If you are like me you are wondering where 2009 went.  With our busy lives we seem to have the years flying by.  Just yesterday, I was writing the 2009 Tattler, but here we are.  With the new year brings change, some good some bad. I hope yours will be good and that God blesses you through out this year.

 Tax information will be ready January 8^th.  I will need you to update your addresses so the statement will reflect the correct information.  The statement will have all the information you will need to file for child care tax credit.  If you have any questions, please come by and see me.

 Tuition is due on Monday.  We have been very lenient with this but please make sure you keep current on your child care payments.  When you fall behind, it causes us to struggle to pay payroll and get the things we need here at the center.  Thank you for making this a priority in your budget.  

 Take a minute and update your child’s immunization record.  The City County Health Department does periodically check our records.  If your child’s record is not current they may ask us to dismiss your child from the center until it is current. 

Every year after Christmas, we have toys donated to the center.  Please bring these to the office.  If you would like a tax letter of donation, please let me know.  We really appreciate the gently used toys. 

 Challenging behavior…

Your child is at McDonalds and is hitting another child, what do you do?  You are out to dinner at Chili’s and your child is screaming, what do you do?  Your child hit his brother/sister, what do you do? 

These are all everyday happenings, how do we handle them?  If you are like most parents, you react before you see the big picture.  Why do children do the things they do?  Here at the center a good majority of bad behavior is due to lack of sleep. Children need structure, a schedule they can follow.  If lunch is a little late, we tend to get more accident reports, why because they are hungry and do not know how to voice that, so they act up. Consistency and stability is the key!  Here are a few things to make your life and your child’s life easier.

1.    Never react when you are upset or mad

2.   Eat at the same time each day

3.   Same type of discipline for the same behavior

4.   Talking does not always work, try different punishments until you find one that does

5.  Have a set bedtime.  Stick to it

6.   Consistency is IMPORTANT

Your children are your number one priority.  Your needs and wants  become second.  I have a series of DVDs “Dare to

Discipline” if you are interested in viewing these videos, please let me know. 

If you would like to celebrate your child’s birthday here at the center.  Please let your child’s teacher know. 

The monthly menu is posted on the front bulletin board.