It’s hot in there – Don’t leave children and dogs in parked cars
As the temperature rises, it’s getting warmer … but it’s even hotter inside your vehicle.
Don’t leave your children or pets inside your parked cars.
Would you want to be locked in a car with temperatures more than 100 degrees?
According to AAA, “On a summer day in Oklahoma, the inside temperature of a car can reach more than 100 degrees in just a short time. Heatstroke can occur in an adult when the temperature reaches 104 degrees and death can occur at 107 degrees; for a child, it is less.”
You might think you’re going to be “just a minute,” or maybe that ”it’s not that hot outside, so it must be OK in the car.”
But, you’re wrong. A minute can turn into 5, which can turn into 10, which can turn into half an hour. If you throw a hot car into the scenario, you’re putting your loved ones in jeopardy.
AAA also warns owners to keep their automobiles locked at all times when they’re not in use, so a curious child doesn’t become trapped in the vehicle.
Here are safety tips from AAA:
- Never leave a child unattended in a car, even for a minute, and even if the windows are tinted or down. The same recommendations apply to pets and the elderly.
- Never leave car keys where children have access to them.
- Keep doors locked and windows closed at all times, even when the vehicle is in the garage or on a driveway.
- Make sure all children leave the vehicle when you reach your destination.
Don’t leave anyone behind:
- When you first place a child in a car seat in the back seat of the car, also open the glove compartment door, flip down the passenger side visor or put a purse in the back seat. These actions can serve as visual reminders that a child is in the back seat.
- If you see a child alone in a locked, parked car, immediately call 9-1-1 for emergency assistance.
March for Babies May 7 at State Fair Park
The March of Dimes annual March for Babies is planned for Saturday, May 7, at State Fair Park.
Registration begins at 8 a.m. with the program beginning at 9 a.m.
The day also will include a DJ, children’s carnival games and activities, a bounce house, face painting, team photos, food and a visit from Rumble during registration.
Funds raised by March for Babies in Oklahoma help support prenatal wellness programs, community grants, neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) family support programs and advocacy efforts for stronger, healthier babies.
The fee is $10 per walker.
For more information about the event, visit March for Babies or call (405) 943-1025
Goodnight, Sweet Dreams … Why is everyone still talking?
After my daughter saw a spider on her bed – tis the season of springtime creepy crawlies – she spent a few nights in her sister’s room on the trundle.
She complained, though, that her younger sister talked in her sleep. I told her she used to do that, too, and to be more tolerant, especially since she was the visitor.
A few days later, she ended up sleeping in my room, too, since she had worn out her welcome elsewhere. Early the next morning before she awoke, she started yelling, “No!” in an argumentative tone. She was obviously arguing with someone in a dream. I was hoping it wasn’t me.
Last night, my youngest son started talking in his sleep … “mml…go” … which, in his language, is “Wanta go,” which he loves to do.
So, within a week’s time, all my children have been talking in their sleep.
What does this mean? I would guess it has something to do with unrestful sleep. All have either been sick, suffering from allergies or just tired.
Of course, it was a full moon recently, too.
–Linda Lynn
Earth Day! Let’s celebrate!
Friday is Earth Day. Most of us spend every waking and sleeping hour on this planet.
We call it home, but sometimes we take it for granted.
What could you do to give back to our big blue marble?
- Plant a tree. (or a bush or a seed)
- Walk instead of driving. (or skip, run, dance)
- Ride a bicycle. (or a cow, horse or unicycle)
- Share a commute with a neighbor or co-worker, or take public transportation. (And share good conversation on the way!)
- Volunteer to help clean up your local park or neighborhood. (Start with your own yard.)
- Use reuseable shopping bags, buy less and consider food packaging. Do you really need a separate plastic produce bag for lemons, limes, squash and onions. Go sans plastic bags, since you’re going to wash them anyway. (And use the food you buy. Don’t waste it and let it rot for a couple of weeks in the fridge.)
- Take shorter showers. (Turn water on, turn off, soap up, turn water on and do a quick rinse. Done!)
- Use less pesticides, fertilizers and chemicals around your home. Or stop using unfriendly products altogether. (You might not have the prettiest lawn in the neighborhood, but you’ll feel safe having your kids play there.)
- Spend the evening watching a sunset — not the TV. (The color reception is so much better.)
- Play outside. (Bouncing balls, Hula-hoops and horseshoes are more Earth-friendly than living room-friendly.)
- Take your children on a nature hike, sharing appreciation of our environment. (Don’t touch the poison ivy!)
Share your Earth-celebrating ideas with The Oklahoman and our readers. You might inspire someone else to follow your example.
–Linda Lynn
Do your kids make you laugh? Share and win
Chicken of the Sea is launching the Chicken of the Sea Funniest Kids’ Quotes Contest™, asking parents to submit the funniest remarks their child has ever said with the contest winners being chosen by popular public vote.
That funny gem could win your family a trip to a Disney park, or a cash prize of $1,000 or $500.
Parents are encouraged to visit Chicken of the Sea on Facebook and submit a short, written description showcasing their child’s funny comment or question. The contest submission period will end June 6.
Starting June 7, contest participants are encouraged to get their Facebook friends to vote for them once per day. Voting ends June 28. The grand-prize winner, first runner-up and second runner-up will be announced July 7.
During the contest submission period, Chicken of the Sea will also be giving away prize packs to one random contest entrant each Friday.
Car seat recommendations change
The American Academy of Pediatrics has changed its stance and guidelines on infant car seats.
The AAP now advises parents to keep their toddlers in rear-facing car seats until age 2, or until they reach the maximum height and weight for their seat. It also advises that most children will need to ride in a belt-positioning booster seat until they have reached 4 feet 9 inches tall and are between 8 and 12 years of age.
The previous standard was 12 months/20 pounds as a minimum for facing backward.
To read the full report, go to www.aap.org/advocacy/releases/carseat2011.htm.
A reference guide for all age groups can be found at www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/on-the-go/pages/Car-Safety-Seats-Information-for-Families.aspx.
-Erica Smith
esmith@opubco.com
Coupon was pot ‘o gold
Thank you, coupon fairy!
I had stopped by a local store to pick up a few items, and there, on top of the diaper boxes, was a $2 off coupon for the item I wanted.
Someone had shared from their own coupon collection, and though I’ve seen stray coupons scattered with products at stores before, today was my day to take advantage of the gift.
While $2 might not seem like much, it adds up.
Inspired by my daughter’s Lent sacrifice of all softdrinks, I decided to give up everything Starbucks and sweet tea.
These sugary drinks and the food I always bought to accompany them were becoming an addiction that was bleeding my purse of $3 here, $5 there and $7 from somewhere!
The tall, decaf, no-whip, peppermint mocha was my little reward — and for “me” time.
I’m not saying I’ll never drink one again, but I needed to put my “little” expenses into perspective.
Although I never saw my dad with a cigarette in his hand, he would tell a story of how he quit, cold turkey, once he realized he could have bought a car with the money he had spent on his habit.
I don’t think my beverage expenses will even come close to buying a car – but maybe a set of tires for a car.
With so many costs related to basic living needs, my children, their schools, doctor visits, etc. and the desire to be able to maybe afford another home someday, I’m taking a second look at my budget — one cup at a time.
Linda Lynn
Verizon store is hosting Kids’ Day at Quail Springs
Tomorrow and Saturday (March 11-12), Verizon Wireless will celebrate the opening of a new store at Quail Springs Mall with events for kids and adults alike.
According to a news release, the fun will begin with a ribbon cutting ceremony at 3 p.m. Friday, during which the company will present a $1,000 check to YWCA of Oklahoma City. And for all us techie parents, at 5 p.m., the store will unveil the new iPad 2.
Festivities will continue from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at the store’s Kids’ Day, with FREE family activities, such as face-painting, a moon bounce, complimentary tacos from Big Truck Tacos (YUM!!) and prize giveaways.
“The focus is around family and getting the children involved,” said Michael Perry, Quail Springs store manager.
-Erica Smith
esmith@opubco.com
Baby on board … She got her driver’s license!
There’s the old joke when a 16-year-old gets a driver’s license that everyone better “watch out.” It’s usually followed by a laugh that the young driver doesn’t really appreciate.
Well, today my “baby” got her driver’s license. I’m sure she’ll hear plenty of remarks, some in fun, some congratulatory.
But, for my husband and me, it’s scary.
As I said, she’s our “baby.” She will always be, no matter how old she gets.
Lacking the mileage of an experienced driver, she isn’t as quick to react. And, like any driver, she can make mistakes.
After riding with her the other night, there had been a discussion of my hesitation when I told her whether a lane was clear. After we were home, and we’d destressed a bit, I sat down with her.
“The decisions you make when you’re driving are life and death decisions,” I told her. I didn’t like having the conversation, but it’s exactly what every driver needs to be told.
I remember when I first got my license, and I’m sure my driving wasn’t perfect. If it had been, my mother wouldn’t have been applying the invisible brake on her side of the car every time she rode with me.
Now, I seem to be pressing on the invisible brake when I’m in the passenger’s seat. It’s annoying to my daughter, but it’s just a reaction on my part.
Although we’re still not ready to let go and give her full reins of the car, I know this rite of passage will be helpful in the future. Those early morning band rehearsals, trips to the store for last-minute items, meeting friends … these are all reasons that another driver in the family could prove useful.
Friends and family also are encouraging. They’ve experienced first-hand how it made their schedules a little more manageable.
I’m not sure we’re ready, but she is. She is moving forward, growing.
I just want her to keep in mind the responsibility she carries with her every time she gets behind the wheel of a car. My baby’s in that car.
Linda Lynn
Students not sidelined by their developmental delays
This morning’s Roundup assembly was pretty special at Edmond’s West Field Elementary School.
For the first time, the children from the developmentally delayed classes were the presenters.
Their teachers were nervous, the students were orderly on the risers, wearing Dr. Seuss hats made from red and white paper.
My son, Cade, was one of the younger students involved and was placed on the front row.
When I came into the gym, he ran over to me to give me a hug — a couple of times. So, I had to leave and then sneak back in to sit in another location.
Friday morning “Roundup” is a gathering of all the teachers and students. They recite the Pledge of Allegiance and school creed, listen to announcements and sing songs. It’s a good way to end the week and recognize students and classes for their weekly accomplishments.
Each week, a different group of students helps to present the program.
As the students said their names and directed the gathering on what was coming next, it was moving to see their excitement, anticipation and delivery of their speaking parts.
When Cade said his name, his voice was loud and sweet. His language development is still “developing,” but you couldn’t mistake the way he proudly spoke into the microphone.
I smiled and laughed a little, giddy with the excitement of seeing my baby perform in front of a group. Then, for a moment, tears came to my eyes, a flash flood of emotions coming over me.
But I recovered and was able to enjoy this simple — but very important — moment of the day.
Afterward, the teachers were asking questions, “How did they sound? Could you hear them?” and saying, “They did such a good job!”
It was a milestone for the school. It’s not only good for the students who presented, but also for the students in the audience. And good for the teachers. And good for the parents attending.
And good for the community.
These lovely children are a part of the community, and the public display of their talents and dedication is a lesson in how they, too, can contribute to the activities in everyday life.
It was a proud and moving moment for me.
Linda Lynn
