Little Duck Family Child Care

HOW CREATING MUSIC OUTDOORS CAN SUPPORT PEOPLE WITH AUTISM In honor of World Autism Awareness Week, running  from 27 th  March to 2 nd  April ,  Percussion Play  is highlighting the healing power of playing music in the great outdoors and how it can support people with Autism. It is well-known that playing musical instruments lifts people’s moods and creates a powerful sense of well-being.  Music therapy has been shown to significantly improve communication for those with a wide range of disabilities and health conditions.  Numerous studies have concluded that there is a strong positive correlation between exposure to music and improved well-being for autistic people. Being outside also enhances our mood and in the case of autistic people, the positive effects of being outdoors can be significant. One study concluded that music therapy sessions in an outdoor environment can ‘improve children’s peer interaction’.  Another study reported seven prima...

Enjoy a morning full of fun at Easter Eggstravaganza. Grab your game kit, play some games, hunt some eggs, visit the Easter  Bunny, and hold a baby chick or duckling! This popular event fills up quickly so don’t delay. Date:  Saturday, April 1, 2023 Time 1:  9:00 – 10:30 am Time 2:  11:00 am – 12:30 pm Cost:  $5/child Ages:  For children 10 years and under Location:  Multi-Sport Dome, 2139 McDougall Road Everyone attending must register by calling  778-797-8800  or going to  www.westkelownacity.ca/recreation .

“Backyarding”—the art of taking indoor activities to the outdoors—is a trend that has caught on. As winter begins to wind down, thoughts of playing in and working in our yards often kick into high gear. Perhaps you are already dreaming of family gatherings, grilling and eating in your backyard. Or maybe you wish to add a yoga zone, design an outdoor movie theater, or build an agility course for your pet this year. Or perhaps this is the year you wish to add a pollinator garden or plant a vegetable or flower garden. Or are you hoping to get that outdoor office setup with extended WiFi?  Knowing the purpose of your yard and how it will meet the needs of your family and pets is a great start to getting “backyard ready” for these warmer weather activities. Also, knowing your climate zone and the mix of trees, shrubs, grass and flowering plants that will grow sustainably is key to designing a dream yard. After all, our yards are not only an oasis for family but also for wildlife and imp...

The shorter, darker days of winter can take a toll. But according to The  TurfMutt Foundation  and its spokesdog, Mulligan the TurfMutt, there is an easy fix for a case of the winter blahs. Get outside.  “It’s hard to argue with a dog’s enthusiasm for spending time outside, and there are many good reasons to follow their lead, even in winter,” says Kris Kiser, president and CEO of The TurfMutt Foundation, which advocates taking care of and using the green space in our own backyards and community parks. “My dog, Mulligan the TurfMutt, loves the snow and wants to be outside. Even when it’s cold, she motivates me and all of TurfMutt Nation to get outside all year long,” Exposure to cold temperatures increases your energy levels and can sharpen your mental focus. Cold weather can also reduce inflammation and swelling; think if it like a cold plunge bath or ice pack for your entire body. Spending time outside fires up your metabolism, and you actually burn more calories when i...

January can be the hardest month of the year for some people, not only is it winter and this has its own pitfalls but it’s right after Christmas, you probably spent a bunch of money and feel a lot of regret. It’s a new year and many people are trying to improve their lives, this can make you look at your life and feel like you could have done more, aren’t where you should be in life or need to make improvements to your current situation.  Don’t start the year off feeling like you are less than you are! We are ok doing the best we can with the hand we have been dealt and if you aren’t then maybe you can start. Start small and make goals obtainable so you can have that feeling of accomplishment and triumph. Read this great piece on How To Make New Years Resolutions Actually Stick! Start working out a plan to create more of a successful budget of your having money struggles. Start paying off bills and start saving even if it’s only a few dollars every month. Find ways to make more sid...

November was a great month, besides the amount of sickness we had floating around. We had taken this opportunity to ensure every child understands the importance of hand washing, personal space, and cover up when coughing or sneezing.  We found this neat hand washing timer on Amazon that can be really helpful to teach kids how long to wash for, it can also be used for brushing teeth. Get yours  here .  December is a month filled with memory making and we plan on making the most of it. We have a very filled schedule of activities to ensure the kids are enjoying everything the holidays have to offer. Here are a few helpful articles to get you motivated! Christmas Activities To Keep The Kids Busy 7 Advent Traditions For Your Family Here Is What You Can Do To Beat The Holiday Stress The cold weather is coming so remember to bundle up and have an emergency kit handy in your car in case of traffic or accidents.  What to pack in an emergency kit: Water First Aid Kit Snacks ...

The latest smartphones, laptops and tablets are popular holiday presents, but these gifts can turn children into addicts without proper precautions. For the first time, Brian Boxer Wachler, MD, a prominent Beverly Hills medical specialist, reveals his own social media addiction, and because of his “in-the-trenches” experience, offers 10 “911” tips to protect kids (and adults) from the dangers of the virtual world of social media.     In his explosive new book,  Influenced: The Impact of Social Media on Our Perception   (Rowman and Littlefield; ISBN-13: 9781538164198; Hardcover), Dr. Boxer Wachler, aka “Dr. Brian,” confesses that he was so ensconced in the deep, dark, depths of all things digital, as a spouse and parent, he missed out on significant experiences and events with his family that could never be recaptured.   "When it comes to our kids,” attests Dr. Boxer Wachler...