| PEEK-A-BOO...I SEE YOU
What could be happier than a smiling, laughing baby? A mom with a great helper. Even moms need a break sometimes, so one way to help your mom out is to help with your younger brother or sister. Here’s how:
Entertain them.
When kids talk babies smile. Babies love to watch your face and hear your voice. Read a story, sing a song, clap your hands and dance to bring big smiles.
Ask Mom if there is a special game that her child likes or has invented. The game Peek-a-Boo is great fun and teaches babies that things can go away but they come back too. Older children like Hide-and-Seek that (watch out) could last a very long time. Another idea is to build the tallest tower you can with blocks. Play pretend, run a post office or store, dress up and put on a play. The kids will love to put on a show for Mom.
Prepare a snack.
Kids love snacktime. Ask Mom if there is a simple snack you can prepare. A bottle for the baby or maybe mashed banana. Cheese and crackers, milk and cookies for older kids.
Keep 'em clean.
Help change the baby’s diaper (and then wash your hands). Wipe face and hands when dirty. Don’t forget a bib for snacktime.
Safety, Safety, Safety.
Keep small objects that could be swallowed away from babies and toddlers. Keep a close eye on a crawling baby. Always check with Mom about rules to follow. You must be at least 13 to stay with a young child by yourself. Mother’s helpers must have an adult with them.
The Snack Corner
Snack-Time Smiley Salad
Decorate a scoop of cottage cheese with grated carrots for hair, grapes for eyes and a celery mouth. After a few giggles eat and enjoy.
Kids' Calendar
Rock-a-bye birdie
Sat. Mar. 4 (11am-12pm) Mar. 7 (10am-11am) (2pm-3pm)-Enjoy a puppet show and learn how birds choose nest sites for their babies. Make a nest you can eat, and take a walk to look for nests of local birds. Ages 3-5. Battle Creek Cypress Swamp, Port Republic. $3; rsvp: 410/535-5327.
Dr. Seuss Across America
March 2-5-Kids all over the country take part in Read Across America. The program includes special giveaways, fun activites and classic Dr. Seuss tales. Sponsored by the National Education Association. Ages 4-6. Zany Brainy, Harbour Center Annapolis. 410/266-1447.
Make it Crafty
Mondays in March (10:30am)-Make a new craft each Monday. Use lots of different colors and materials to create your own masterpiece. Ages 3-5. Zany Brainy, Harbour Center Annapolis. 410/266-1447.
Kids’ Election Day Camp
Tues. March 7 (7am-6pm)-A full day of fun and activities is planned for a holiday camp. Bring a bag lunch, snacks provided. Grades K-6. South County Recreation Center, Harwood: 410/222-7313.
Calling American Girls
Sat. March 11 (2-4pm)-Read the American Girl series? Meet the author, Valerie Tripp. Watch the presentation of Molly and other dolls, a 1940s’ display, music and a craft activity. Bring an item to have autographed. Severna Park Library. rsvp: 410/222-6290.
Walk into Springtime
Wed. Mar. 15 (10:30am or1:30pm)-Create a nature craft, enjoy a story and walk in the garden to celebrate the coming of spring. Ages 3-5 with adult. Tawes Garden, Annapolis. free; rsvp: 410-260-8189.
Contest for Peace
By March 15-Middle school students, enter an essay contest featuring peace and social justice. Cash prizes awarded. Essays are double spaced, less than 1200 words and must be postmarked by March 15. Include cover sheet with name, address, phone number or email address and name of teacher if applicable. Mail to: Peace Essay Contest, 310 Riverview Ave., Annapolis, 21401: 410/263-7409.
Springtime Storytime
Celebrate spring with music, crafts and stories at your library. Storytime for preschoolers runs from March thru April at all 15 branches of Anne Arundel County Public library. 30-minute sessions are held once a week. Ages 2-3 and Ages 3-6. Call your local library for more info.
Become a Mother’s Help or Future Baby Sitter
The YWCA of Annapolis offers training classes for kids ages 9-12 and ages 13+. Learn responsibilities, indoor/outdoor safety and fun activities. Babysitters learn about child development and dealing with difficult situations.
Helpers for Mom
Sat. March 4 (10am-1:30pm)
Future Babysitters
Sun. March 5 (2-5:30pm)
YWCA, Ritchie Hwy, Arnold. $20: 410/626-7800.
Copyright 2000
Bay Weekly
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