Robert Nickell, aka Daddy Nickell, Founder of Daddyscrubs

As a daddy to seven, I know a thing or two about wanting to protect your children from all of the world's evils. It seems certain seasons and holidays tend to bring out the crazies, Halloween being one of those crazy-induced holidays.

Here's a bit of advice from a dad who wants to ensure you and your kids have a safe and fun Halloween.

Trick or Treat: I think most people would agree; getting free candy is amongst the more enjoyable things in life, and your child will probably want to try their hand at the fun. In order to stay safe this Halloween, trick or treat with your child during the earlier evening hours. Walk from door to door with them allowing them to partake in the trick or treating experience while knowing they are safe and out of harms way. If you have older children, you can drive them to different neighborhoods that you know are safe and hang out while they visit the homes in the neighborhood. Give them a meeting place, a time and a cell phone. Lay out the ground rules ahead of time so you and your child can stay safe while having fun. 
 
Party-in: While scavenging through neighborhoods filling pillowcases with candy and more appealing Halloween tradition, it can be just as fun to have a party at home, which is what my wife, kids and I have done for the past several years. Everyone dresses up, you decorate your house to look like a haunted mansion, and you invite other close friends and family to come enjoy in the festivities. With your own bowls of candy dispersed throughout the house, you and your kids can indulge their Fall sweet tooth in a fun and safe environment.

Out and aBOOut: Generally, many towns and cities have festivals and activities for this season. You should check around your town to see if there is a pumpkin patch, a corn maze, a wagon ride or a haunted house that you and your child can attend for fun. It will give you all something festive to do without overindulging on too much sugar or making a haunted mess of your house.

Check the Bounty: If your children do go out to collect candy from strangers, make sure you inspect the goods when they get home. Throw away candies that are open or questionable. It's probably also good not to let your child eat as much candy as he can stomach in one sitting. Teach them self control and responsibility by allowing them to pick out several pieces of candy a day. You can spread the candy out by sending some in his lunch pail and by eating a little yourself, of course!

Good Rules of Zombie-thumb: It's always important to lay out a few good rules of thumb - or in this case, zombie-thumb - before letting loose. In the case of Halloween, make sure the neighborhoods you're visiting are safe and well lit. If a house is dark, don't go up to it, and make sure you select a time and place to meet if you aren't walking around with your child. Your kids should carry a cell phone and walk with a group. Remind them not to get in anybody's car or go in anybody's house.

 
Whatever you choose to do, make sure you stay safe and have fun.
Happy Halloween!

Sincerely,
Daddy Nickell 
Saturday & Sunday only.
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While supplies last. Offer valid Oct 25-27, 2013 in stores and online. Some items available in stores only. No rain checks or special orders and cannot be combined with any other offer or promo. 
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SignShine® and Connect with your Baby
Anne-Michael Smith
Oct 25th at 1pm

Developmental Play: Birth to 6 Months
Edith Mak, OTR/L, CLE
Nov 1st at 1pm

The Wright Mommy & Me

Ronnie Vehemente, LCSW

Babies born October 2013

Fridays at 12:45pm - 2:15pm

Session runs 12/6 - 1/31/14

 

Mommy & Daddy & Me

Jane Rosen, PhD

 Babies born Aug-early Oct 2013

Sundays from 12pm - 1:30pm

Session runs 11/3 - 1/5/14 

 

Email Dinora@PumpStation.com 

for upcoming dates, 

times & registration.

 

Presented by The Mother Company

with Pattie Fitzgerald, Certified Child Safety Educator, November 6th at 7:30pm
For Parents of Infants to toddlers  
 
Pattie gives parents a comprehensive look at the myth of "stranger-danger,"' and why parents can better serve their kids by talking about "Tricky People!" Pattie will guide you through some simple safety rules that resonate with young children and will also help parents recognize when someone is "thumbs up or thumbs down," by identifying red flag grooming tricks and other warning signs of inappropriate people. This class will help you understand how to keep playdates and other outings safe for your children, without turning you into a helicopter parent or making you paranoid. Pattie's approach is all about common sense, listening to your "uh-oh feeling," and she does it all with a positive, friendly "mom-vibe." Call 310-998-1981 to register.
Estate Planning
with Sona A. Tatiyants and Jennifer Burnham-Grubbs
November 7 at 7pm in Santa Monica

Sona will focus her part of the workshop on addressing estate planning needs from a young family's perspective. And, while there's no such thing as "one size fits all," this basic overview is a great start in how to think about your own family's needs. Find out how to protect your minor children and assets with all the necessary estate planning documents including wills, trusts, guardian nomination for minor children, special needs trusts, and more. Jennifer will help demystify the process of obtaining life insurance and teach how to get the best value for your dollar out of a policy. Learn the difference between term life insurance and variable life insurance, and determine which kind of policy is best for your family right now. It doesn't have to cost a lot to make sure your loved ones are protected.

 

We are interested in helping people understand how important it is to address this aspect of their family affairs since too often it is something that gets put off or forgotten needlessly. Click here for more info. 

Call 310-998-1981 to register. 

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RN, BSN, IBCLC, CEIM
Nov 1st at pm
The Wright Mommy & Me

Beth Weisman, MA

Babies born Sep-Oct 2013

Tuesdays at 9:15am

Session starts 12/3

 

Elyse Eberstein, CLE, MSW

Babies born Mar-Apr 2013

Thursdays at 9:15am

 

Kim-lan Dovan, MFT

Babies born Jun-Aug 2013

Saturdays at 9:30am

 

Email Norma@PumpStation.com 

for upcoming dates, 

times & registration. 

 

 

with Corky Harvey MS, RN, IBCLC
November 12th & 19th at 6:00pm

For expectant couples

 

Since few babies come with instructions, this two-part class covers everything new parents need to know when bringing their baby home. In this series we cover bathing, diapering, cord and circumcision care, bottle feeding, safety tips, baby gear and equipment, infant car seats, and new parent survival tips. We will also give details regarding infant sleep states and sleeping behaviors of the newborn. Significant time is spent on mastering Harvey Karp's "Happiest Baby on the Block" soothing techniques. By learning these five S's parents will understand the most effective ways to comfort and sooth their baby, minimizing crying and maximizing everyone's sleep. The class includes the Happiest Baby on the Block "Super-Soother" Sounds CD. Call 323-469-5300 to register.

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The Wright Mommy & Me Groups 

$275 SPECIAL!

  Elizabeth Duck, MA, LMFT

Babies born Aug-Sept 2013

Fridays at 9:15am

Session starts 11/01 

 

Email Rosie@PumpStation.com 

for upcoming dates, 

times & registration.

 

  • Hot Topics Lecture Series
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with Jesse Zilberstein MA, MPA, IBCLC

For soon-to-be-Moms, couples are encouraged to attend!
November 7th from 6:30pm-9:30pm

Producing breast milk is natural, yet the art of latching the baby onto the breast is learned. This class is taught by Certified Lactation Consultants and provides clear, accurate breastfeeding information for the "soon-to-be" new mother.

We cover breastfeeding expectations, strategies for success and how to avoid complications. Topics include breastfeeding techniques, various nursing positions and comfort holds, maternal diet considerations, nipple care, leaking, tips for Dad feedings, and the advantages of human milk over supplementation. Discussion includes the various breast pumps for purchase or rental. We answer all your questions, including the all-important one: "How do I know my baby is getting enough?"

    

Click here to learn more or call 805-777-7179 to register.

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CASTING CALL! - looking for new families to film educational video - Babies 4 weeks of age and younger, Expecting/pregnant moms, moms willing to film breastfeeding, latches - filming Tuesday Oct 29th - time tbd - if interested email info@pumpstation.com with names, babies birthdate and photos - environment will be completely safe for newborns - we understand how important this is - filming for our Baby Care 101 video created in collaboration with Kids In The House

 

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Holiday Mini Sessions $95 + tax - Just in time to get your Holiday Cards!

 

with jennyQ Photography

Package Includes:  

  • 20 minutes mini sitting session
  • 2 edited digital images
  • Any additional edited image is $25 - ordered through Jenny
Santa Monica at Douglas Park 

 * Nov 2nd from 1pm-5pm

 * Nov 10th from 12-4pm 

Call 310-998-1981 to book your spot! 
 
Westlake Village
 * Nov 3rd from 1-5pm 
at Conejo Creek North Park 403 W Hillcrest Dr, Thousand Oaks, CA 91360
 * Nov 9th from 12-4pm 
at Triunfo Canyon Trailhead 100 yards East of the intersection of Lindero Canyon Rd and Triunfo Canyon Rd. 
Call 805-777-7179 to book your spot!
 
Here are some helpful tips when choosing outfits for your family holiday portraits! 
11 Tips for What to Wear in Family Photos from Click it up a Notch.
What to wear for holiday photos from jennyQ's Pinterest Board 
Clean Bee Baby
at The Pump Station
Locations
In Santa Monica:
  • November 1st
  • November 24th
  • December 6th
  • December 29th
  • January 3rd, 2014!
In Hollywood:
  • November 16th
  • December 5th
In Westlake Village:
  • November 6th
  • December 11th
Visit CleanBeeBaby.com for more info and to set your appointment.
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