New Car Seat Regulations
Effective July 1st, 2009 all children 4′9″ or smaller and under the age of 8 have to be in a booster seat. Here’s what our law says about the changes:
“Every motor vehicle operator, when transporting a child who is both under the age of eight and shorter than four feet nine inches on the streets and highways of this state in a motor vehicle equipped with factory-installed seat belts, shall equip and install for use in the motor vehicle, according to the manufacturer’s instructions, a child passenger restraint system meeting federal motor vehicle safety standards. The violation of this is a petty misdemeanor.
For more information, read Section 1. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 169.685, subdivision 5, 1.8-1.13 or contact the Virginia Fire Department, 748-7520.
No More Food Fights!
Why does feeding time, an enjoyable experience for parents and babies, often become a battle of wills when a child becomes a toddler and preschooler? A lot of curious and frustrated parents want to know! One reason is that parents are often unprepared for the slowdown in growth and corresponding drop-off in appetite which kicks in around that age. Another reason is toddler table manners, which includes: playing with food, refusing to eat, and getting up from the table. All of these characteristics of the “independent stage” make mealtimes more challenging for parents.
Dietitian Ellyn Satter, in her popular book, How to Get Your Child to Eat. . . But Not Too Much, describes what a parents’ responsibility is when it comes to feeding kids. Satter says parents should make a variety of healthy foods available to their children. It is then up to the children to decide what and how much they eat.
The best way to encourage children to eat is to sit down to meals together and let them observe the family enjoying their food. Keep conversation relaxed and pleasant. Some other tips include: serve small portions, don’t let children fill up on junk food or juice between meals, never offer food as a reward or withhold it as punishment, offer choices within limits, and encourage (don’t force) tasting new foods.
As children learn to eat to satisfy their own appetite–not their parents’ mealtime goals–they will reap a lifelong benefit: a relaxed, positive attitude toward food.
Jill Phillips
ECFE Parent Educator
I-Spy Community Scavenger Hunt
Title: I-Spy Community Scavenger Hunt
Location: Virginia Public Library
Description: Put on your binoculars and spy though downtown Virginia. Meet back at the library for prizes and treats at the end of your hunt.
Start Time: 2:00
Date: 2009-07-30
End Time: 4:00
Wonder Weavers
Title: Wonder Weavers
Location: Virginia Public Library
Description: Become spellbound with these two amazing storytellers from the Twin Cities.
Start Time: 4:00
Date: 2009-07-23
End Time: 5:00
Hans Meyer Show
Title: Hans Meyer Show
Location: Virginia Public Library
Description: Parent\’s Choice Award Winner! Fantastic music and fun from a great performer.
Start Time: 03:15
Date: 2009-07-16
End Time: 04:15
Amazing Charles Magic Show
Title: Amazing Charles Magic Show
Location: Virginia Public Library
Description: Amazing magic with our own Amazing Charles!
Start Time: 03:00
Date: 2009-07-09
End Time: 04:00
Treasure Hunt Week!
Title: Treasure Hunt Week!
Location: Virginia Public Library
Description: Search the library for hidden clues and claim your treasure!
Start Date: 2009-06-29
End Date: 2009-07-02
Minnesota Zoomobile Visit
Title: Minnesota Zoomobile Visit
Location: Virginia Public Library
Description: Birds, snakes, bugs and more will visit Virginia direct from the Minesota Zoo!
Start Time: 02:00
Date: 2009-06-18
End Time: 03:00
Cheney & Mills Juggling Show!
Title: Cheney & Mills Juggling Show!
Location: Virginia Public Library
Description: Zany juggling and hilarious comedy. Entertainment that is perfect for the whole family.
Start Time: 10:00
Date: 2009-06-11
End Time: 11:00
Be Creative @ your library Kickoff Week
Title: Be Creative @ your library Kickoff Week
Location: Virginia Public Library
Description: A fun Summer Reading Program registration for area readers and pre-readers. Registration packets and raffle entries will be available in the Children\’s Room.
Start Date: 2009-06-01
End Date: 2009-06-05