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Unique Businesses for
Today's Family.
Mission Statement:
Unique West Michigan businesses providing services, education, and products for families that inspire personal enrichment, family growth, and confident parenting. |
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Baby & Child
Article by Captured In Clay
Are you a "first-time" parent of a Kindergartner? If you are, then here are a few suggestions for making your transition into the classroom as easy for you as it will probably be for your child:
- Email the teacher and introduce yourself. This sets the stage for open communication for the rest of the year.
- Meet (or find) a parent that has an older child who has gone through the school year before. You will find this contact invaluable. Schools have a system and those who have older children will be able to share pertinent information and teach you the "tricks" to know and use throughout the year.
- Volunteer as often as you can and not just in the classroom. Assist on different committees (even if all you do is make phone calls when needed) with the Parent-Teacher Association, volunteer to help as needed in the office, etc. Even working parents should plan to take an hour off or so to attend and help during one of the classroom parties. This gets you familiar with the place your child is spending most of their day, familiar with the adults that are present in the world during the day and the administration that is responsible for their well-being.
- Identify a space ahead of time that will become your "art" wall. Your refrigerator will be buried if you don't do this ahead of time. Consider the walls of an attached garage, a finished basement wall, the child's bedroom or bedroom hallway. Even setting aside pieces to give to the grandparents is a way to share without throwing them away (which is a major offense to the child if they catch you throwing it in the trash).
- Writing notes is a part of elementary school education. To ease the burden, and save time, download the attached template from Family Fun.com or create a version of your own. Make multiple copies and use them whenever you need to communicate with a school official (principal, teacher, bus driver, lunch room aide, etc.)
- Photograph your child before their first and last day of school. You will be amazed at the changes that happened right before your eyes and you didn't even notice it!
- Writing notes to put in their pockets, lunches, backpacks, etc. to be "discovered" later is a great way to encourage and let your child know you are thinking of them during the day.
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All in The Touch
Teaching parents 'loving touch' for healthy growth and development.
Sara J. Binkley-Tow, MA, CIMI, CHBE
Infant Massage Instructor and Happiest Baby Educator
(616) 485-8964 / sara@allinthetouch.com / www.allinthetouch.com |
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Baby Beloved, Inc.
Your Breastfeeding Place
Kelly Emery, Owner
(616) 977-5683 / kelly@babybelovedinc.com / www.babybelovedinc.com
555 Mid Towne NE / Suite 100 / Grand Rapids, MI 49503 |
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Captured in Clay
Impressions That Last A Lifetime
Deana Brownlow, President
(616) 949-9781 / dkb@kidtiles.com / www.kidtiles.com
2492 Candlewick Ct SE / Grand Rapids, MI 49546 |
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Etissentials Children's Tea Times
The Proper Choice
Stacy Carpin, President
(616) 283-2710 / etissentials@sbcglobal.net / www.etissentials.com
2650 East Beltline, Grand Rapids |
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Miracles Photography
Stephanie TeSlaa, President
(616) 292-1093 / www.miraclesphotography.com / More Web / Blog |
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