kids Archives - London Drugs Blog

How to Protect Your Kids Online

Parenting comes with many challenges. From breastfeeding to potty-training to behavioural issues, it can sometimes feel like at each milestone, one challenge is merely exchanged for another. One of the biggest hurdles many parents now face is protecting their children online.

The internet can be a minefield for children and teens who don’t understand the consequences of their online behaviour. We’ve all heard stories about young children or teens being lured to danger by online predators, or teens engaging in risky online behaviour, leading to very real life consequences. Our kids may also encounter cyberbullies or scammers, so how can we keep them safe when they are online?

Stay Involved in Kids’ Online Activities

One of the best ways to keep on top of your child’s online presence is to know exactly what they’re doing. If you set the boundaries early, it makes it easier to stay involved.

Set very hard and fast rules about internet usage. Ensure that computers, laptops and tablets are used in a common area and not in bedrooms. Ask for passwords. Let them know that you won’t use them to spy, and that when you do check their devices, you will make sure they know you’re doing it. Your child’s safety is paramount and if you explain the rationale behind your safety measures, then everyone is on the same page.

Teach Internet Safety First

Your child may not always understand your vigilance and concern, so it’s helpful to teach them basic safety rules when they’re online. A few things they should know before going online:

Never open emails and attachments from people they don’t know.
Never give out personal details to strangers online without your permission. If anyone requests their personal details such as their address, phone numbers etc., they are always to run it past you first.
Never meet up with anyone they meet online without letting you know their plans and whereabouts.
If they do encounter cyber-bullying, always speak to you before responding to messages.

Set Restrictions on Your Search Engines

One of the first things you can do to ensure your children aren’t stumbling on inappropriate content or risky sites is to set restrictions on your search engines. We’ve all heard about the ubiquitous search engines and social media sites that are constantly collecting our data, so in order to keep our children’s personal information private you should alter your privacy settings.

Here’s an in-depth tutorial on changing the privacy settings on various search engines and social media platforms.

Add Security Software

There are many apps and programs designed to block inappropriate content from filtering in to your home. Some will allow you to monitor all your kids’ devices and their social media interactions, or even track their devices.

From Net Nanny to Phone Sheriff to TeenSafe, there are a lot of security programs available. One that is frequently cited as a reliable tool is Norton Family Premier, which offers security across 10 devices (including your PC, Mac, Smartphone, or tablet).

Ultimately, there are many tools available to help you and your child navigate the online world with all its pitfalls, but communication is paramount, and keeping the conversation going about online behaviour and resulting consequences is the most important tool of all.

If you have any questions about how to set up security measures on your child’s devices visit any of our London Drugs locations and speak to our technology experts.

3 Kid-Friendly Life Hacks for Back to School

It’s that time of year again…the kids are heading back to school! It won’t be long before the chaos sets in (hello messy backpacks and busy mornings!), so we’ve compiled some smart kid-friendly ideas to start the new school year right—with less stress for parents. Here are three life hacks for staying organized and keeping your kids on time for school!

1. Keep your kids’ school backpacks organized

Are important things getting lost in your kids’ backpacks? It happens—especially with the little ones. Try creating a ‘post office’ and ‘bank’ to keep supplies safe! This life hack for back to school will eliminate any crumpled notices or lost money for field trips. Safe supplies, happy parents!

2. Speed up your kids’ morning routine

Trouble getting your kids to do their tasks and to get them out the door in the mornings? Make things fun and encourage them to tackle tasks with speed. Here’s one clever (and tasty) trick for kids to complete their morning chores. Perfect for those end-of-summer days—and your kids will thank you!

3. Use colour-coding to organize your kids’ notebooks

Do your children need some help keeping their school notebooks organized? If they’re in a rush to class, sometimes it’s hard to remember which subject is in which duotang, so they grab them all. Use this quick and easy trick to colour-code math, english, and science! Now they can find the notebook they need in their backpack—fast. Simple, easy, organized!

Are you looking for school supplies or other back to school essentials? You can find everything your children need at London Drugs in-store and online!

Support Youth in Need with Kids Help Phone

There are times when a child or teenager needs a safe space to talk about what is happening in their lives. Whether it’s dealing with anxiety or depression, coping with tragedy, or facing cyberbullying, kids can come up against several hardships at a young age—and it’s important to let them know that they are not alone.

This May, London Drugs is supporting Kids Help Phone, Canada’s only 24/7 national service offering professional counselling, information, and referrals to young people across Canada. Customers will be invited to donate $3 at checkout when shopping at London Drugs, starting May 14 until May 31, and all proceeds raised will go directly to Kids Help Phone to help them always be there to support youth in need.

The impact of Kids Help Phone in Canada

Kids Help Phone is a Canadian leader, known for their expertise and continuous innovation as Canada’s only 24/7, bilingual (English and French) professional counselling, information and volunteer support service for young people.

Since 1989, they have offered kids, teens, and young adults a critical lifeline of hope and support through their free, anonymous service, which research shows significantly improves youth mental health. Young people reach out to Kids Help Phone from every corner of the country via phone, Live Chat, an internationally-recognized website, and through a confidential volunteer-led texting service (available nationwide by the end of 2018) in addition to having access to a database of local youth-serving programs.

Kids Help Phone speaks with young people every day—often acting as the only mental health and well-being support available to vulnerable and at-risk youth across the country. In 2017, Kids Help Phone provided over 59,000 counselling sessions in total across Canada, and youth reached out to Kids Help Phone an average of 530 times per day for counselling, information or referrals.

Kids Help Phone is a registered Canadian charity, and the majority of their revenue is raised from individuals, foundations, corporations, and community fundraising. It takes courage for a young person to reach out to Kids Help Phone and it takes courage for the community to stand behind and support them. With the support of supporters like London Drugs and its customers, Kids Help Phone can work to achieve their vision of a future where every young person in Canada will access the support they need, in the way they need it most.

To learn more about Kids Help Phone, please visit kidshelpphone.ca.

15+ Easy, Cheap and Fun Indoor Activities for Kids

With the cold weather upon us, we know that extended indoor time can be a challenge. So here’s 15 ideas for entertaining the little ones within your four walls.We offer these ideas for entertaining the little ones within your four walls.

Giant Box Art

indoor activities - Cardboard Box drawing

berrysweetbaby.blogspot.ca

Have a big cardboard box taking up space in the house? Before you toss it into the recycling bin, take a handful of crayons or markers and drop them inside, add one toddler (or two if you have another on hand) and watch it come to life. We all know toddlers love to write on walls, and these walls are fair game. Older kids can join in the fun too with more elaborate creations on the outside–pirate ship, princess castle, space shuttle, airplane–the possibilities are endless! Speaking of endless, there are loads of fun and simple activities to do with cardboard boxes.

Escape the Volcano

toddlerapproved.com

This fantastic game is inspired by The Floor Is Lava, but it’s a little more involved. The planning is worth it, though, because it gets your kids moving and thinking with colour matching, exercise, riddles, and more.

Sponge Finger Painting

247moms.com

If your kids love finger painting but you hate the mess, keep it under control with sponges. Makeup sponges work great for keeping the paint in one place, and clean up is easy if you keep them on a plate or plastic tray.

Baking

Baking is a great rainy-day activity for kids of any age. Not only do they get yummy treats at the end, but they learn a little about chemistry and where their food actually comes from. No worries if you’re not an expert baker yourself – try these super-simple recipes from Delish.com that anyone can master. Don’t forget to stock up on baking tools and supplies!

Yoga

cosmickids.com

Yes, your little ones can do yoga! There are lots of great DVDs to help your toddlers and kids get started with yoga, but our favourite videos are from Cosmic Kids. In each free YouTube video, likeable host Jamie walks little yogis through a new adventure, including favourites like Moana, Star Wars, Frozen, and other fun stories, while learning the basics of flexibility, balance, strength, and mindfulness. Move the coffee table, grab your mat, and get ready for some fun. Bonus–you can sneak in your own workout right next to the kids!

Indoor Picnic

gladlydo.com

If grilled cheese and baby carrots are getting a bit boring, inject some fun into lunch and have an indoor picnic! Pack portable containers into a basket, clear some space, put down a blanket or tablecloth, and voilà! For extra fun, add some “outdoor” details like homemade grass, flowers, trees (aka tall potted plants), etc. Don’t forget to invite the stuffed animals! You can also continue the fun into the night with an indoor campout. Especially fun for a sleep over!

Spy Laser Obstacle Course

parentmap.com

A ball of yarn or string is all you need for this secret mission. Find a narrow passageway like a hallway or stair case, and wrap the string at different angles back and forth at kid-height (painter’s tape works well too, if you’ve only got walls to deal with). Little kids will have a blast trying to climb through the configuration, and you can take the challenge up a notch for older kids with spy backstories, timed races, secret maps, special treasure missions, or a spy movie shoot. More ideas and instructions at mykidsadventures.com.

Make Your Own Book

If you’ve read the 478th book to your kids, why not get them to make their own books? There are many tutorials online about homemade book projects, but we found a great place to start with this simple one, which is good for beginner crafters, or for a sweet gift for someone. All you’ll need is a few sheets of paper, scissors, and crayons or markers. You could also add magazine cut-outs to practice pre-schooler scissor skills.

Cotton Swab Blow Darts

thatswhatchesaid.net

Don’t be alarmed by the name! This game is as safe as it gets. For this one, you’ll only need some cotton swabs, bowls or small bins (even old yogurt containers would work!), number stickers or tape, and some drinking straws. You’ll foster some healthy competition with everyone in the family with this lively game. Full instructions at thatswhatchesaid.net.

Sticky Spider Web

whatmomslove.com

Painter’s tape, light, throw-able objects, and a doorway is all you need for this active game. Have fun looking for things around the house that will stick in the web, like balled up newspaper, balloons, small toys, etc, or make it a competition by adding points or a timer.

Masking Tape Race Track

lejardindejuliette.blogspot.ca

A no-brainer if you’ve got a tub full of toy cars or trains. Make it colourful and fancy with washi tape like the one above, but regular old painter’s tape works well too (and is just as fun on carpet and furniture!). You can keep it contained in the kids’ room, or take it all over the house for an epic race. You can even add a souped-up garage or train station, like this one:

Want more ideas for fun and learning with just a roll of tape? Check out more ideas at Hands On As We Grow.

Minute to Win It

happinessishomemade.net

If you’ve got a house full of kids, Minute to Win It games are a surefire hit. Bring the popular game show into your living room with rip-roaring races like “Junk in the Trunk,” “Cookie Face,” or “Pong Tac Toe.” The entire family, neighbours, cousins and the mail carrier are all going to want to join in this one. More ideas for MTWI games at happinessishomemade.net.

Sewing Station

kleas.typepad.com

This indoor activity is perfect for 4-6 year olds to practice fine motor skills. You will need to pick up a few supplies, but it’s a creative and colourful project that your pre-schooler can be proud of. Full instructions at kleas.typepad.com.

I’m Bored Jar

blog.vickybarone.com

If you’ve reached your creativity limit, an I’m Bored Jar will be your best friend. Simply put, it’s a container filled with things for kids to do. Some people fill it with fun stuff, others mix in chores kids can help with around the house. You can get creative with the design using tokens, popsicle sticks or laminated cards, if that’s your cup of tea, or you can just write the activities on slips of paper and put them in a jar. Every time you hear a small person in your house utter the phrase “Mooooooom/Daaaaaad, I’m BOOOORED!”, you can bring them the jar and let it do its work. More ideas for jar design and activities at wellnessmama.com.

What’s your favourite activity for beating kids’ cabin fever? Let us know in the comments!

Losing Things in Your Kid’s Backpack? We Take Care of That.

With school in session, are important things like forms, documents, and money getting lost in your kid’s backpack? Try creating a ‘post office’ and ‘bank’ to keep supplies safe!

This LD Solutions life hack for your grade-school kids will help your child stay organized and eliminate any crumpled notices or lost money for field trips.

Safe supplies, happy parents! Follow these easy steps:

Get two different sizes of clear zip envelopes.
Create a bank and post office with each envelope using a label.
Place field trip forms and cash needed into each envelope.
Keep it fun for your kids to drop off their forms and money at school – and vice versa!

Need other great tips and tricks to make life easier?

Check out more of our helpful LD Solutions Videos on YouTube or here on the London Drugs Blog:

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Disorganized Mornings? We Take Care of That.

Do you have trouble getting your kids to do their morning tasks, and getting them out the door before school? Here’s one clever (and tasty) trick that makes it fun for kids to complete their morning tasks. This little life hack will have you out the door on time with smiling kids. The answer to disorganized mornings is here!

Disorganized mornings? We take care of that.

Grab a few popsicle sticks (treat your kids to one a day before!)
Use classic markers to colour the top of each popsicle stick
Use a sharpie to write different morning tasks on each one
Make bed…Wash face…Brush teeth…anything to encourage them to get ready!
Grab two mason jars–mark one for the to do’s and one for done
Get out the door and off to school!

Need other great tips and tricks to make life easier? Check out more of our helpful LD Solutions Videos on YouTube or individually here on the London Drugs Blog: