Preschoolers

Activities, Information, Websites

What's New

• Managing Obesity and Cholesterol in Kids

  If you are concerned about your child's weight, you are in good company. This article states: "Childhood obesity is a serious problem. ... About 25 to 30 percent of school-age children in the United States are overweight or obese, which puts them at a high risk for heart disease, diabetes, high cholesterol, sleep apnea, asthma, orthopedic problems, hypertension and other health problems."

• Academic Redshirting and Young Children

  Academic redshirting for young children refers to the practice of postponing entrance into kindergarten of age-eligible children in order to allow extra time for socioemotional, intellectual, or physical growth. This Digest discusses what studies have said thus far about redshirting and its potential effects, and offers suggestions for parents considering delaying their child's entrance into kindergarten.

• Computers and Young Children

  Whether we use technology with young children--and if so, how-are critical issues facing early childhood educators and parents. This article discusses questions about when children should start using computers; developmentally appropriate computer activities in preschool, kindergarten, and early primary classrooms; benefits of computer use; integration of computers into classrooms; and teacher training.

• Born to Fly: Kids, Gymnastics, and the Will to Win

  Countless children risk serious, long-term injury every day as a result of strenuous gymnastics training, according to an article in the Journal of the American Chiropractic Association (JACA). JACA explains that gymnastics holds more potential for lasting injuries than sports such as football, rugby, and soccer, among others, in part because it is the only sport that uses the upper extremities as weight-bearing limbs. And if not properly treated, these injuries can cause a lifetime of trouble.

• Poisonings Kill About 30 Children Annually

  Each year, unintentional poisonings from medicines and household chemicals kill about 30 children and prompt more than 1 million calls to the nation's poison control centers. This article aims to help prevent those childhood poisonings by reminding people to check their homes now.

• Gymnastics Safety

  Hospital emergency departments treat more than 25,000 injured gymnasts under age 15 each year. Many of these injuries can be prevented if athletes and trainers know about the special injury risks associated with the sport and if safety measures and equipment are put into place.

• Preventing Choking Among Infants and Young Children

  Many infants and children die each year from choking. These deaths can be prevented if parents and care givers watch their children more closely and keep dangerous toys, foods, and household items out of their reach.

• The Dangers of Electric Toys

  Electric toys and other electrically operated products intended for use by children can be extremely hazardous if improperly used, used without supervision, or not properly designed and/or constructed.

• Tetanus - In The Child Care Setting

  Tetanus, also called lockjaw, is very rare in the United States due to the very high immunization rates of persons living here. Tetanus is difficult to treat, but is completely preventable through vaccination.

• Winter Safety

  With its cold and often stormy weather, winter presents many safety challenge- both indoors and out. Being prepared and following these simple safety tips can help you stay safe and warm this season.

• Pediatricians Warn Overmedication Can Occur

  A new survey of pediatricians, conducted at the recent Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), shows that 61 percent of respondents are very concerned that, by combining common over-the-counter cold and fever medications, parents may unwittingly give their children an overdose of medication, putting children's health at risk.

• CPSC Welcomes High-Tech Toy Testing Equipment

  The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) today welcomed state-of-the-art testing technology from McDonald's Corporation and RAM Consulting. The high-tech equipment will give CPSC additional tools to evaluate the safety of toys and other children's products.

Recent Recalls

• CPSC, Advantage Publishers Group Announce Recall to Replace Educational Kits
  
  

  In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Advantage Publishers Group is voluntarily recalling to replace components in "Let's Start Numbers" and "Optical Illusions Lab" educational kits. The red painted numbers on the acetate stencil sheet included in the "Let's Start" kit contain lead; and the gold paint bearing the words "Kasy's Extrafine" on the black pen included in the "Optical Illusions" kit has lead. Lead poisoning is a serious hazard to children, and is associated with behavioral problems, learning disabilities, hearing problems and growth retardation.

• CPSC, Meijer Inc. Announce Recall of Light and Glitter Wands
  
  

  Meijer Inc. is voluntarily recalling about 5,000 "All That Glitters" light and glitter wands. The batteries can short-circuit, causing the wands' handles to become very hot and melt the plastic, posing a risk of burn injuries to children.

• CPSC, Pacific Cycle LLC Announce Recall of Water Bottles Included With Girls' Bikes
  
  

  In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Pacific Cycle LLC is voluntarily recalling about 42,000 water bottles included in the handle bags of girls Mongoose Heart Breaker bicycles. The drinking valve on the cap can detach, presenting a potential choking hazard.

  
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New Products

• Dazzle the Dinosaur (book review)
  
  

  A young dinosaur with unique glittering spines bravely decides to help his family and friends. He leaves to find the feared Dragonsaurus who had driven the dinosaur herd from their cave. This is a well-done story with beautiful illustrations.

• Rainbow Fish (book review)
  
  

  Rainbow Fish learns to make friends by sharing his prized shimmering scales with others. Use this charming story to talk with your child about the dangers of pride and of the importance of sharing.

• Rainbow Fish To The Rescue (book review)
  
  

  In this story, the Rainbow Fish learns the importance of doing what you believe in, regardless of the opinions of your peers. This is a good story to begin to discuss the problems of peer pressure with your child and the importance of being sensitive to the feelings and needs of others, especially those who are different.