July/August 2021

Greetings! During the month of June as part of our Together Wee Can Programming, our Providers and children engaged in activities around a focus – “Be the Calm”. We loved seeing all the pictures and hearing about how everyone (adults and children) that participated benefitted from learning about mindfulness, breathing and yoga. We hosted a Facebook Live with Michelle Faber, the founder of Little Yogi’s, who shared mindfulness tips and strategies for parents and children. It was all so successful and interesting we thought we should delve a little deeper into the topic in this month’s newsletter. We are exploring mindfulness (being present), mediation, the idea of ‘peaceful parenting’ and many more ideas and techniques for parents and Providers to implement with children of all ages during these hectic (and sometimes lazy) days of summer. We would feel remiss if we did not to take this opportunity to acknowledge the recent discovery related to Residential schools and to say that we stand alongside our indigenous community as we mourn the lost lives and treatment of children and the indigenous community. As an organization focused on the development and well-being of children, we want to extend ourselves beyond expressing words of support and we believe that educating ourselves and our children is the first step.  Learning about our Country’s history, people and culture is the beginning of a way forward, through knowledge. This year, Canada Day will look different and we are encouraging our families to be mindful and to leverage the many resources available to begin the process of learning. We have included some links below to support this endeavour. Government of Canada  The word Indigenous - explained l CBC Kids News (video) Reconciliation Canada 11 Books to teach Children About Residential Schools Stay healthy, Lisa Parise

Learning is Fun with Wee Watch...

Wee Beginners (0-18 months): Mindfulness for Children Wee Explorers (18 months-3 years): Mindful Parenting: Why Present is Better than Perfect Wee Builders (3-4 years): How to Have Peaceful Family Dinners  Wee Learners (4-5 years): 5 Ways Meditation Can Help You Be a Better Parent Wee Experts (5-6 years): Parents Backing Each Other Up Wee Mentors (6+ years): Ready to Snap? Tips for Stressed Out Parents

For the past 13 years, Wee Watch has been organizing exclusive and educational events and activities around a theme that all Providers across Ontario participate in called "Together Wee Can". This years Together Wee Can program is "Together Wee Can Come Together". In 2021, we look forward and want to focus as a Wee Watch Community on coming together to support learning and development of children within our homes and beyond! Click here to see what's happening in July and August.

Sharing some "Wee Talk" Slowing down to speed up - living life in fast forward... The other day I was literally 'spinning', my mind (and heart) racing, in and out of my home office, doing laundry between zoom calls, ensuring my school agers were logged into their online classrooms, thinking about what to make for dinner and if ... Read more www.weewatch.com

 Wee Play & Learn  Learning Activities To Do At Home Our Wee Play & Learn section provides you with a learning activity you can do with your child, together at home.  Choose the activity that meets your child’s interest & stage of development.  Wee Beginners (0-18 months): Homemade Instrument - A Baby Guitar Wee Explorers (18 months-3 years): Make Your Own Bubble Blowing Mixture Wee Builders (3-4 years): Clothespin Paintbrushes Wee Learners (4-5 years): 5 Breathing Exercises for Kids for Calm & Focus Wee Experts (5-6 years): Yoga Pose Bingo Wee Mentors (6+ years): Walking Sticks

Cooking with kids isn't just about recipes, it can be a delicious learning experience for everyone! Cooking encourages literacy skills, harnesses imagination, empowerment, and creativity. Check out this months recipes for kids: Canada Day Chocolate Covered Pretzels Frozen Pineapple Ring Pops

Let's Be Social!

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We have so much to share with you... Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram & YouTube for helpful parenting tips, children's crafts, activities, recipes, important updates, events and inspiration.  Here's what you've missed recently...

Congratulations to our wonderful Providers on their milestone anniversaries!  We thank you for your ongoing commitment to Wee Watch and the excellent professional care you provide.  See who we are celebrating in July & August.

Memorable Moments To experience some of the fun & learning in our Wee Watch homes click here to view our slideshow.