Welcome to the CKF/SB6 Newsletter for July 2015.

Risky Outdoor Play Positively Impacts Children's Health: UBC Study

New research from UBC and the Child & Family Research Institute at BC Children's Hospital shows that risky outdoor play is not only good for children's health but also encourages creativity, social skills and resilience.

The findings, published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, found that children who participated in physical activity such as climbing and jumping, rough and tumble play and exploring alone, displayed greater physical and social health. Read more.

Look Before You Lock

Health Matters Online! July 2015

We have all heard the warnings - never leave your child alone in the car, not even for a minute. Every summer we hear the tragic stories - sometimes it's a situation where a caregiver thought they could quickly do an errand before the car became too hot and in other cases caregivers have forgotten the child was with them in the car.

Forgetting a child can happen to anyone - busy schedules, changes in routine, and times of stress and crisis can all contribute to unintentionally leaving a child behind in a car and the results are often tragic.

Even on days that may seem relatively mild, it takes only minutes for the inside of a vehicle to reach extreme temperatures. Children are especially sensitive to heat exposure. When exposed to heat, a child's body temperature rises much faster than an adult's, putting them at risk of heat-related illness which can result in seizures, unconsciousness, organ failure, and even death.

Here are few things that can help make sure no one gets left behind:

Make a habit of checking that all occupants (people and pets) are out of the vehicle before locking and leaving your car.
Lock your vehicle using your key, rather than a remote. Use the time it takes to lock with a key to look inside and make sure no one is left behind.
Put your child's bags and other items in the front seat. With a child's belongings in plain sight, it is much easier to remember that he/she is in the car with you.
Put something you'll need like your cell phone, handbag, employee ID or brief case, etc., on the floor board in the back seat.

For more tips: Safety Tips from KidsAndCars.org

Learn more:

Canada Safety Council - Hot car warning

Global News Story

Wondering About Using Insect Repellents with Children?

Mosquito repellents containing DEET should not be used on children under six months of age. For information on repellent use on children over six months of age see these insect repellent recommendations from the BC Centre for Disease Control.

Questions, input, topic ideas?

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Kids Need Regular Check Ups Too

Just like cars and trucks, kids need regular checks too! Checking in on how a young child is growing and learning helps with healthy development and gets them ready for kindergarten. It also helps identity the child's strengths as well as any areas where the child may need support.

CFK/SB6 is working on a project that checks children's development using the Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ). ASQ is a

simple questionnaire that provides

a snapshot of how a child is doing in important areas such as communication, physical ability, social skills and problem solving.And it's an opportunity for families to learn about developmental milestones and fun learning activities.

Details of the project will be available soon. Watch for more information in this newsletter and in your community.

Check Early. Check Often

What is Considered 'Normal" Crying for Baby?

Crying is an important way of communication for babies. It plays a crucial role in ensuring the survival, health and development of the child. Being able to recognize different types of crying is key to meeting the child's needs, and a relief for many parents. Read more.

Why Play Fighting Can Be Good for Children

Play-fighting often makes parents and educators uncomfortable. It can lead to physical injuries and some believe it triggers aggressive or violent behaviours that can impair a child's early development.

However, studies show that play-fighting, like all forms of playing, is an important source of learning for young children. Read more.