When summer swings round to your part of the world it means a dip in the pool and also it is a kid’s right of passage to plunge into the home pool. But child safety should be a priority.

Yes, it’s fun - but for some there is going to be heartache with the loss, by drowning, of a loved one, especially a child - that, perhaps is the most hard-hitting. Australia, a nation which enjoys a high portion of home swimming pools also has a high record in toddler and child drowning. Queensland, Australia’s Sunshine State holds highest toddler drowning record in the nation.

This is not good and legislation is at hand to tighten up the already nation-wide tough pool safety regulations. It can be prevented. Prevented by strict adherence to good Child Pool Safety tips. Child Pool Safety Tips are everywhere, but with the warmth, the fun and that cool, inviting water, it becomes so easy to ignore them. Owning a home pool brings responsibility and in a lot of cases, changes to house and the backyard. Let’s have a look at some Child Pool Safety tips and make your summer hassle and tragedy-free.

1. CHILD POOL SAFETY - EDUCATE.

Teach your child to swim and learn about water safety - there are swimming classes and talks about safety available from the municipal swimming pool operators. They’re trained in child pool safety.

2. CHILD POOL SAFETY - IN SIGHT, PLEASE

Ensure that the pool can be seen from a designated family are, ideally it should have a doorway leading to the yard for quick access. If you are building the house, this needs to be addressed. For those with an already established house and pool, then you’ll need a Home Safety Camera. These are many and varied and your swimming pool supplier can help you decide on the best one. Just as a navigation aid is a valuable tool to motorists, a pool safety camera is integral for child pool safety. The camera should be placed in the room where there is access to the yard.

3. PLEASE FENCE ME IN

In some countries - like Australia - fencing a pool is mandatory. Where it is not required by law, then common sense should prevail and pool owners should endeavour to erect one. Ideally it should be about four feet (approx 122cms) and lockable. There are plenty of attractive styles to choose from - your home hardware store can help here. Oh! Most reputable insurance companies demand that you have a fence. Ideally, an alarm should be fitted so that if someone opens the gate, you’ll know. The responsibility for child pool safety is yours.

4. CHILD POOL SAFETY SIGNS:

You have the pool. It is a magnet for your friends and neighbours and their children. You will need to let the pool users know that as well as being a fun part of the yard, it is also a drowning hazard. Preferably it is best to have them posted every 15-20 feet and please have one erected at the gate to your pool. Again, check with your pool supplier or home hardware store for appropriate safety rules, and what to do In An Emergency, signage.

5. DEPTH

As with municipal swimming pools there is a deep and shallow end. The same should apply to your home pool. It should be shallow enough for the smaller child to be able to stand up with his or head well above the water; as an added child pool safety tip, ensure you should emphasize and have a sign telling swimmers not to dive into the shallow end.

6. CHEMICALS:

You want to keep your pool sparkling clean and germ-free so of course, you’re going to need chemicals to keep it so. Chemicals - a good aide - can also be nasty little things causing burns, blindness and even death. To ensure this does not happen, be very careful even to the point of fussiness of child pool safety and safety from harmful chemicals, so:

a. Maintain the correct balance, and
b. Keep The Chemicals LOCKED AWAY.

7. FLOATERS:

Keep these on hand and ready to throw into the pool at all times, a struggling swimmer will need one to grab on to.

8. DIAL EMERGENCIES:

If you can, install a phone close at hand, ready to dial the emergency number for example 911. Please don’t use a cell/mobile phone unless it is emergency number capable. Most of them are today.

9. FILTERS:

A must, and please, have a filter fitted that is capable of pulling water from the top - use of a leaf finder is helpful - and not from the bottom - this is a trap for the kids and can suck a small child down to drown. Child pool safety has to be foremost in all pool owners’ minds at all times.

10. LET THERE BE LIGHT:

Night swimming is fun and dangerous. Ensure the pool is well lit, especially for night swimming - no dark places, please. If you can’t see you can’t save. Children are prone to sneak out of the house for a duck in the pool - s, so tempting. Child pool safety for the kiddies going on a moonlight swim is paramount at this time. Remember child pool safety, so, Let there be light.

11. GLASS AND OTHER SHARP NASTIES:

Child pool safety- well any safety means no hazards in or around the pool - especially breakable glass. Make sure any receptacles are either plastic or other non-hazardous material.

12. HORSEPLAY.

By horseplay I mean rough stuff, such as wrestling poolside, pushing or throwing someone in (It was fun at the time, but my brothers and I almost drowned - many times, because of this) Child pool safety was not practiced by us then.

13. OLD SOL CAN BE CRUEL

Poolside Fun on Sunday - you’re sore as heck on Monday. So be aware and keep discomfort and possible melanomas at bay with a good sunscreen - SPF 30 or higher. A big must if you are planning to spend more than fifteen minutes in the pool. Another child pool safety tip - and adult too - to preserve health.

14. THE LIFEGUARD.

Use the pool only when a trained person is available - preferably someone responsible over 16 years. Ensure the person designate and other pool users know who’s in charge. Please make sure that person is well versed in child pool safety. You know, it’s perfectly normal to be uneasy about your child’s safety not only in the pool, but other places. Sure, there’ll be accidents and sickness,

If that’s all - well, that’s fortunate. At the risk of portending doom and gloom, there are going to be little ones who drown, due to lack of child pool safety. You don’t want to be one of those statistics. Go, seek help from all agencies. Make sure child pool safety is top of the list - and have a good swimming summer.

15. CPR! CPR! CPR! - Learn it.

Health is the most important thing in child care that is stressed upon right from the early beginning in life and kids exercise is one positive step that is taken towards this direction.

Kids love playing in the open fields and can run endlessly with a ball – in the happiness that this brings to them, they indirectly build themselves up both in body and in mind. A strong body is essential to take on the challenges and pressures of life. The stronger the physique is, the lesser is the chances of illnesses and sicknesses pulling the kid down to bed.

Kids exercise is one important curriculum in most schools and playhouses. Kids are taught to play together various games as well as activities that spread a feeling of togetherness among them and also help them in building up their strength and physique the way it is normally expected. The stronger the body is, the better is the defense mechanism against germs and viruses and better the immunity against all diseases. A healthy kid is always full of happiness and smiles, he or she is always busy with some thing or the other, whereas a sick child spends the greater part of his or her childhood in bed with the occasional visit to the physician for relief and comfort. Kid exercises can be of various kinds and types. There are various freehand exercises and others like cycling, running, jogging, swimming and even rowing and horse riding. Each of these exercises has their own sets of merits and advantages. The extent the exercise is required to be done, the timing for these exercises and the food that must be taken after the exercise is over is regularly researched upon so that there is an all round development in the health and well being of the child. Special trainers and instructors are available to teach some of the most popular kids exercise sets. These professionals are trained and have a huge amount of experience in making marvelous men out of the little kids with their frail little bodies and physique.

There are a number of kids’ exercise that can be done even without a qualified trainer. Nowadays with the video sessions and active music in the background, doing the little exercises becomes more of fun and excitement since the sessions are all structured and streamlined. You can buy a kids exercise training book that will give you step – by – step procedures of how the exercises are done. Some of these books go on to explain the merits of each exercise set and the way the exercise can help in overcoming any physical problems which the kid might have. Another easy method of learning the exercises is to go online. Be ready to learn the exercise that is being shown on the video and you will have a long enjoyable session right in front of the video screen. Generally, there are no charges in learning these online kids exercise courses but there are some sites that require a small membership fee in the beginning

Crystal Cruises invites kids 17 and under to cruise for free on two Crystal Symphony European voyages this summer. The new offer for children activities, valid for children sailing in a third berth with two full-fare adults, is available for Crystal Symphony’s seven-day British Isles and Baltic itineraries:

June 14, Roundtrip London - The “Ballads of Britain” cruise includes calls at London, England; Guernsey/St. Peter Port, Channel Islands; Waterford, Dublin and Belfast, Ireland; and Liverpool, England.

August 7, Copenhagen to Stockholm - The “Russian Inspiration” voyage visits Copenhagen, Denmark; Tallinn, Estonia; St. Petersburg, Russia (two nights); and Stockholm, Sweden.

Junior Activities Directors will be on board to oversee dozens of organized activities from arts and crafts and story time for little ones to disco-themed pool parties for older kids and teenagers. As with all summer and holiday cruises, Crystal’s Northern European summer voyages also feature destination-related enrichment for junior cruisers, like “dress-up” photo sessions in traditional Russian costumes, or scavenger hunts promoting fun facts about Stockholm.

Crystal’s purpose-built Fantasia and Waves children’s and teens’ facilities - rare in luxury cruising - also feature events and top video games and toys.

Also ideal for families, Crystal’s Family Memories program offers two savings options: $500 credit toward a Crystal Private Adventure, kids under 17 sail free in third berth, plus other perks for six full-fare bookings; all of this, plus one complimentary berth for 10 full-fare bookings.

Two-for-one cruise fares start at $4,210 for the British Isles cruise, and $4,375 for the Baltic itinerary, per person, double occupancy, and include $1,000 per couple All Inclusive - As You Wish shipboard credits, complimentary air transportation and business class air for Penthouse guests. The credits and air transportation apply only to full-fare bookings.

SOURCE Crystal Cruises

You might not think much about the chlorine used in pools during the summer. You know it’s necessary to kill bacteria in the water and make the pool safer for everyone to enjoy. However, many people don’t realize that there is a connection between chlorine and asthma.It is something you must check for child safety.

More than one-fourth of the United States Olympic swim team reported in 2000 that they suffered from one form of asthma or another. Due to the large number of athletes with this disease, research was conducted and the results were alarming and surprising to many.

Doctors have long known how chloramines and trihalomethanes (THMs) can aggravate asthma and its symptoms. Recent studies have shown these same chemicals may actually cause a previously healthy person to develop asthma. Most people don’t know how often they are exposed to these chemicals.

What does this have to do with swimming pools, you might wonder. Chlorine forms THMs when it is combined with organic substances (hair, water-borne bacteria, and sweat, among others). Included in the list of THMs is a substance called nitrogen trichloride. This has been found to be the main culprit in many instances of asthma. The good news is the asthma symptoms can be dramatically improved if exposure to this chemical is removed.

Does this mean you can’t go swimming this summer for fear of bringing on an asthma attack in either you or your child? Actually, you are exposed to these same chemicals every day in your home because municipal water uses them. Every time you shower, wash your clothes, wash dishes, or run water you’re exposed.

What can you do when swimming pools are expected to keep chlorine to a concentration level of 1-3 parts per million and municipal water systems use much higher levels than that? One thing you can do to reduce your exposure to these harmful chemicals in your daily life is to improve the air quality of your home by using a whole house water filter and a shower filter.

As far as your child’s favorite summer activity is concerned, you don’t have to keep them from the pool entirely. Minimize their exposure to chlorinated water in swimming pools. Look for a swimming pool that uses an alternative to chlorine such as ozone, ultraviolet technology, natural salt, or biguanide chemicals. If these aren’t available, you may want to consider alternative ways to help keep your child occupied during the summer.

Parents have long considered swimming pools to be safe because the water quality is strictly tested. What they don’t realize is that the very chemicals used to kill bacteria in the water may be making swimmers sick. The chlorine and asthma connection is there. Now you have to decide what you’re willing to do about it.

Summer is in full swing and flowers are in full bloom. If you remember back to when you were a child, you probably can remember one of the most typical children activities, the flower arrangements for bouquets for Mom. Here are five flower craft ideas you may remember and can use with your own children.

1) Dandelion chains are something that children all over the country have made through the years. They’re almost the epitome of summer fun, especially for small children. And, because they don’t need many components, they’re easy enough for small children to master. Here’s how to make them:

Pick dandelions - the longer the stem, the better. Tie one dandelion onto another, close to the flower, with a double knot. Continue until the chain has reached the desired link, then tie the two ends together.

You can also split the stem part of the way down and then insert the stem of another dandelion until the flower reaches the stem. Continue by splitting the stem of that dandelion and then repeating until the chain reaches the desired length.

Make rings, bracelets, and necklaces for your children to enjoy.

2) Pick summer’s fragrant flowers and flowering herbs. Pull the petals from the flowers and allow them to dry. While the petals are drying, make a small bag out of a light, airy fabric. Include a draw string to create a potpourri bag that can be closed. Fill the bag and then pull the bag’s strings to keep the potpourri inside the bag.

3) You can also decorate fabric by hammering summer’s flowers to make a natural design. Cover a wooden chopping board with two to three layers of paper towel and then place a piece of fabric on top. Place the flowers or herbs you’ve chosen in a design you’d like; place another piece of paper towel on top of the design. Thoroughly, but gently, hammer the entire area where the plant matter is located. Remove the paper towel and plants. Use an iron, set to the fabric being used, for approximately 45 to 60 seconds to set the design on the fabric.

4) Pressing flowers is an age-old craft that your grandmother may have enjoyed. Gather a bouquet of flowers you’d like to press along with cardboard about the size of a book, newspaper, tissue paper, and heavy objects (large phone books and bricks work well). Layer the cardboard with newspaper and tissue paper. Place the flowers onto the tissue paper but don’t allow them to touch or hang off of the paper. After you have the flowers situated, place tissue paper, newspaper, and then cardboard on top followed by heavy books. Leave the stack for 2-4 weeks and then remove the layers to see how well your flowers have pressed.

5) Drying flowers is another craft from days gone by. The easiest way to dry flowers is to pick a bouquet, tie it together, and then hang it upside down in a warm, dry, dark place. The air must be dry so the flowers won’t rot, and dark so the flowers don’t fade. You’ll want to check the flowers every couple of days to see if they are dry to the touch. This process could take several weeks. When they are dry, you can store the flowers in a dark, sealed container until you’re ready to use them.

You know that summer’s flowers are temporary. To enjoy their beauty after summer is over, use one of these five flower craft ideas. Enlist your children’s help to make these crafts and they’ll be able to share them with their own children.

For the summer time, you might be thinking about investing in your own pool at home. The Easy-Set Inflatable Swimming Pool might be a great option not only for best gifts for kids but for the whole family as well. This is one of the perfect ways to have some pool fun while enjoying the comfort of your house garden or play area.

The pool is 18’x48” and is set above ground. The set-up is very easy, all you need is an area of level ground. There are no tools required and the set-up should be finished in about 30 minutes. The material is very tough and durable and made from three separate layers. The two outer layers are made from heavy-gauge laminated PVC and the inner layer is made from polyester mesh to give it additional strength.

Included in the purchase price is a 1500 gallon filter pump with filtration pump filter cartridge for water circulation and removal of debris. The included ladder is constructed of a coated steel frame with sturdy plastic steps. The easy-set pool is easy to drain and take down and store in the fall and winter season.

Also included in the package is a 19ft ground cloth, a 18ft fitted pool cover, a set-up and maintenance DVD and a maintenance kit, which comes with a lightweight aluminum pool sweep and a vacuum.

This pool is an affordable way of spending long summer days in your own pool and is great for the whole family and your kids’ friends. Don’t forget that children should always be supervised by adults when in the water.

Check out the site, www.walmart.com, for more details about this pool.

Pools are wonderful to have during warmer weather. If you have one, you probably have rules for pool and child safety. Perhaps you’re considering purchasing one and haven’t thought about which rules for pool safety you might need to use and enforce.

Here are some rules to consider for your own pool:

* Post the rules for your pool clearly so they can be seen by anyone wanting to use it. If you have small children, you’ll want to teach them the rules in a way they’ll be able to understand.

* Children under the age of ten and anyone who has not had swimming lessons are allowed to swim only with an adult or other responsible person.

* It might be a good idea to have everyone in your family take swimming lessons or a swimming test given by a qualified lifeguard. The class and test will give you, as a pool owner, additional peace of mind knowing your family all can swim.

* Even if your family does take the classes or test, don’t let your guard down. Nothing is more important than visual supervision when it comes to pools. Accidents near water happen every year, often with life-changing consequences.

* Provide swimming aides for your younger children who may not be comfortable swimming without them. Don’t expect inflatable animals to keep your children afloat; buy them life jackets or swimmers with life jackets in them.

* Anyone under the influence of drugs or alcohol is restricted from pool use. This would also mean you don’t want to have a pool party and serve alcoholic beverages. Swimming and alcohol just don’t mix.

* Dunking or throwing people in the pool is not allowed. Neither is running around the deck of a pool. If you have an above ground pool, diving should not be allowed due to the increased chance of injury.

* Pool ladders are not toys. They are a tool to aid in getting in and out of the water. You’ll want to keep people from lingering or playing on them so it can be used for its intended purpose.

* If you have an in-ground pool, putting a fence with a locked gate around the pool will offer an indispensible layer of protection. You may also want to put an alarm on the access door so you’ll be aware if someone tries entering while it’s locked. Above ground pools offer more difficulty in keeping people safe. The most you can do is remove the ladder and keep the pool covered when it is not in use.

* Adults and older children will want to be trained in CPR should the unthinkable happen. Remember, if you have received CPR training, you’ll want to renew your certification and refresh your knowledge periodically if it hasn’t been used in some time.

* Should you use a babysitter, ensure they have passed a swimming test and are trained in CPR if they ask to use your pool. You may also want to have a cordless phone that can be taken poolside to make running into the house to answer the phone a non-issue.

Above ground pools can be seen all over because they offer summer fun without having to tear up your yard. If your family has considered buying a pool, determine ahead of time what rules for pool use you’ll have and then enforce them. Knowing the rules for using your pool will make the summer fun and safe.

Headed to the beach this summer? You may want to bring back something to remember the trip without it getting in your carpet. While you’re at the beach, your children can have fun with sand pictures they create with found items on the shore.

Take along some shallow bowls or dishes that your children can place wet sand in. Then go with them as they search the beach for pieces of driftwood, shells, rocks, or other items. These will be perfect for creating sand pictures.

Using the sand as a canvas, your child can create pictures with the items they found. Two small stones can be eyes, and a stick can be the mouth or a nose. Let them use their imagination. You may be amazed at what they come up with.

Help your child create a mini garden in much the same way. They can create buildings, walk ways, and an actual garden with little flowers. When they’ve finished creating, they can choose to remove the found items and start again, or you can take a picture of their masterpiece to save for posterity.

Another way to have fun with sand pictures is to use the sand and glue to create images. Here’s what you’ll need:

* Dry sand from the beach (or you can purchase some at a home improvement store)
* Pencil
* Glue
* Construction paper
* Tray to keep the sand contained

Have your child draw a picture on a sheet of construction paper. Let them choose the subject of the drawing, but they may want to use water-related items since they will be using sand in the picture. Place the paper on the tray so the sand will be easy to clean up and so the glue won’t shift when it’s time to add the sand.

Using plain school glue, let the children “draw” by covering the lines of the picture with glue. Have them shake a spoonful of sand onto the glue and shake it over the paper. Continue shaking more sand over the paper until all of the glue is covered. Tell them to carefully shake the paper to remove the excess sand but to be careful because the glue is still wet.

Your child will want to allow the glue on the picture to dry over night. In the morning, they may want to draw other items on the picture or add stickers to it. When they’re satisfied with the way their picture looks, it can be framed and hung on display.

If your family is planning a trip to the beach this summer, you’ll undoubtedly take photos to remember the trip. Your children, however, can take items they find, along with sand from the shore, to create pictures in the sand. They can also create fun with sand pictures that can be displayed in your home. In either case, you’ll remember the fun you had, thanks to your child’s creativity. This is truly one good children activities to do for summer.

Swimming is one the best and therapeutic form of exercise for kids and adults alike. It tones muscles, relaxes the mind and exercises joints. Even newborns are natural lovers of water as they keep floating around in mother’s womb for nine months.The benefits of “baby-friendly”, infant/toddler swimming are unique, uplifting and contribute to the positive child development. Through the soothing medium of water, we are able to tap into the child’s potential, both within and without.

According to documented researches, the stimulating effect of child-paced infant/toddler swimming lessons has the potential to increase intelligence, concentration, alertness, and perceptual abilities.
Here are some tips to develop the taste for swimming in your baby and make him learn it:

* Make your baby learn to be comfortable and have fun with water. Take baths and showers with the baby and let him splash the water and watch and observe toys that float.
* Trickle water over baby’s forehead slowly so that baby can feel comfortable with the sensation of running water.
* Snuggle the baby to your chest as you recline in the tub and you may even nurse the baby to help him relax while almost floating. However, be sure that the water does not have soap or has a tear-free gentle soap that does not hurt baby’s eyes.
* Help your baby to trust the water and feel safe in it by exposing him to the water for short but frequent periods of time.
* When the baby feels comfortable in shower and tub and is about one to two months old, you can take him to the pool. Early exposure to pool lessens the fear of water in the child.
* Make sure that pool has lukewarm water before you immerse the baby in water so that they do not get cold.
* Limit the time in a cold pool at first.
* Make sure that pool chemicals are at safe level for the baby and chlorine levels will not hurt baby’s skin, eyes and breathing passages. Indoor pools often have heavy chlorine levels that you can smell from the poolroom. They can be hazardous for the baby.
* Pools with ozone filters are clean and baby-friendly.
* Make sure that babies do not soil the pool from bowel movements by checking and cleaning the diaper area of the baby and making him wear ‘swim diapers’ before taking him to the water.
* Do not take the baby to the pool immediately after a feeding.
* Make sure that your baby does not swallow pool water, as it is not good for baby’s health and his safety.
* Most babies love buoyancy of water and freedom of movement, so hold the baby securely on your arms and let him move in water. Water exercise and water relaxation often makes babies nap after pool time.
* Children who are six months old can be enrolled in swimming lessons for infants with qualified instructors, where most babies learn to ‘swim’ by the time they are nine months old for a few seconds between two adults.
* Participate in the lessons for swimming along with infant swim instructors.

You may have heard, or even said the phrase, “I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream.” With warmer weather it’s time for summer fun. Learn how to make your own ice cream by following one of these recipes for kids for home-made ice cream.

Custard-based recipe

There are two basic recipes to make an ice cream base. If you don’t mind cooking the base ingredients before freezing, you may want to try this custard-based recipe:

4 large egg yolks
1/2 cup sugar
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
2 cups heavy cream
2 cups whole milk
Pinch of salt

Begin by beating the first three ingredients until they are pale and yellow, then set them aside. Combine the rest of the ingredients, minus 1/2 cup milk, in a medium saucepan. Cook this over medium until it begins to simmer, about 5 minutes. Let the mixture almost boil but do not let it boil. Remove it from the heat and set it aside.

Put two handfuls of ice into a large bowl and fill it with water to cover. Gradually pour the warm milk into the eggs, whisking constantly and then pour it back into the saucepan. Cook over medium-low heat and stir constantly until it has thickened, about 5-10 minutes. Remove it from the heat and then pour in the remaining milk.

Pour the mixture into a medium bowl and put it in the ice bath. Continue stirring until the mixture is chilled. For the best results, let the mixture chill for 4 hours, or you can pour the chilled mixture into the ice cream maker and let the machine do the rest of the work.

No-cook version

For people who prefer not to wait the amount of time it takes for the custard-base, you may want to try the no-cook version:

2 cups heavy cream, well chilled
1 cup whole milk, well chilled
3/4 cup sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Combine all of the ingredients in a bowl and stir until the sugar is completely dissolved. Pour it all into an ice cream maker and follow the instructions given by the manufacturer. Before long you’ll have ice cream the whole family can enjoy. The ice cream will be soft-set, but you can firm it up by putting it in the freezer for two hours before eating.

Add-ins

Starting with either of these base recipes you can create nearly any ice cream you might want. Here are five ideas your family may enjoy:

* 1 cup finely diced overripe strawberries or peaches
* 1 cup crushed peppermint candy
* Chocolate chips
* Chopped peppermint patties
* Chunks of cookie dough

You’ll want to add fruit ingredients during the last 5 to 10 minutes of the freezing process. The chips, peppermint patties, and cookie dough would be added after the freezing process so they can be evenly dispersed.

Decorate the ice cream with additional fresh fruit, chocolate syrup, or slivered almonds. You can also place some of the ice cream between two cookies to make your own version of an ice cream cookie. The options are endless and every one is sure to be a taste sensation!

Summer is the perfect time to make your own ice cream. Summer fun, in fact, wouldn’t be the same without ice cream. Use one of the recipes, put in some add-ins, and then enjoy a taste of summer.

Sunshine, heat, and water are common elements to summer fun. You may be wondering what children activities to do this summer to combat the heat and still enjoy your time outdoors. Consider these ten ideas for having fun with pool toys and games to keep your whole family happy in the pool this summer.

Pool toys are often considered a luxury because they can be pricey, but that’s generally only applicable for larger swimming pool toys. Why not give these a try:

* Swimming pool basketball. This set has an adjustable net to allow for a quick game of water basketball. There are several manufacturers which offer the swimming pool basketball sets. Prices range from $220 to $825 and they can be purchased from Pool Toy Source. They also have combo sets with volleyball.

* Rock-It Totter is an inflatable toy that can be used on water or on land. For children six and up, this toy is made by Aviva and can be purchased for $115 from Wagon Depot.

* Poolmaster offers the Jumbo Hot Shots Water Launcher, a refillable toy that shoots water up to 45 feet! They can be found at American Sale and sell for around $15.

* Inflatable animals are always fun for children to play on. They come in any number of animal types and can be purchased from local discount stores for as little as $5.

* Swim noodles are an inexpensive alternative to some of the more pricey pool toys and games. They help keep children afloat as they’re having fun or learning how to kick when learning to swim.

* Depending upon the size of your pool, you may want to purchase a pool raft. They range in price from $5 for one person and up to $330 for four people. Pool rafts are available through Pool Toy Source and other sources.

* Remote control fish and other water creatures can be fun for the whole family. If you have a snorkel and a mask, you can pretend you’re on a trip to the Great Barrier Reef - however, at $25 a piece, your trip may or may not allow you to see too many fish at once. They can be purchased through INYO Pools.

* Water guns come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and water shooting powers. Some only shoot a couple of feet; others shoot water up to 75 feet and are easy to refill. Water guns can be found locally at discount stores for $1 and up, depending upon the type you want and how much water power you need.

* Underwater Soccer Challenge Pool Toys may be just the thing for a child that loves to play soccer. It comes with weighted balls that roll along the bottom of the pool and has a weighted goal. It costs around $30 at Pool Toy Source, but you could probably find it at other sources.

* For the golf lover in the family who can’t be dragged to the pool, there’s now a way to enjoy both at the same time. Pool Toy.com has a floating golf island complete with tee off pad, golf club, and 8 foam golf balls. It sells for $40.

The swimming pool beckons soon after warmer weather arrives. If you’ve patiently waited to have fun with pool toys and games, you won’t have to wait much longer. These ten pool toys and games are not all that are available, but they may give you some ideas about what you’d like to get for the whole family to enjoy this summer in the pool.

Summer time is for sure your kids favorite. And one of the best gifts for kids for this season is a beautiful and colorfully designed swimwear. a Floating Swimwear make float wear products for babies, toddlers and children that are designed with water safety in mind. The built-in puncture proof flotation will give parents peace of mind when their kids are in the swimming pool but of course it doesn’t eliminate the need to supervise children near water.

This deluxe 2 in 1 swim suit is made from a light-weight and flexible material and comes in an attractive lime color with stripes that can be worn by girls and boys alike. It comes with an attachable floating vest that consists of soft and flexible foam. It can easily be taken off when playing out of the water due to the durable snapping locks on each side of the swim suit. The suit is very comfortable to wear both in and out of the water and comes in various sizes, XS - Age 2 to 4, S - Age 4 to 6 and M - Age 6 to 8.

Enjoy the many benefits of this swim suit, especially the safety aspect in and around water. For more information on this great product, go to www. Sportskids.com.

Children usually look for any excuse to ride their bicycles during the summer. It’s a fun children activity that is good for them, too. While you’re planning your 4th of July festivities, why not organize a 4th of July bike parade in your neighborhood? It will give those in your neighborhood an opportunity to show off their bikes, celebrate the holiday, and have fun at the same time!

The bike parade doesn’t have to be limited to children; adults can and probably should participate as well. Here’s what you’ll want to do to plan and host your own neighborhood bike parade.

1. Gather the neighborhood together to discuss your idea and see how many people are interested in participating. After you know who will be involved, you can determine the parade route through your neighborhood. Don’t make it too long that little children won’t be able to participate, but don’t make it too short that adults and older teens won’t be interested.

2. Announce the event in your area at local businesses. Create colorful flyers with the important information – date, time, and place. You may want to include a tear-off with your telephone number so others in your area can contact you if they need more information.

3. Ask the children to decorate their bicycles, tricycles, wagons, or scooters with streamers. Leaving the type of transportation open will allow more people to join in the fun. The only limitations necessary are that the decorations not be dangerous such as things poking off of a bike that a child might be injured on. Otherwise, the sky is the limit as far as the decorations go.

4. Allow the children, and adults too, to dress up in patriotic clothing or have a face painting area set up at the beginning of the route so those interested can have their faces painted with red, white, and blue flags, stars, and Uncle Sam hats.

5. Plan to arrive early on the day of the parade. Mark off the route and be ready with other adults to help you. Take your time getting everyone arranged so the parade will be safe (adults or teens at the front and back to keep an eye on the children).

6. Choose a teen or adult to lead the parade because they’ll need to carry the music. Remind the participants to stay together rather than running off on their own. This is a parade, not a race, so it’s important that the parade go slowly enough for young children but quick enough for older children not to become too impatient.

7. Ask those viewing the parade to take pictures to remember the day by. You may even want to call the local newspaper to come and cover the parade.

8. At the end of the parade, you can have refreshments or a picnic for everyone to enjoy together.

July 4th is a great day in the United States’ history. You can organize a 4th of July bike parade for your children and others to enjoy. They can show of their bikes and have a great time celebrating the day. If it’s a success, you may want to consider making the bike parade a yearly event.

Summer activities mean time spent outdoors especially for children activities. And you know spending time outdoors means the possibility of bug bites. You want to protect your child from bugs, but you don’t want to use sprays that could be dangerous. What are your options?

Even if your child is outside wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants, there are no guarantees mosquitoes won’t bite. In fact, mosquitoes can bite right through clothing. It’s important to teach your children not to swat at insects that sting or bite.

Bug sprays have used DEET (N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide) for years. This chemical compound, approved and endorsed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), is effective for repelling insects. However, there has been some concern about using DEET on children. DEET-based products provide protection for two to ten hours.

If you cannot find an alternative, be very careful when applying DEET products to children; be sure to use the lowest possible dose, 10 percent DEET. DEET should not be reapplied and should not be applied to children younger than two months old according to The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).

One alternative to bug repellents with DEET are products made with Picaridin. Picaridin lasts for four to eight hours, is recommended by the CDC, and has been in use in Europe and Australia since the 1990s. It is odorless, doesn’t damage synthetic materials, and feels light. Like DEET products, it is not recommended for use on babies younger than two months.

Products made with Lemon Eucalyptus can also be found as an alternative to those made with DEET. These products are not recommended for children younger than the age of three, however. Lemon Eucalyptus provides six hours of bug-repellent protection. As the only natural plant-based protection, you may want to consider using this type of product if you don’t have children younger than three in your family.

There are other DEET-free products on the market, but you’ll want to read the labels closely to ensure you’re getting a true DEET-free product. One product, Bug Band, comes in spray lotion, towelettes, and a glow-in-the-dark bracelet. Ingredients come from geranium, rosemary, soybean, and mint oils and extracts. They purportedly are water resistant, reusable, and work for 120 hours.

The American Academy of Dermatology does not recommend the use of hybrid products that contain both a sunscreen and bug repellent. They reason that sunscreen should be reapplied every two hours whereas but repellent won’t need to be reapplied for four more hours. Combining the two products may also reduce how effective the sunscreen is.

Children are going to spend time outside during the summer months. If they’re outside, they will most likely face being bitten or stung by bugs. Using a bug repellent is a great way to protect your child from bugs. Your only other choice may be keeping them indoors, and even that isn’t a guarantee that they’ll be bug-bite free.

Summer will be here before you know it. Having beautiful skin to show off will make wearing sleeveless blouses and shorts much easier. These five tips to get your skin and your children as well ready for summer clothing can help you feel more comfortable, not only in your skin but also in your clothes, especially for children activities.

Thankfully, after a long winter, you can pack away your sweaters and pants. It’s time to let your skin breathe and give it the attention it needs. Here are some ways to care for your skin so you’ll look great in your spaghetti strap dress.

1. Exfoliate – This is probably one of the most important things you can do to help your skin get ready for summertime clothing. Since your body sheds skin cells each day, you want to get rid of them and do it in the right way. With a loofa sponge, gently rub your skin in a circular motion. Start at the top and work toward the bottom; be sure to use a facial exfoliator for your face and neck as that skin is more sensitive than the remainder of the body. Doing this several times a week, up to three, will help your beautiful remain beautiful year-round.

2. Shave – Even though your skin has been covered all winter, now is the time to break out a good razor and hydrating shaving cream. You’ll most likely be shaving regularly, so you want to use a razor that will keep razor burn to a minimum.

3. Moisturize – If you’re not using a moisturizing shaving cream, you’ll want to follow up with a great summer lotion. Summer lotions are lightweight and absorb quickly into the skin; gels and purees will also absorb quickly. Apply the lotion right after getting out of the shower and drying off.

4. Protect – Old sunscreen won’t protect your skin as well as new sunscreen. It’s not meant to be used for more than one season. Go out and spend the money on a new bottle; your body will thank you. Take the time to use sunscreen every day and reapply it every one to two hours while you’re in the sun. If you still want a summer tan, don’t forget that you can use sunless tanners to give you a summer glow without possibly damaging your skin in the process.

5. Feet – Don’t forget about your feet. They’ve been covered up all winter, too, and could use some special attention. Splurge on yourself and get a pedicure. Spend extra time scrubbing off dead skin so they’ll be ready for the cute sandals that are coming out.

Summertime skin is glowing and healthy. Remember, you’re going to be showing more skin than during the winter. By using these tips for getting your skin ready, you’ll be proud of how it looks.

You and your children could try to stay covered for the entire summer, but what fun would that be? You want to wear the skin-baring summer shorts, shirts, and shoes, so it’s time to get moving with these children activities!

1. Start out slowly. If you haven’t been active for the past three or four months, rushing headlong into activity is an injury waiting to happen. Begin with stretching exercises to help your muscles warm up and then start walking.

2. Add to your routine. After a week of walking, you may want to begin adding minutes to how long you walk, distance to how far, or quicken the pace a little bit. Gradually adding to your workout will help you avoid injury and help you reach the level you’d like to be.

3. Ask a friend to join you. Exercising with a friend is more enjoyable than working out alone. The added benefit of having a friend along is that they can encourage you to keep up the good work and give you someone to be accountable to. You may even want to create a friendly competition to spur you on.

4. Watch what you eat. All the exercising in the world won’t do you any good if you overeat or eat the wrong foods. While you may not need a full-blown diet after the winter, you probably do want to adjust your eating to include more fresh fruits and vegetables. Cutting down on the amount of carbohydrates you eat can also affect your weight.

5. Be sure to stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water each day to keep hydrated. This is especially important when you’re working out or if the temperatures begin to soar. Drinking water can also be helpful in weight loss because it helps flush the fats out of your system.

Yes, it’s important to get in shape for summer, but wouldn’t it be better to be healthy all year round? By starting slow, getting a friend to join you, watching what you eat, and staying hydrated, you’ll be on your way to getting fit and ready for all that life holds in store for you. What do you have to lose? Get off the couch and get moving; you’ll be glad you did!

Summertime weather means hot temperatures and high humidity. It’s time to be smart, stay cool, and hydrated. You can use any of these ideas to make this summer more bearable for young children.

Dehydration happens when bodies lose more fluids than what it is taking in. This could be caused by sweating or sickness, but it can be dangerous to the body. Since the body cools itself by sweating, you can understand how important staying hydrated is. Staying hydrated is important no matter what time of year it is; however, it’s even more important during warmer weather.

Dehydration may be hard to recognize, especially if you depend upon your sense of thirst to guide you. The fact is one can start becoming dehydrated without feeling thirsty. Rather than waiting until you sense thirst, you’ll want to drink plenty of water before, during, and after summertime activities or when the temperatures soar.

To stay hydrated you’ll want to keep a bottle or glass of water handy. If you’re child is physically active, you’ll want to make him/her drink approximately ten ounces of water every half hour or so. Having the water readily available means you’ll be less likely to forget to drink it. You can add lemon or lime juice to your water to make it more palatable.

Make your child eat fresh fruits and cold snacks to help keep his/her body cooler. Try putting grapes in the freezer and enjoying them when the weather becomes warm. Strawberries, peaches, oranges, and watermelon are also good choices to refrigerate and keep handy when you know you’ll be outside.

There are a number of ways to stay cooler:

- Plan activities when it’s cool outside. The hottest part of the day is normally between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. so you may want to avoid going outside during those hours. If you must be outside, try to find shady areas for your activities or play in water; don’t forget to make your child drink plenty of water to replace the fluids lost in the hotter temperatures.

- Wear lightweight cotton fabrics. Loosely fitting clothing that is light colored will also help you stay cooler. Darker colors will soak up the sunlight and make you hotter, so you may want to avoid them if you can.

- Keep your feet cooler by wearing footwear that will allow them to breathe and won’t trap sweat. Don’t give up protection and support when needed, however. Even though you can wear sandals with many summer outfits, they aren’t appropriate when playing sports.

Before long, spring will be a thing of the past and summer will be in full swing. It’s time to get off the couch, get moving, and enjoy the long-awaited warmer weather and sunshine with children activities.

1. Start your kids slowly. If they haven’t been active for the past three or four months, rushing headlong into activity is an injury waiting to happen. Begin with stretching exercises to help their muscles warm up and then start walking.

2. Add to theur routine. After a week of walking, you may want to begin adding minutes to how long they walk, distance to how far, or quicken the pace a little bit. Gradually adding to their workout will help tehm avoid injury and help them reach the level you’d like to be.

3. Watch what they eat. All the exercising in the world won’t do any good if your children eat unhealthily. While they may not need a full-blown diet after the winter, they may need to adjust to include more fresh fruits and vegetables. Cutting down on the amount of carbohydrates can also affect weight.

4. Lastly, be sure to stay hydrated. Make them drink plenty of water. This is especially important when temperatures begin to soar. Drinking water can also be helpful in weight loss because it helps flush the fats out of their system.

Because of the uncertainty of the country’s economic situation, you want to find things that your whole family will enjoy this summer but that won’t break your family’s budget. Here are some ideas you may want to consider for children activities:

You don’t have to sit at home when the warmer weather hits, but it may not be possible to go to a park for a picnic due to rain. Instead, why not find some activities that will take you away from home and yet allow you to be inside to keep dry?

Many art museums offer a free day during the month. This would be a great way to get away from the house and introduce your children to a cultural activity at the same time. They might become fascinated by the artwork in the museum and find a new hobby they can enjoy.

Your city or town may have smaller museums or living history areas nearby. Often these are less expensive than larger museums or theme parks, but they can be just as much fun. These will allow your children to be out in the warmer weather and sunshine as well as expand their mind or understanding of local history.

Is there a botanical garden where you live or within close proximity? If there is, botanical gardens can be a great place to visit. Perhaps, while you’re there, you can find out about local hiking trails that you and your children can enjoy. Go out and enjoy the beauty of the area along with the new flowers that are budding or just starting to bloom.

If the weather permits, you may want to have a picnic in a local park. Be prepared, however, in case the weather changes which is normal during the springtime. Take along your family’s favorite foods - you don’t have to make it too elaborate. Fresh fruit, vegetable sticks, cheese, and bread are good, non-messy choices.

Plan a camping trip if you have a long weekend. Pack up items from home and put them in the camper or car. Find a camping spot at a local state park and get away from home. Camping in state parks is so much cheaper, and much more fun, than staying in a hotel.

The weather is warming up, so it’s time to think about things you can do as a family. There are so many inexpensive and fun activities that you and your family can enjoy this spring. Think local first. These will keep you from spending too much in gasoline and are often easier on your budget.