by Melissa Kay | Jul 18, 2019 | Blog, News |
This June was full of fun and special moments. Graduation was a wonderful event! Congrats to all of our 2019 graduates! We are so proud of all you have accomplished and wish you the best of luck in kindergarten! See more graduation photos here. Father’s Day was a nice time to celebrate all the special dads in the AMC family. See more Father’s Day fun here. Farewell Mrs. Jackson and Mrs. Malone! We’ll miss you! Best of luck and enjoy your retirement. See additional pics here. All-around AMC Fun! The summer has been sweet! See more photos here. Sunday planting at Ridge location. Our youngest students enjoyed using their sense of touch, smell, and taste to help beautify our center. We decorated an eco-planter and brought a plant home as a memento. See more photos here. Stay tuned for more news and updates from All My...
by Melissa Kay | Jul 15, 2019 | Blog, News |
The summer can be sweltering. Some people love the heat and can’t get enough of those high temps. Humidity doesn’t bother them, and the sweatier they get, the bigger their smiles. Everyone else may love the warmth of the summer sun, but too much of a good thing can be exhausting. When you and the kids have had it with the weather, you can beat the heat with these three ideas. Cool off and still have fun. Once you’re ready for more time outdoors, you won’t be as overwhelmed. Indoor Board Games Back in the day, board games kept us busy. But today, it’s all about video games, TV, and cell phones. There’s nothing like some friendly competition, especially when it’s low-tech and in-person. Pull out some old board games and get set up on the floor. Prep some finger foods and gather ‘round for some good old-fashioned fun. Make it a family affair on a weekend afternoon or before bedtime. The kids will have a blast and you’ll love that they’re doing something different for a change. Sprinkler Splash You may not have a pool or access to one, but perhaps you can set up a sprinkler in your yard or in a shared space where it’s OK to do so. All the neighborhood kids can come by in their swimsuits and run through the water. On a super sunny day, this refreshing way to cool down will make everyone excited. You won’t have to worry about lifeguards as long as someone responsible is supervising. Once the kids dry off, they can come inside for some iced tea...
by Melissa Kay | Jul 11, 2019 | Blog, News |
Since the sun stays shining in the sky later during the summer, why not make the most of those extra daylight hours? Evening outings with the kids can be a great bonding experience. The kids will feel special to be out and about with mom and dad, and you’ll make lifelong memories in the process. Here are some suggestions for family-friendly summer evening outings. Depending upon where you live, you may have to make some adjustments, but use these ideas as a launching pad for summer evening fun. Post-Supper Ice Cream Run What better way to beat the summer heat than to cool down with something sweet? The kids will be 100% on board with a trip to the ice cream shop. After a healthful dinner at home, hop in the car or take a stroll to the ice cream parlor and grab some cones or sundaes. Of course, this isn’t something you’ll indulge in nightly, but every now and then, a special treat sure hits the spot. Drive-In Movie Night Lots of cities still have drive-in theaters. Pull up into a spot and watch a flick under the stars or as the sun starts to set. The kids will love this “old-fashioned” fun as you all enjoy a movie from the comfort of your car. The popcorn and snacks will make the moment even more delightful, and the fresh air will feel fine if you roll the windows down. If you don’t have a drive-in near you, head to a regular theater and see an evening movie. It’ll be just as fun. Backyard Picnic When the weather cools...
by Melissa Kay | Jul 5, 2019 | Blog, News |
Cooking is fun, but when the weather is so hot, spending time with the oven on can be unbearable. That’s why no-cook meals are the best during the summer. Who needs a stove-top stew when a fresh sandwich is just as satisfying? Sure, home-cooked meals are always comforting, but we can wait ‘till winter to fill our bellies with such richness. When we’re trying to be light on our feet and ready for swimming or a day at the beach, munching on a sandwich for lunch or a light supper is the way to go. Kids and adults alike are always up for a sandwich, especially when the ingredients are infinitely interchangeable. Here are three sandwich options the kids will love. You’ll enjoy them too since they are easy to prepare and are filled with healthful ingredients. Each recipe makes one sandwich. Crisp and Crunchy Veggie Sandwich Ingredients: 2 slices whole wheat bread 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard 1 tablespoon hummus 3-4 leaves Romaine lettuce 3-4 slices beefsteak tomato ¼ cup bean sprouts ¼ sliced avocado ¼ cup shredded carrots 2 sliced button mushrooms 5 bread and butter pickle chips Spread the mustard and hummus on the bread and layer the rest of the ingredients inside. Slice in half and get many servings of the day’s veggies in one meal. It’s delicious and so good for you. You can also pile into a pita for another tasty option. Peanut Butter Banana Sandwich Ingredients: 2 slices white or whole wheat bread 1 tablespoon creamy peanut butter (use another type of nut or seed butter if there are allergies) 1 tablespoon honey...
by Melissa Kay | Jul 1, 2019 | Blog, News |
Today’s families are forever on-the-go. There is barely time for a breather, so getting a quick snack in the kids’ systems means doing it without wasting time. That said, we don’t want to feed our kids junk food or drive-thru fare. These unhealthy foods may be fast, but they’re not part of a decent diet. There is still a smart way to provide kids with snacks that are easy to take along, taste great, and provide them with nutritious energy. These snacks are simple, making your daily routine go more swiftly and sufficiently. And don’t forget, these snacks are just as amazing for grown-ups too! Pre-Packaged Protein Shake For a snack that’s chock-full of protein, keeping kids full for hours, a rich protein shake is the perfect take-along drink that’s smooth and satisfying. Try a plant-based variety in Aloha. Their vanilla organic protein drink goes down the hatch on-the-go, providing a powerful blend of good-for-you ingredients. It comes in chocolate sea salt and coconut flavors too, so mix and match for mouthwatering goodness. Trail Mix Trail mix offers a blend of textures and flavors, giving kids a nice variety to snack on. Make your own batch or buy a store-bought brand like Thrive Market Paleo Snack Mix. This savory combo of cashews, pecans, banana chips, spices, and more make every bite uniquely irresistible. If you like to do it yourself, combine dried fruit, seeds, nuts, carob chips, and mini pretzels. Bag it up in portion-controlled pouches, take some along, and enjoy. Squeezable Yogurt For a calcium kick that’s sweetly scrumptious, a squeezable yogurt tube makes eating yogurt on-the-go friendly....
by Melissa Kay | Jun 28, 2019 | Blog, News |
Here’s more info about what’s happening at AMC… Juicing with Shmuli What fun we experienced when we had a chance to pick apples and dig up carrots. We juiced and then tasted them and focused on how appreciative we should be for the fruits and vegetables we get and all the steps involved until we obtain the food we eat (planting, waiting for rain, caring for plants and trees, harvesting, delivering to the store, parents/teachers going to the store etc.). Then we took a moment to think about how sad it would be if we didn’t have all these things and how appreciative and happy we are that we do! We are now on Amazon Smile! AMC has teamed up with AmazonSmile to allow you to support your child’s school at no extra cost to you! Amazon Smile allows you to do your regular Amazon shopping while donating 0.5% of the total purchase price to an organization of your choice. On your first visit to the website, you will be prompted to select an agency from their list of eligible organizations. AMC is listed as All My Children Day Care located in Brooklyn, NY. Amazon will remember your selection and save it under your account, and then for every eligible purchase you make on smile.amazon.com, the AmazonSmile Foundation will make a donation to our school. To select our school for donations please visit: https://smile.amazon.com/hz/charitylist/ls/UZ7BF19MJ8JQ/ref=smi_ext_lnk_lcl_cl For more information about AmazonSmile, please visit the main page: http://smile.amazon.com/about. Thank you for your support. Check Out Our Summer Program! July 2 – Aug. 31; ages 2-6. 8AM – 4PM – optional after care until 6PM. Weekly rates available. Soccer, music, yoga, robotics, water play, exciting trips, and...
by Melissa Kay | Jun 14, 2019 | Blog, News |
What’s better than the taste of cold ice cream on a sweltering summer day? Creamy and sweet, ice cream is a favorite of kids and adults alike. Sure, we love ice cream any time of year, but when the sun is out and the weather is hot, the cool confection really hits the spot. It’s fun to go out to the ice cream parlor and sit down for a scoop or wave down the ice cream truck for a soft serve swirl, but making sundaes at home is something special to do with the kids. Here are some ideas for DIY sundaes that will make everyone’s mouths water. As an afternoon snack or after-dinner dessert, these delicious treats will delight. Grab your spoon and dig in! Tempting Toppings When it comes to sundaes, it’s all about the toppings. Whether your base is basic vanilla or something more complex, the toppings take the dish to the next level. The tried and true topping like rainbow sprinkles, hot fudge, and crushed nuts are always tasty, but why not experiment with some less common concoctions? How about dried fruit bits, chocolate covered raisins, coconut flakes, dry breakfast cereal, or even gummy candies? Drizzle with rich caramel sauce or a squeeze of golden honey. Whipped cream is a classic, but swap it out for marshmallow fluff for more fun. The options are endless, so mix and match for the flavor combinations you crave. The Bowl Made Better You can serve your sundaes in an ice cream dish or a regular bowl, but before you add your scoops, create a “bottom floor” for an unexpected...
by Melissa Kay | Jun 8, 2019 | Blog, News |
With summer kicking off, it’s all about fun, but welcome it wisely. This means safety must be taken seriously, especially when kids are part of the equation. While most summer activities will be smooth sailing, there are situations where injuries, accidents, or other mishaps can happen. Being proactive in preventing such scenarios is a parent’s number one duty. Follow these tips to make this summer as safe as possible, so the kids can have fun while you have peace of mind. Sunscreen The summer sun is serious business. Even on overcast days, the UV rays are powerful. Never let your child leave the house without a healthy application of sunscreen all over their body. Use a high SPF and be generous. If they’ll be out all day, send along a bottle or tube for a reapplication after swimming or sweating. Sunburns can be painful and potentially dangerous. Protecting their skin is essential. Swimming Whether the kids are swimming in a pool or the ocean, there must be lifeguards or other responsible adults present. No matter how good a swimmer your child is, there’s always the chance that something could go wrong. If you are able to provide swim lessons for your child, it would be a lifelong gift. Make sure your child always follows the rules and sticks with a buddy. Swimming is a great way to cool off and get some activity, but it’s only OK when the kids proceed with caution. Pests Bug bites are a pesky problem when summer comes around. Be sure to protect your child with repellent. Also make sure to check their body...
by Melissa Kay | Jun 5, 2019 | Blog, News |
Kids love a day at the beach, but when they’re done playing in the sand and the surf, there is still the rest of the day to use wisely. Just like we enjoy a good beach read, kids can bring a book along to the beach and jump into the pages of adventure when they’ve run out of steam. Why not choose a book that’s beach-related? Makes sense considering the circumstances. The topic couldn’t be more appropriate and there are plenty of options out there. Here are some beach-worthy kids’ books they’ll love as much as they do building sandcastles and swimming. When the heat is too much to handle, they can find a spot in the shade and start flipping through the pages. What Lives in a Shell? (Let’s-Read-and-Find-Out Science 1) by Kathleen Weidner Zoehfeld Kids love to find shells on the sand, but what do they really know about these interesting hard “homes” for sea life? This learning book is as educational as it is entertaining. National Geographic Readers: At the Beach by Shira Evans There is so much to explore at the beach, and this National Geographic book puts it all together for kids to absorb. The next time you go to the beach, they’ll be more insightful than ever. Curious George Goes to the Beach by H.A. Rey Children have adored the adorable monkey for decades, and in this story, he heads to the beach for an exciting afternoon with his friend. Biscuit’s First Beach Day by Alyssa Satin Capucilli The first time at the beach is a special day, and Biscuit the dog is ready...
by Melissa Kay | Jun 2, 2019 | Blog, News |
When the kids are off from school and have every day free for fun in the sun, spending can become an issue. We want our kids to have a blast, but before we know it, we’ve blown lots of money. Summertime doesn’t mean that the bank account has to dwindle. We can have plenty of memorable times with the kids without wasting money in the process. Of course, not everything comes cheap (or free), but with planning and a positive attitude, there are plenty of ways to spend those summer days on a dime. Here are some inexpensive ways to make it through summer without overspending. The kids won’t feel like they’re missing a thing, and you won’t be missing your money! Park Picnic The kids have to eat no matter what, so why not make mealtime an enjoyable outdoor activity? Pack up a picnic basket with plenty of goodies and drinks – snacks, sandwiches, juice, fruit, etc. – and bring a big blanket to sit on. Find a nice cool shady spot on the grass and dig in. Once the food is finished, the kids can play in the park. It sure beats sitting around the kitchen table when the weather’s so lovely. Indoor Ice Cream DIY Bar Kids love to eat ice cream when the weather’s warm, but taking everyone to the ice cream shop can add up. You’ll save a lot of money by buying a big container of ice cream and a variety of toppings to bring home. Set all the toppings out in small bowls and give the kids a scoop or two. They...
Recent Comments