Here are some upcoming events at the zoo:

Nov. 25 – Free day.  No admission fee!  Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Nov. 27 – Feast for the Beasts. Some animals will be feasting on traditional Thanksgiving dishes from 1:30 to 3 p.m.

December through February – Free zoo admission every Monday!

Dec. 1 – 24 – Deck the Zoo. Bring and edible wildlife ornament and get admission to the zoo for only $1!

Dec. 5, 12 and 19 – Cupcakes with Santa. Kids can decorate their own holiday cupcake.  They’ll create some unique holiday crafts and end the day with a visit from Santa himself.  Kids must be accompanied by an adult. Cost for children age 3 and older is $20 for ZooFriends members, $22 for nonmembers. Adults are free with a paid child. Pre-registration is required and must be made one week prior to the event. Register online at http://okczoo.recware.com or call 425-0218.

Dec. 5 – Wreath making class. Everything to make a holiday wreath will be provided. Cost is $20 for ZooFriends members, $25 for nonmembers and the class is for age 16 and older.  Register at the same site or phone number listed above.

Dec. 7 – Coffee Connections. This is a new, FREE program for ages 16 and older from 9 to 10 a.m. Meet at the Rosser Conservation Education Center to learn about the zoo and its happenings while sipping a cup of joe.

Dec. 14 – Santa is stopping by the zoo to delivery goodies to the animals from 10 to 11 a.m. Guests in the Canopy Restaurant can enjoy free hot chocolate and doughnuts and get pictures with Santa.  Activity is free, no reservations are required.  

Dec. 29, 30 – Winter day camps are available for ages 4-11.  They are from 9 a.m. to noon and cost $20 for ZooFriends members, $25 for nonmembers.  Snacks will be provided, but bring a lunch. Advance registration and payment are required.  Enroll at http://okczoo.recware.com or call 425-0218.

For more information about upcoming zoo events, go to www.okczoo.com.

~Erica Smith
esmith@opubco.com

The first five are for trick-or-treaters:

1. Cross the street safely at corners. Use traffic signals and crosswalks.  Walk, don’t run, and always look left, right then left again before crossing.

2. Stay on sidewalks or paths. No sidewalks? Then walk facing traffic as far to the left as possible.

3. Slow down, stay alert. Keep an eye out for cars turning or backing up.  Don’t dart into the street or cross in between parked cars.

4. Young kids should always be with an adult. Especially those younger than 12. 

5. Costumes should be safe. Reflective tap is essential.  If possible, choose a light-colored costume. Choose nontoxic face paint over a mask that can obstruct a child’s vision. Have kids carry glow sticks and flashlights. Make sure they can be seen.

The last five are for drivers:

6.  SLOW DOWN.  Especially in residential neighborhoods and school zones. Most often, trick-or-treating is done between 5:30 and 9:30 p.m.

7. Be especially alert. Take extra time to look for kids at intersections, on medians and on curbs. Kids can be unpredictable so be on guard.

8. Enter and exit driveways slowly and carefully.

9. Reduce distractions when driving.  Don’t talk on your phone or text. It only takes a second to miss a child darting out in front of your car. Concentrate fully on the road and your surroundings.

10. Keep your headlights on so you can spot kids at a greater distance. Children may not be able to see your vehicle.

Let’s keep these 10 important tips in mind so everyone has a safe and happy Halloween.

-Erica Smith
esmith@opubco.com

I’m always saying I’ll do things different but there is no better time to set goals than the first day of the year.  

Here are my Top 5 parenting resolutions for 2009:

1. Make my toddler eat vegetables.  My friend bought me the cookbook “Deceptively Delicious” by Jessica Seinfeld (Jerry’s wife).  I resolve to get broccoli or squash into every dish my child eats, even dessert.

2. Try to overlook the grosser things my boy does … such as drinking the bathwater.  Or sticking his dirty fingers in his mouth. Or dropping food on the floor then eating it before I can pry it from his hand. (This is going to be that resolution that I end up NOT keeping.)

3. Try to limit how many times he watches Cars or WALL-E.  We’ve both become addicted to those movies.

4. Try the “not-using-the-word-no-all-the-time” method.  For example: Instead of saying “No, you can’t have another cookie,” say “Yes, you can have another cookie … tomorrow.”  We’ll see how good that one works.

5. Get him potty trained.  I would literally pay someone to do this for me.  Or my son can use the “not-say-no” method just this once … “Yes, Mommy, I’ll sit on the potty … next year.”

What are your parenting resolutions?  Did you make any last year? Let me know by commenting below or emailing me at esmith@opubco.com.

Have a happy, safe and healthy New Year!

~Erica Smith

So Christmas has come and gone.  Santa has probably brought your kids a toy (or ten) and now you wonder what you can do with all those toys your kids don’t play with anymore or have outgrown.  I look at all my son’s baby toys and wonder what I can possibly do with them, as I am quickly running out of room. 

I took some suggestions from friends and family and here are a few:

1. Keep them.  If you plan on having more kids, you’ll be one step ahead and not have to buy all those toys all over again. 

2. Give them to friends. Especially expecting or new parents.  It will help cut down the costs for them and you’ll surely win friend points.

3. Consign them. There is a big consignment sale twice a year in Oklahoma City and Norman.  It’s the Just Between Friends sale and they take tons of toys, clothing, strollers, you name it. They pay the consignor 65% of the sale.  Not bad if you have a ton of stuff and would like to make a little back to put toward future toy and clothing purchases.  Go to their Website to sign up or get more information.  In Oklahoma City, go to http://okc.jbfsale.com.  The sale will be at the Oklahoma State Fairgrounds. In Norman, go to http://norman.jbfsale.com. The sales will be at the Cleveland County Fairgrounds. Registration begins in January and the sales are set for March.

4. Goodwill. 84 percent of the revenue brought into the Goodwill stores goes to their employment and training opportunities, which helps people find good jobs.  Go to www.goodwill.org or your closest Goodwill store for more information on how to donate.

5. Infant Crisis Services. This local nonprofit helps the youngest of children.  If you have baby toys that are gently used, they will gladly take them to give to families in need.  You can donate new or good used clothing (preemie to size 6) and shoes, and new or good used toys, among many other items.  Call 528-3663 or go to www.infantcrisis.org for more information.

These are just a few suggestions. There are probably many more charities or organizations that can take your children’s used clothes or toys.  It’s one way you can keep giving, even after the holiday season is over. 

If you have any other suggestions you’d like readers to know about, leave your comments here or email esmith@opubco.com.  I’d love to share them.

~Erica Smith

According to the Oklahoma City-County Health Department, injuries kill more children each year than diseases, kidnapping and drugs combined.  Children age 4 and younger account for nearly half of toy-related injuries and almost 90 percent of deaths. In Oklahoma, about 130 children through age 15 die each year from unintentional injuries. For every fatality, approximately 45 children require hospitalization and 1,300 require emergency treatment.

These are numbers that aren’t to be taken lightly. The health department offers these tips when purchasing a toy to keep those numbers as low as possible:

1. Always consider the child’s age and maturity level. Purchase a toy suited to the ability, skill and interest level of the child.

2. Toys intended for children older than age 3 should never be given to infants or toddlers. They may have small parts that pose a choking hazard. Children younger than 3 should not be given toys with cords or strings longer than 12 inches. Cords longer than this can get wrapped around a child’s neck.

3. Children younger than age 8 shouldn’t be given toys with sharp edges or toys that run on electricity (not including batteries).

4. Older children should be taught to keep their toys away from younger siblings.

5. Look for well-constructed toys. Check the toys periodically for broken parts that should be repaired or thrown away.

6. Consider the weight, size of the toy.

7. Make sure toys do not contain toxic paint or lead.

8. Costumes or pajamas should be labeled “flame retardant/flame resistant.”

9. If you give a child a bike, roller blades, skateboard or scooter, don’t forget to include safety gear like a helmet, knee pads and wrist guards as part of the gift.

If you started holiday shopping early, you can also check toys to be sure they haven’t been recalled since your purchase.  Go to www.cpsc.gov to be sure they aren’t on the list. And if you have children of your own, I highly suggest signing up for the website’s email announcements. As soon as a toy or other children’s item (such as clothes, cribs, etc.) is recalled, they let you know via email, complete with pictures of the items, where they were sold and when, and what to do with the recalled item.

Holidays are supposed to be a joyous and happy time, especially for the little ones. Let’s all be extra diligent in keeping it safe for them. If you have any other good safety tips, comment here or email me at esmith@opubco.com.

~Erica Smith

It’s that time of year.  The lights, the parties, the festivities, the shopping, the trees, the STRESS of the holidays.  Most of us have more to get done than we think we can possibly handle, especially if you add kids into the mix.  But are there ways to at least reduce some of the stress this wonderful season brings? 

The Oklahoma City-County Health Department offers some valuable tips on simple things you can do to make this season a little easier:  

1. Save decorating until a week before the holiday.  Save irreplaceable decorations for later years when children are older.  My son is two, so I won’t be buying any Swarovski Crystal or Tiffany ornaments this year.   

2. Shop ahead, throughout the year, while children are at school or home.  Good advice, unless you’re like me and just HAVE to close the mall down on Christmas Eve, just for the fun of it. 

3. Limit the number of times children stay with babysitters while you attend events.  Not a problem in my house – my babysitter is terminally unavailable.  

4. Avoid forcing a frightened child to sit on Santa’s lap.  Young children often enjoy stories and pictures but the real thing can be overwhelming. I tried to force my son to sit for a Santa picture last year.  All I got was a photo of a distraught toddler with red puffy eyes. 

5. Avoid forcing children to welcome unknown relatives with a kiss or by handing them over to be held by a stranger.  Allow the child time to warm up. Also good advice, unless you’re my mother ‘Gwennie’ and in that case, there will be no warm up time. Because she said so.

 6. If weather permits, encourage outdoor play to release extra energy.  OK, we live in Oklahoma. This is not hard. It won’t be cold until at least Febraury.  

7. Keep routines as normal as possible.  Be sure to expect behavioral changes anytime routines change. I find that this is pretty much a given with a toddler, at any time, in any season, for any reason. 

8. When traveling with a young child, allow extra time on the road.  Take some familiar objects from home.  Establish a routine as close as possible to your regular routine and be assertive with relatives about how you enforce limits with your child. Unless, of course you’re ‘Gwennie’ and under her roof. Then it’s her rules … or else.

9. Limit holiday candy; give healthy treats along with the seasonal goodies.  So pumpkin pie counts as a vegetable, right?

Any more tips you’d like to share? Leave your comments here or email me at the address below.

~Erica Smith

esmith@opubco.com

Those of us celebrating this fun holiday with a toddler, may be thinking “My child is too young for trick-or-treating, but I can’t let the day go by without some festivities to create that picture perfect moment of my little one in full costume.”

Here are some ideas that might be a bit more toddler-friendly than trick-or-treating.

Have a get together at your house.  This works especially if you have other friends with toddlers.  They can have food and games just for them.

Go to the zoo.  The Oklahoma City Zoo sponsors “Haunt the Zoo” every year, and we go … every year.  You won’t see the exhibits, but you’ll meet alot of friendly zoo employees who will be giving out all kinds of goodies.  They also provide plenty of picture opportunities.  Go to www.okczoo.com for more information.

Festivals.  There are plenty around the metro. It seems that every church, YMCA and other community center is hosting a fall festival or carnival.  Take advantage of these, as many are free and they’re a fun, safe alternative to trick-or-treating.

Hand out candy. Dress your toddler up in their costume and let them pass out candy to visiting trick-or-treaters.  Chances are, they’ll just love the opportunity to show off their costume to neighbors.  And you’ll get to watch Halloween specials on TV.

And if you do decide to brave the neighborhood for goodies, just be sure to follow the basic rules of trick-or-treating:

-Wear light-colored clothing and/or reflective tape on costumes.  Don’t cross streets between parked cars.

-Go in a group, and while it is still light out.  Use flashlights if it’s dark. Don’t go to any house that has the lights turned off.

-Inspect all candy carefully and discard anything that has a torn or missing wrapper or could have been tampered with in any way. 

If you have any more good safety tips or suggestions for Halloween, post them here or email esmith@opubco.com and I’ll post them for you.

~Erica Smith

Star Spangled Salute Air Show, Saturday, Tinker Air Force Base.  The aviation acts will leave any child captivated and fascinated.  For more information, go to http://wimgo.com/events/29627/star-spangled-salute-air-show. My toddler may be a little young (he scares easily from loud noises) but I hear it is a terrific family event.

Chuck Wagon Gathering & Children’s Cowboy Festival, Saturday-Sunday, at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum.  Food, kids’ activities, pony rides.  It doesn’t get more fun (and educational) than this. You may even be able to coerce your kids into behaving long enough to let you walk around the museum and check out exhibits.  For more info, go to http://wimgo.com/events/27105/chuck-wagon-gathering-childrens-cowboy-festival.

The Oklahoma City Zoo starts its summer hours this weekend: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, beginning Monday. I personally bought a Zoo Friends pass online at www.okczoo.com so that my son and I could go all summer.  He loves the zoo, and it kills a few hours (and calories!) every time we go. Save the playground for last because once the kids get in it, they won’t want to leave.

As an added bonus, they have a program just for 4- and 5-year-olds this Saturday from 10 to 11 a.m.  Check it out at http://wimgo.com/events/31220/ .

Remington Park has a super fun family day planned for Memorial Day. The afternoon of “Racing and Family Fun” includes lucky horseshoe giveaways for kids, horseshoe pitching contests for kids and adults, inflatables, $1 hot dogs & sodas, petting zoo, face-painting, live music and more.  For more details, go to   http://wimgo.com/events/40208 .

White Water Bay.  OK, I have to admit, I am a huge kid at heart when it comes to the water.  I went this past weekend and it was actually not too busy for opening weekend.  We bought a season pass for both White Water and Frontier City.  They have great attractions for younger kids and kids 2 and younger are free. They also sell all-season parking passes, too.  If you don’t get one, expect to pay $5 cash every time you go for parking.  Again, kill a few hours and calories (that is, if you don’t get the heaping mound of loaded curly fries).  Don’t forget the sunscreen! http://www.whitewaterbay.com/ .

For a great list of other Memorial Day weekend events, concerts, lake activities and more, visit www.wimgo.com/memorialday and plan a fun family weekend!

-Erica Smith

I loved them all, and it brought back memories of my own handmade creations from when I was a child.

I kissed my “babies” – ages 13, 9 and 3 – and hugged them as many times as they would let me.

What a wonderful Mother’s Day, right? But it wasn’t over.

For some reason my 9-year-old daughter wanted me out of the house for a couple of hours later that evening. So, my husband and I left for awhile – it would be a good opportunity to buy toilet paper and shampoo.

So what awaited us when we returned?

Kaci met us at the entryway to our living room that obviously had been straightened, streamers were strung from wall to wall to curtain rod to mantle. She then led us to the dining area where a scrumptious homemade meal had been prepared: Peanut Butter and jelly sandwiches, barbecue chips, mixed nuts, a

Natalie Cole’s CD began to play, Kaci danced around the table (I called it Kaci’s Dinner Theatre), she waited on us like a waitress and then fixed us ice cream sundaes. …. Then she brought us the bill – $10.99. My husband handed her a credit card, which she took to his wallet and extracted $4.

A small price to pay for a priceless, fun moment with your child. – Linda