Welcome to the CKF/SB6 Newsletter for June 2015.

Playtime is Good for You Too!

If you are like most parents, you probably have heard the message that play is an essential part of healthy child development. You probably know that, especially in early and middle childhood, children need periods of free, unstructured time where they can just do what they do best - be kids. But, did you know that play also has important physical and emotional health benefits for adults?

https://www.bccf.ca/bccf/blog/playtime-is-good-for-you-too/

Are You Sure You Know the Signs of Someone Drowning?

"The lifeguard moving quickly past Lindsey's chair seemed to come out of nowhere. Four steps later he was in the air, jumping right in the middle of where her children were playing. Before she could get to her feet, the teenaged guard had her 10-year-old pressed up above the surface and was backing up to the pool edge. Someone was screaming her child's name and the young boy started crying. Her little boy had been drowning right in front of her and she didn't have any idea it was happening."

What did the guard see that this mother didn't? Drowning is not the violent, splashing, call for help that most people expect.

How to Save Your Kid from Drowning

Sleeping Like a Baby?

The old expression "sleeping like a baby" might seem like a cruel joke if you have trouble getting your little one into a healthy sleep routine.

Some babies are naturally better sleepers than others. But there are some things you can do to encourage healthy sleep habits (and get some much needed sleep yourself!) Read more.

Your Health and Safety This Summer

From food safety, to insect bites to water safety and more, HealthLinkBC has information on how to stay safe and healthy this summer, all in one place.

Dealing with Biting

Source: Health Matters Online, June 2015

Biting is a common behaviour for young children. Most children under age three will bite another person at some point. There are many reasons children may bite another person and it is often based on the child's age. Not all biting can be prevented but understanding why your child bites can help reduce it.

5 to 7 months of age: Children may bite when they feel discomfort around their mouths, such as when teething. At this age they are most likely to bite a caregiver or to bite when breastfeeding.

8 to 14 months of age: Children may bite when they are excited. Most often they bite a caregiver or another child close to them.

15 to 36 months of age: Children may bite when they are frustrated or want power or control over another person. Usually they bite other children. Less often, they bite caregivers.

Find some things you can do to prevent biting at:

Challenging behaviours - Toddlers First Steps page 109

HealthLink BC - Biting

Caring for Kids - Positive Discipline

Questions, input, topic ideas?

Connect with us!

Spotlight on Services

We'd like to help you find out about services in your community for children aged 0 to 6 and their families. Each month we will let you know about a different agency and the resources they offer. In the meantime, you can check out the CFK/SB6 online

Community Directory for a list of services in your community.

Penticton & District Community Resources Society (PDCRS) is a registered not-for-profit agency that has been helping to build strong communities in cities and townships throughout the South Okanagan and Similkameen for almost 50 years.

From care for newborn babies to transportation for seniors, PDCRS programs are accessible to all residents in the region in the areas of:

Childcare & Support Services

Child Care Resources and Referral (CCRR).

Quality child care referrals, resources and support to all child care providers and families.

Child Care Programs

Child care options for children from birth to 12 years of age, including children and youth with special needs.

Youth & Family Services

Counselling and support for children, youth and their families, including:

Integrated Family Development Program

For children, youth and families who are experiencing problems and require assistance and support to improve family or individual functioning.

Supported Child Development

For children from birth to age twelve, who have a developmental delay or disability and require extra support. A developmental delay or disability may affect physical, cognitive, communicative or social, emotional, behavioural development.

FASD Key Worker

Assists families and youth with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder and Complex Developmental Behavioural Conditions.

Sexual Abuse Intervention

Emotional support, counselling and education to individuals younger than 19 years of age, their families, and community groups who have been affected by sexual abuse.

Community Living Services

Programs for adults with a developmental disability that include residential services, inclusion services and the Penticton Paper Shuffle.

Community Development Services

Such as Harm Reduction, handyDART and Better at Home.

PDCRS

330 Ellis St., Penticton

(250) 492-5814

Website