John Ball Zoo Fall Festivites
Come out to the John Ball Zoo this fall for a great time. Dress up and get ready to see some amazing animals.
Halloween
Zoo Goes Boo!
Each year the John Ball Zoo celebrates Halloween with a series of special days called Zoo Goes Boo! There is still time to participate this coming Friday, October 29. Check out the segment below and take a look at what you can expect.
Kids and Halloween Fears
Between scary movies, haunted houses ghoulish costumes, there are a lot of things about Halloween that can be scary for kids. Our Pine Rest blogger, Kristin Kuipers has some advice for parents on addressing your kids fears.
Fall Fun at Koetsier’s Greenhouse
Each season, Koetsier’s Greenhouse in Cascade offers something unique. They have loads of activities happening for fall including an indoor Halloween play area for kids!
My Semi-Homemade Masterpiece
Earlier this week, I found myself in the middle of a pile of string, faux fur, napkins and a giggling three year old. This year, my daughter Sophia wanted to be a black cat for Halloween. Although the local costume shop offered plenty of easy options, I couldn’t bear forking over $29.99 for a one-time-wear costume. I’m normally not a very crafty person, but I decided to take some advice from Where You Live’s finance expert, Jennifer Ranville, and try making my own costume this year.
‘Where You Live’ – October 17, 2009
This week we’re getting in the Halloween spirit with everything from cheap costumes to fun treats you can make with your kids! We’d love to hear from you. Tell us what your favorite part of the Halloween season is?
Playing it Safe for Halloween
When it comes to Halloween safety, a little advanced planning can go a long way.
Costume Safety
-Avoid masks that limit or block eyesight. Instead consider facepaint or make-up.
-Avoid black costumes and choose bright or reflective colors if possible. If your child’s costume is black think about using reflective tape on the costume for greater visability.
-Purchase costumes, wigs and accessories that are flame resistant.
-Make sure the costume isn’t too long, so your child doesn’t trip.
Pumpkin Carving Safety
-Small children should never carve pumpkins. Let little kids draw a face on the pumpkin with a marker and parents can do the cutting.
-Young children can also paint pumpkins instead of carving them.
-Votive candles are the safest for inside a pumpkin. There are also candle alternatives offered at many stores.
-Make sure pumpkins are placed on a sturdy surface where kids can’t knock them over.
Coping with Fear & Anxiety
Halloween is a fun and exciting time for kids, but it can also be a frightening time when kids don’t understand what’s going on around them. Here are some suggestions from Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services on ways you can handle your children’s fears and anxieties during this spooky season.
- The most important thing a parent can do to help their child overcome fear, is to respect what their child is feeling. Listen to your child and reassure them that they are safe.
- Normalize your child’s fears, then teach them how to handle them.
Feel – “Wow, you really feel frightened of those kids in costumes.”
Felt – “I felt that way, too, when I was your age.”
Found – “I found that it was less scary when I…” Offer your kids some suggestions, and ask if they think that strategy might work for them. If they say no, ask them what they think might work better. This way, you have them focusing on a strategy to cope.
Exchange Your Halloween Candy for Cash!
Halloween is candy overload for kids. But, just because they collect it, doesn’t mean they have to eat it all. Here are the details on a program that will actually give your kids cash for their candy!
Dr. Bowman’s Halloween Candy Buy-Back Program
Monday, November 2nd
Dentistry at the Springs – 6650 Crossings Dr. SE, Kentwood
616-554-2100
Dr. Robert Bowman is giving your kids cash for their upopened Halloween candy. Kids will get $1 per pound and be entered to win awesome prizes including a iPod Nano! Simply bring in your candy the Monday after Halloween between 3:30-6:00pm.
Blogs
Maranda's Blog
Keep in step with Maranda as she explores issues affecting your family.
Maranda's Go-To Gal
Insights from the mom who helps Maranda get it all done.
Whitecaps Blog
Whitecaps mascot Crash takes you inside the ballpark.
Cruiser's Blog
Cruiser has the inside track for Craig's Cruisers.
Health & Wellness
Make health and wellness a priority.
Fifth Third River Bank Run
On pace with the Fifth Third River Bank Run.
Healthy Living
Simple solutions for healthy living.
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