CAREABOUTKIDS

PARENTS: Play is a natural activity for every young child. Play provides many opportunities for children to learn and grow- physically, mentally and socially. If play is the child's work then toys are the child's tools, and appropriate toys can help children do their work well. MY WORD: Diversity in choosing toys are important for your child in that your child will know something about every area the toy represents.

CAREABOUTKIDS

PARENTS: Health ideas: Planning regular family time that involves physical activity means that everyone is supported and encouraged to be active. Putting a bowl of fruit on the kitchen counter and making a family agreement not to have chips or other high-calorie snacks in the house can change everyone's snacking habits. MY WORD: Parents are the role model in everyway for their children.

CAREABOUTKIDS

PARENTS: Play surrounds a child with wonder, leading him on, testing his body and mind; play lets a child try out roles and learn about things, people, skills, language, and concepts. MY WORD: I purchased a child's sit-in-mini van for my nephew. I cut away the bottom of the carton that it came in and made openings in the side of it for windows. I designed the outside as a garage. He has great fun riding the van in and out of the carton.