Free Family Night at Ebenezer Child Care, call to register!

Parenting Tip: Using Non-Food Rewards at Home

     MILWAUKEE, Wis. – When your child does something wonderful, it is nice to reward them. However is using a sweet treat the best way do this?
     According to Beverly Anderson, Executive Director of Ebenezer Child Care Centers with locations in Milwaukee, Mequon, Greenfield, Oak Creek, and Wauwatosa, “Whenever it is possible parents should avoid using food as a reward. It contributes to poor health by creating a preference for sweets, and it also encourages the over consumption of unhealthy foods. It can even lay the foundation for a life-long pattern of emotional eating and poor eating habits.”
     So what how should you reward your child instead? Anderson suggests that you start simply with words of appreciation. “Simple phrases such as ‘You did a great job’ or ‘I appreciate your help” and ‘You’re a great kid’ go a long way.”
     Anderson also recommends making a list of fun rewards and posting in a place where children can see it as an incentive. “What’s nice it to have inexpensive rewards for every day use in one column and then another column with more expensive rewards for those really big achievements.”
     Affordable, simple ideas can include giving certificates, ribbons or stickers for healthy behavior; having a family game night; doing a special art project; having friends over to play or for a special sleepover; or camping in the backyard.

  More expensive ideas for bigger accomplishments could include going to a movie, festival or sporting event; or purchasing a toy or game like Wii fit or sporting equipment which will promote physical activity.

     “The whole point of a reward is to make your child feel good about their accomplishment. Make sure you are giving them something which is good for them and encouraging a healthy lifestyle,” says Anderson. “Otherwise your reward could end up causing more harm than good in their future.”

     Ebenezer Child Care Centers will be hosting a FREE Family Fun Night on “Using Non-Food Rewards At Home” on Wednesday, July 18^th, from 4:30-6:30 p.m. at the Ebenezer Child Care Center in Oak Creek located at 220 West Forest Hill Avenue. How can you celebrate a job well done without using food as rewards?  What types of problems does using food as rewards cause? Come to this Family Fun Night to get ideas on how to reward your children without food. Activities will include playing favorite board games, creating masterpieces through free art exploration, and experimenting with yo-yos.  In addition to the activities, you will have the opportunity to enjoy dinner on us! Registration is required. Please call 414-643-5070 to register.

     Ebenezer Child Care Centers is a not-for-profit, locally based agency committed to providing early childhood programs from the heart. The agency prides itself on being different from other child care providers in that it offers a home-like atmosphere; individualized, nurturing care; and a structured curriculum that is virtues-based for every child’s developmental stage.

     Every Ebenezer Child Care Center focuses on all aspects of a child’s development:  cognitive, physical, emotional, and social. In addition to providing quality care, the agency also offers a variety of free Family Fun Nights and other educational programming all aimed at helping parents.

     The agency has locations in downtown Milwaukee, on Milwaukee’s southside, in Greenfield, Mequon, Oak Creek, and Wauwatosa. The agency’s main office is located at 1496 South 29^th Street, Milwaukee. For more information, please call 414-643-5070 or visit the agency’s website at www.ebenezerchildcare.com.

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Free Family Night at Ebenezer Child Care...

Ebenezer Child Care Center’s most recent parenting tip on “what children should drink” is now available on their website at http://www.ebenezerchildcare.com/parenting_tips.php. A free family fun will also be held on this subject on June 13.  You will need to register, but the event is FREE!

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FREE Family Night at Ebenezer Child Care 5/17...

Parenting Tip: Physical Play Every Day

MILWAUKEE, Wis. – What is one of the most important gifts you can give your children? The love of physical play!   

     According to Beverly Anderson, Executive Director of Ebenezer Child Care Centers with locations in Milwaukee, Mequon, Greenfield, Oak Creek, and Wauwatosa, “Physical play is important for the healthy growth and development of young children. Through active play, children learn about their bodies, how to operate them, and how to do things around them.”

     “Parents are the most important role models in their children’s lives. By being active with your children, you can encourage their lifelong enjoyment of physical activity and benefit your own health at the same time.”

     So what are some age-appropriate activities that you should you be doing with your children? Below are some great suggestions.

6 Months to 1 Year

     Even though they are small, babies should still be involved in daily physical play. According to Anderson, this can include patting, grasping, reaching, releasing, stretching, creeping, crawling, and walking.

     Anderson says a fun activity you can do with children who are this age is blow bubbles within the children’s reaching distance while the children are in their high chairs. This will encourage them to reach and grasp.

     Some tools that will encourage physical play with children in this age group include:  crib gyms, mobiles, floor mirrors, snap-lock beads, balls at least three inches in diameter, push and pull toys, music to encourage movement, and infant swings.

1 Year to 2 Years

     As children start to get older, you can enhance active movements to include: clapping, grabbing, squeezing, rolling, arching, stomping, and jumping. Anderson says, “An easy physical activity you can do you with your children is a simple version of follow the leader where you encourage your children to move different body parts ‘Can you clap your hands?’ ‘Touch your toes?’ ‘Wiggle your fingers?’ and ‘Smile with your mouth?’”

     Some tools that will encourage physical play with children in this age group include:  squeeze toys, plastic bowling sets, bean bags, activity tables, tot tunnels, 4-wheeled ride-ons that children move with their feet, cymbals, drums, xylophones, larger light-weight balls, and toys that children can push such as small doll carriages.

2 Years to 3 Years 

     As children prepare for preschool, there are a number of physical movements they should be working on. These include:  marching, shuffling, running, climbing, sliding, holding, balancing, twisting, exploring, and hiding.

     According to Anderson, “Simple activities such as having your children balance on a trail of objects or helping your children jump from low steps or boxes is great for helping with their coordination and confidence.”

     In addition to the toys you’ve already been using for previous ages, some items you can utilize for this age group include pull toys with strings, wagons, Hippity Hops, rocking horses, and simple musical instruments.

School-Agers

     Once children enter school, they are able to understand rules and participate in games for physical activity. This can include can include baseball, kickball, Dodgeball, basketball, Four Square, hopscotch, and other fun playground activities. These types of physical activities also provide wonderful opportunities for social interaction and the development of social skills such as cooperation and teamwork!

     Ebenezer Child Care Centers will be hosting a FREE Family Fun Night on “Physical Play Every Day” on Thursday, May 17^th, from 4:30-6:30 p.m. at their Downtown Milwaukee Child Care Center located at 340 West St. Paul Avenue. The American Heart Association recommends that children and adolescents participate in at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity every day. Regular physical activity is important for maintaining good health, preventing the development of health risk factors or poor health, and enhancing self-confidence and social skills. Come to this Family Fun Night and learn that a love of physical play is one of the most important gifts you can give your child! Activities will include jumping rope, parachute play, and dancing. In addition to these activities, you will have the opportunity to enjoy dinner on us! Registration is required. Please call 414-643-5070 to register.

     Ebenezer Child Care Centers is a not-for-profit, locally based agency committed to providing early childhood programs from the heart. The agency prides itself on being different from other child care providers in that it offers a home-like atmosphere; individualized, nurturing care; and a structured curriculum that is virtues-based for every child’s developmental stage.

     Every Ebenezer Child Care Center focuses on all aspects of a child’s development:  cognitive, physical, emotional, and social. In addition to providing quality care, the agency also offers a variety of free Family Fun Nights and other educational programming all aimed at helping parents.

       The agency has locations in downtown Milwaukee, on Milwaukee’s southside, in Greenfield, Mequon, Oak Creek, and Wauwatosa. The agency’s main office is located at 1496 South 29^th Street, Milwaukee. For more information, please call 414-643-5070 or visit the agency’s website at www.ebenezerchildcare.com.

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Join Ebenezer Child Care for a FREE Family Fun Night on April 19th (you will need to register).

  Ebenezer Child Care Centers will be hosting a FREE Family Fun Night on “Two Hours or Less of Screen Time Daily” on Thursday, April 19^th, from 4:30-6:30 p.m. at their Wauwatosa Child Care Center located inside the UnitedHealth Group Office Building at 10701 West Research Drive. The first two years of life are considered a critical time for brain development. TV and other electronic media can get in the way of exploring, playing, and interacting with parents and others, which encourages learning and healthy physical and social development. Come to this Family Fun Night for tips to help your child develop positive TV and computer habits. Activities will include putting together puzzles, playing board games, and painting with watercolors. In addition to these activities, you will have the opportunity to enjoy dinner on us! Registration is required. Please call 414-643-5070 to register.


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FREE Family Night: "Healthy Kids Snacks" with Ebenezer Child Care Centers

Ebenezer Child Care Centers will be hosting a FREE Family Fun Night on “Healthy Kids Snacks” on Tuesday, March 20^th, from 4:30-6:30 p.m. at their Oak Creek Child Care Center located at 220 West Forest Hill Avenue. Snacks are a bigger part of kids' diets than in the past. Snacks can make positive or negative contributions to kids' diets - depending on the choices we offer. Come to this Family Fun Night for many suggestions for "Healthy Kids Snacks!" Activities will include creating a fruit and vegetable collage, serving up healthy meals in the dramatic play area, and making a healthy trail mix. In addition to these activities, you will have the opportunity to enjoy dinner on us! Registration is required. Please call 414-643-5070 to register.

Check out this link for more details http://www.ebenezerchildcare.com/parenting_tips.php

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Free Family Night with Ebenezer Child Care 2/22/12

 Ebenezer Child Care Centers will be hosting a FREE Family Fun Night on "5 or More Servings of Fruits and Vegetables Each Day" on Wednesday, February 22^nd, from 4:30-6:30 p.m. at their Southside Milwaukee Child Care Center located at 1496 South 29^thStreet. Everyone talks about fruits and vegetables, but when it comes to eating them, many of us fall short. Come to this Family Fun Night to learn how to incorporate 5 or more servings of fruits or vegetables into your day! Activities will include playing with red playdough and cookie cutters, making watercolor valentine hearts, and creating heart sun catchers. In addition to these activities, you will have the opportunity to enjoy dinner on us! Registration is required. Please call 414-643-5070 to register.
Click here for even more information...http://www.ebenezerchildcare.com/parenting_tips.php

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December Parenting Tip: Simplifying the Holidays

Parenting Tip:  Simplifying the Holidays

MILWAUKEE, Wis. – Are you finding yourself dreading the holidays and they’ve only just begun? If so, you’re not alone, and it doesn’t have to be this way.

According to Beverly Anderson, Executive Director of Ebenezer Child Care Centers with locations in Milwaukee, Mequon, Greenfield, Oak Creek, and Wauwatosa, “The key to having a successful holiday is to plan ahead and be organized.”

“By simplifying the holidays and setting a schedule of what you need to do such as decorating the house, trimming the tree, purchasing gifts, making cookies, sending out holiday cards, and wrapping gifts, you can easily see what needs to be accomplished. Believe it or not, it can all be done without stress, so that you are able to enjoy the holidays.”

   Click here for tips http://www.ebenezerchildcare.com/parenting_tips.php

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"Please Pass the Manners" a Free Family Night at Ebenezer Child Care Centers in Oak Creek, register now!

Ebenezer Child Care Centers has just posted a new monthly parenting tip: “Please Pass the Manners.” http://www.ebenezerchildcare.com/parenting_tips.php 

Ebenezer Child Care Centers will be hosting a Free Family Fun Night on

“Please Pass the Manners” on Wednesday, November 16^th, from 4:30-6:30 p.m.

at their Oak Creek Center located at 220 West Forest Hill Avenue, Oak Creek. Good manners are a very important key to your child's social success, but no child is born with good manners. Teaching them is a parent’s responsibility. Beyond teaching "please" and "thank you" many parents aren't sure how to teach their child good manners. Come to this Family Fun Night for some great tips and resources. Activities will include making thank you cards, setting a table, and creating a thankful tree. In addition to the activities, you will have the opportunity to enjoy dinner on us! Registration is required. Please call 414-643-5070 to register.

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FREE Family Night: "Raising Your Child's Self-Confidence" with Ebenezer Child Care Centers

Ebenezer Child Care Centers will be hosting a FREE Family Fun Night on “Raising Your Child’s Self-Confidence” on Thursday, September 15^th, from 4:30-6:30 p.m. at their Wauwatosa location which is in the UnitedHealth Group office building located at 10701 West Research Drive, Wauwatosa.  

Did you know that how a child feels about himself will directly impact the way he treats himself and others?

According to Beverly Anderson, Executive Director of Ebenezer Child Care Centers with locations in Milwaukee, Mequon, Greenfield, Oak Creek, and Wauwatosa, "The way a child perceives himself has a dramatic impact on his self-esteem and self-image. If a child has a positive self-image, he is much less likely to have behavior problems."

"And, as parents, we need to realize that we are the main source of a child's sense of self-worth."

So what should you do to raise your child's self-confidence? Here are some useful tips:

http://www.ebenezerchildcare.com/parenting_tips.php

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Parenting Tip from Ebenezer Child Care and FREE Family Night!

Ebenezer Child Care Center’s June Parenting Tip entitled “Making the Summer Months Count”  check out http://www.ebenezerchildcare.com/parenting_tips_main_page.php .

Ebenezer Child Care Center will also be hosting a FREE family night on Thursday June 16th from 4:30-6:30 pm at their Downtown Milwaukee location at 340 West St. Paul Avenue, Milwaukee.  When I visited this location the infant room was being remodeled-I bet it is beautiful!  If you are able to check out the whole center, you have to look at their large muscle play rooms-the murals are awesome!  I also really like the lofts in some of the classrooms as well.  :)

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Join Ebenezer Child Care Center's on Wednesday, March 9th-Free family event-Registration required.

Ebenezer Child Care Center's Mequon Center, located at 10333 N. Enterprise Dr., Mequon, will be hosting a FREE Family Fun Night on "Nutrition For Healthy Growth" on Wednesday, March 9^th, 4:30-6:30 p.m. Your child's nutrition is important to her overall health. Proper nutrition can prevent many medical problems including becoming overweight, developing weak bones, and developing diabetes. It will also ensure that your child physically grows to her full potential. Come and learn more about nutrition for healthy growth as you participate in the following activities: creating a fruit and vegetable collage, serving up healthy meals in the dramatic play area, and making a healthy trail mix. In addition to the activities, you will have the opportunity to enjoy dinner on us! 
Registration is required. Please call Ebenezer Child Care Center's main office at 414-643-5070 to register.

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FREE Family Night with Ebenezer Child Care 2/10-Registration is required.

Ebenezer Child Care Centers new parenting tip is on their website and can be found at:
http://www.ebenezerchildcare.com/parenting_tips.php?article_id=59

It is so nice that Ebenezer offers a parenting tip each month! 


Next, Ebenezer’s Child Care Center’s Southside Milwaukee Center, located at 1496 S. 29th Street, will be hosting a FREE Family Fun Night on “Twenty Free Ways to Love Your Child” on Thursday, February 10, from 4:30 – 6:30 p.m. Showing love is about more than hugs and kisses, although they're important, too. Come learn some other ways to raise kids who are happy, healthy, and secure. Activities will include playing with red playdough and cookie cutters, making watercolor valentine hearts, and creating heart sun catchers! In addition to the activities, you will have the opportunity to enjoy dinner on us! Registration is required. Please call Ebenezer Child Care Center’s main office at 414-643-5070 to register.



Finally Stan’s Fit For Your Feet is having their annual Share-A-Pair Shoe drive in the entire month of February. This is a great way to clear out your closet and also save on a new pair of shoes for you or your kids. As a way of saying thanks, any person who drops off shoes for the shoe drive will receive a $10 gift certificate to be used towards a footwear purchase during February at any Stan’s Fit For Your Feet location. Children’s shoe donations will receive a $5 gift certificate to be used towards a future pair of kids’ shoes.

Thank you Ebenezer Child Care!


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Free Family Fun Night at Ebenezer Child Care 1/13/11

Every month Ebenezer Child Care Center’s posts a useful parenting tip on their website:

http://www.ebenezerchildcare.com/parenting_tips.php

You might want to check out this FREE Family Fun Night...

Ebenezer Child Care Centers’ downtown facility, located at 340 W St. Paul Avenue (across from the main post office), will be hosting a FREE Family Fun Night on “Treating the Most Common Childhood Viruses” on Thursday, January 13th from 4:30-6:30 p.m. Certain common childhood illnesses are just a part of growing up, and catching them actually helps to boost your child's immune system. While most illnesses come and go, there are some that deserve special attention from parents. Come to this Family Fun Night to learn more about them. Activities will include making snowflake shakers, playing with shaving cream snow, and creating paper plate snowmen. In addition to the activities, you will have the opportunity to enjoy dinner on us!


I recently toured 2 of the Ebenezer Child Care Centers with my sister (she had her baby on Saturday!!!), both locations we saw were very nice-one of them was the location in which this event will be held.  Parking might be a little crazy so plan ahead.  The facilities were nice-the infant room was being remodeled.  I loved the lofts in some of the rooms.  The staff were all very professional and friendly.  This was on my sisters top 3 list-it was number 2, she decided on somewhere closer to home.  She and I really liked this Ebenezer Child Care center though.  All of the kiddos were happy when we toured also!  
***A little side note-I worked at a group child care center for 10 years-this is why I went with my sister on the tour.  The Director and staff were genuinely nice and my sister really would have chosen this center if it would have been closer to home.  It was a tough decision between her top 3.

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