Good to Know

Finding the Right School for Your Child From the publishers of PRIVATE SCHOOLS 2022/2023 EAST BAY GUIDE TO

PSG Cover 2022.02.indd 1 9/22/22 3:29 PM Finding the Best Start for Your Child From the publishers of PRESCHOOLS & Early Child Education EAST BAY GUIDE TO 2022/2023

East Bay Private School Guide and the East Bay Preschool Guide are Now Available!

The 2022/23 edition of The East Bay Private School Guide and The East Bay Guide to Preschools are fresh off the press and our available on our website.

Both give great advice on how to choose a private school or preschool, relative to their subject. Find out when to start your search, criteria to consider, what to look for in a school and a handy timeline for your search so you stay on track with those application deadlines. Available online at www.ParentsPress.com – just click on “Our Magazines” tab.

The Festival of Lights

This year the first night of Hanukkah falls on December 18, ending on December 26, at sunset.

The holiday always begins on the 25th day of the Hebrew month of Kislev, but never falls on the same day each year on the Gregorian calendar. Hanukkah, the Hebrew word for “dedication,” is also known as the Festival of Lights or Feast of the Maccabees.

Kwanzaa

KWANZAA IS A SEVEN-DAY FESTIVAL CELEBRATED IN APPRECIATION OF AFRICA-AMERICAN HISTORY, HERITAGE

AND CULTURE. The term ‘Kwanzaa’ originates from the Swahili expression “matunda ya kwanza,” which means ‘first fruits of the harvest.” The festival is observed from December 26th to January 1st. Each of these seven days honors principles (Unity, Self-determination, Collective Work and Responsibility, Cooperative Economics, Purpose, Creativity, and Faith) which are thought to have been fundamental in promoting strong, productive communities and families in Africa. Kwanzaa became a celebration of culture, community and family. Usually, people celebrate this holiday through musical selections, drumming, libations, discussing the African principle of the day, a reflection on Pan- African colors, feasts, candle lighting rituals, and artistic performances.

Be a Light in the Dark

With all of the holiday festivities happening this month, you’re probably overlooking one offbeat occasion — NATIONAL FLASHLIGHT DAY. It falls on Winter Solstice, December 21, the longest night of the year, and could be a good time to check on your household’s flashlight supply. Make sure batteries are new in the event of a power outage.

Holiday Safety

It may be the most wonderful time of the year, but that doesn’t stop holiday related injuries. Here’s how you and your children can have a fun and safe season.

DECORATION DOS

Keep the trimmings safe by watering real trees regularly to avoid fires (or consider a fake tree) and place breakable ornaments and ones with metal hooks up top, with kidfriendly ones below. Check lights for exposed wires, loose connections or broken sockets. Battery-operated candles are a safer alternative to the real variety, which present a fire hazard.

FESTIVE FETES

If children are helping with the holiday cooking, never leave the stove top or oven unattended when they are present. Prevent burns and spills by using the back burners of your stove. Turn pot handles away from the edge. Poinsettias, holly and other plants commonly used as decorations can be poisonous if ingested. Keep the National Poison Center number (1-800-222-1222) easily available.

TOY TIPS

Keep gifts age appropriate when purchasing a toy or game. Don’t forget safety equipment, such as a helmet and pads, for new bikes, scooters, skateboards or skis. Keep an eye on small parts that are easy to swallow, especially button batteries which are included in most electronic toys. Check websites, such as the Consumer Product Safety Commission (cpsc.gov), for updated recall information.

Here’s to a safe and stress-free holiday season!

Winter Respiratory Issues

During the winter months emergency departments often see an increase in children presenting with respiratory disorders. Some of the common respiratory illnesses seen in children are asthma, bronchiolitis, croup and pneumonia. While it can be heartbreaking and frightening for a parent to see their child not feeling well, an infant or young toddler with a respiratory illness can be extra worrisome for parents since children this age can’t tell you what is wrong.

For some children with asthma, the return of cooler weather or catching a cold can make their symptoms more difficult to control.

For some children with asthma, the return of cooler weather or catching a cold can make their symptoms more difficult to control. Bronchiolitis is caused by viruses and usually affects infants and toddlers. Bronchiolitis can develop into coughing, wheezing, and difficulty breathing.

If your child has a harsh voice, barky cough and noisy breathing he or she may have croup. Croup is also caused by viruses and affects young children. If your child is diagnosed with pneumonia antibiotics will be prescribed if the infection is caused by bacteria.

Your child should see their pediatrician for any concerning respiratory symptoms, but here are some of the reasons to seek care immediately:

• If you can see your child’s ribs or if the chest or stomach is being pulled in while breathing • If there are any abnormal noises, such as grunting, while breathing • If there is a blue or gray color around your child’s lips or on their face or finger nails • If they are drooling more than normal • If they are not able to swallow

A child that has been diagnosed with a respiratory infection may require more fluids than usual to prevent dehydration if they have a fever or are breathing faster than normal. If your child is diagnosed with a bacterial infection, he or she will be prescribed antibiotics. Be sure to give your child their medication as directed, for the prescribed amount of time. Avoid over the counter cough/cold medications as these are not safe for children.

Your child may not be acting like his or her normal self while they are sick, but with a little time and supportive care they will be back on their feet and running around! Y