In his honor, we would like to share a few of  his inspiring quotes with you:

“You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer in any direction you choose.You’re on your own. And you know what you know. You are the guy who’ll decide where to go.”

“Don’t cry because it’s over. Smile because it happened.”

“Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don’t matter and those who matter don’t mind.”

Thank you Dr. Seuss for bringing smiles to the faces of both young and old all around the world!

Have a zooper zizzy zazzy day all! :>)

~ Jackie & Jo-Jo

We  now have a promotional video for our book, Dear Daycare Parent. You are welcome to view it at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MGCK9q8RevE . Please be sure to leave any comments you may have, it would be appreciated!.  We continue to be passionate about our book and feel it would be a wonderful resource for parents involved in the world of daycare. Our hope is that this video will catch the attention of a publisher who can appreciate the value of this subject.

We’d also like to send out a big ” THANK YOU ” to the producer of this video, Mike Lombardi of  Big L Pictures, along with the actresses . You all did a great job!

~ Jackie &  Jo- Jo

In response to this, we would like to bring attention to an informative show Dr. Phil had recently. It was titled Generation Me. It was given this title to represent some of the young people today, because as a group, experts say, they are self absorbed, spoiled, and impatient and feel entitled to have everything without working for it. Dr. Phil said, “Someone once said to me the older generation talks about the younger generation as though they had nothing to do with it.”

He explains, these children were not born like this, it’s been cultivated in them from an early age. He said it happens because parents feel guilty because they have to work, they haven’t spent enough time with their children, or they feel their child has it too hard. Consequently, to help the parent feel better in the moment they give in to their child’s every need and want. By doing this, Dr. Phil explains, as a society we are crippling our children. We are taking away their inner drive and discipline and leaving them with the feeling that everything will be given to them.

Author Jean Twenge who wrote the book  Generation Me was a guest on the show. She said it best in her book when she wrote, “Your kids are special to you, but they need to learn that they have to earn being special in the world by their performance and holding themselves accountable.”

Whether you agree or not, a thought provoking show, don’t you think? And keep in mind, a quality daycare will be setting limits and discipline. Without this, it would be total chaos in the building.

~ Jackie & Jo-Jo

JUST PLAYING

When I’m building in the block room, please don’t say I’m “Just Playing.”
For you see, I’m learning as I play about balances and shapes.
Who knows, I may be an architect some day.

When I’m getting all dressed up; setting the table, caring for the babies,
Don’t get the idea I’m “Just Playing.”
For, you see, I’m learning as I play;
I may be a mother or father some day.

When you see me sitting in a chair, reading to an imaginary audience.
Please don’t laugh and think I’m “Just Playing.”
For, you see, I’m learning as I play;
I may be a teacher someday.

When you see me combing the bushes for bugs,
Or packing my pockets with choice things I find; don’t pass it off as “Just Play.”
For, you see, I’m learning as I play:
I may be a scientist someday.

When you see me engrossed in a puzzle or some “plaything” at my school,
Please don’t feel the time is wasted.
For, you see, I’m learning as I play. I’m learning to solve problems and concentrate.
I may be in business some day.

When you see me cooking or tasting foods,
Please don’t think that because I enjoy it, it is “Just Play.”
I’m learning to follow directions and see differences.
I may be a cook someday.

When you see me learning to skip, hop, run and move my body;
Please don’t say I’m “Just Playing.”
For, you see, I’m learning as I play; I’m learning how my body works.
I may be a doctor, nurse or athlete someday.

When you asked me, what I’ve done at school today,
And I say “I just played”; please don’t misunderstand me.
For, you see, I’m learning as I play.
I’m learning to enjoy and be successful in my work;
I’m preparing for tomorrow.
Today, I am a child and my work is play.

Hope you enjoyed the poem, and for you adults too…………..take some time to “Just Play” today!

~ Jackie &  Jo-Jo

The old saying “it takes a village to raise a child” has taken on a new meaning these days. The “village” has now expanded to include daycare providers, babysitters, and nannies. Families are not in close proximity like they used to be and people don’t know their neighbors as well.

We have written the book Dear Daycare Parent to help those parents who have decided to go the daycare route be more informed and hopefully feel more comfortable with their choice. It’s our hope to find a publisher soon so we can share our many years of experience with you!

~ Jackie & Jo-Jo

Why are children being hurried along so? An excellent book on this subject is called the Hurried Child by David Elkind. It gives a good review of child development and discusses how children are now being hurried along by parents, schools and the media. As the parent you need to make an informed decision when picking a preschool facility. Is it based on a nurturing approach with developmentally appropriate activities or are they stressing academics?  Which is right for your child?

You have to decide for yourself, but we ask……………what’s the hurry?

- Jackie & Jo-Jo

In an article in the Washington Post, it talks about how millions of children are lacking Vitamin D which causes an increase in health risks such as heart disease, diabetes and bone problems. This isn’t surprising considering sun exposure is the best source of this vitamin. Children are increasingly engaged in indoor activities and can be found in front of  t.v. and computer screens. And let’s not forget the popularity of the Wii!  Then there are the companies making a fortune off of sunscreen who have us all believing that if we don’t slather that lotion on constantly we’ll end up with skin cancer!  Note, of course you should protect your child against prolonged time in the sun.

The whole point is, if you have a child enrolled in daycare, outside time  should  be part of the daily program. Outside time, it does a body good!

- Jackie & Jo-Jo

Unfortunately, some parents tend to just “give up” when it comes to nutrition. Before a child even tries something it is assumed  that he or she won’t like it because it’s healthy! While it’s common for children to be fussy, new foods need to be introduced.  A nutritionist at a children’s hospital stated the importance of presenting foods over and over even if the child did not initially care for it. They may eventually try it again and it could become a favorite.

It is a fact that children will eat what is visually appealing. On a recent episode of The View a woman named Susie Cover was sharing recipes for healthy and appealing meals for children. You can check out her website at www.susiessupperclub.com

So the next time your ready to head out for the fast food, why not try something new? The cookbook called Deceptively Delicious is full of great recipes children love. Go to www.deceptivelydelicious.com for more information. It may even improve your eating habits too!

- Jackie & Jo-Jo

Since Michael’s tragic and unexpected death, there is so much speculation about his life. One can’t help but wonder if  he would have had more peace and contentment had he been allowed more free time and play as a child.  He so quickly became the “property” of the public and golden boy of his family at such an incredibly young age.

Please never underestimate the importance of free play and expression in a child’s development. It is an essential step toward discovering the world and who they are. Michael, sadly, seemed to have missed this step.

We’ll end with a lyric from his song HAVE YOU SEEN MY CHILDHOOD:

“It’s been my fate to compensate for the childhood I’ve never known.”

- Jackie & Jo-Jo