.

• In a 1-gallon Ziploc bag, combine Bisquick mix ,cheese, salt, and paprika.

• Dip half the chicken strips into the egg. Place the egg-washed chicken strips into the bag. Seal the bag and shake until the strips are coated.

Here’s What You’ll Need:

• 2/3 cup Original Bisquick® mix

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1/2 teaspoon salt or garlic salt

• 1/2 teaspoon paprika

• 3 boneless skinless chicken breast halves (cut into 1/2-inch strips) 1 egg (slightly beaten)

• 3 tablespoons butter or margarine (melted)

• Transfer the strips on to the cookie sheet. Repeat with remaining chicken. Drizzle melted butter over the chicken strips.

• Bake for 12 to 14 minutes. At the 6-minute mark, flip the strips over with a pancake turner. Chicken tenders are done when they turn golden brown and no longer pink in the center.

Recipe by Kim from Insanely Good

Preschool Activity Page

These pages are Just For You!

Parents: Have your preschooler practice their skills by completing these two activity pages. Let them have fun writing in this journal. That’s what being a preschooler is all about!

Preschool Pages Provided by Explore. Learn. Grow.

Preschool Activity Page

These pages are Just For You!

Parents: Have your preschooler practice their skills by completing these two activity pages. Let them have fun writing in this journal. That’s what being a preschooler is all about!

Preschool Pages Provided by Explore. Learn. Grow.

Apple Trees Count & Color

Name:

Directions: Look at the number shown on the basket. Color that number of apples on the tree.

Welcome to the Wonderful World of Preschool Birthday Parties

Proper Birthday Party Etique e

Words by Jessie Leigh

Now that your preschooler is entering this new chapter as a student, odds are pretty good that he or she will be invited to a few birthday parties.

To help you mentally and physically prepare for the ongoing celebrations, here are some of my best tips for making these events as painless as possible for both you AND the host.

Please RSVP.

If the invite suggests you call, do so. If an email is provided, feel free to use it. Try not to accept or decline while standing outside the school or classroom. Not only is it more difficult for the host to keep track that way but, also, you should...realize that not all the children in the class may have received an invitation. It is best if you don’t bring up the party to a bunch of moms unless you know their children were also included. This could lead to hurt feelings or put the host in an awkward position.

Make an effort to find

what

birthday kid is into.

It will make gift buying easier, and will also serve as a good lesson for your own child. I know my kids love being given the “mission” of really paying attention to what their friends most love to play with or what books they choose from the library! Feel free to just ask the mom what’s on his or her wishlist.

Don’t feel the need to spend a ton of gift.

My five-year-old daughter received a (no joke) $78 dollar Disney princess doll set from a classmate. She really liked it. However, she was no more impressed with that than she was with a five dollar set of princess books from another friend. The key to both gifts’ success was that the givers knew she was a princess lover. The money spent made no difference. A good rule of thumb is to set a budget of up to $25.00 for the gift

Do not assume siblings are welcome.

This seems like a no-brainer to me, but apparently some folks didn’t get the memo. Many party packages cost a fee per person so do ask the host if it is OK for your other children to attend. If the answer is no, then you’ll need to determine whether you can drop off or whether you should just decline due to lack of childcare.

Don’t be afraid to decline.

If you really don’t have the time or money to attend the party, politely decline. If the party involves an activity you feel is too dangerous for your child (like four-wheeling) or too difficult for their abilities (and, thus, they may feel left out), it is totally appropriate to choose not to attend. You’re not compromising your child’s future social life by doing so.

Finally, relax.

Try to enjoy the party. Don’t hover over your child, but don’t “check out” like this is your chance for free babysitting either. Sit back and watch the wonder of a child making a wish on a candle. Enjoy this season of accompanying your preschooler to birthday parties. The years will fly by.