Leap Year Babies

A baby born on February 29 can be called a "leapling". In many countries; a leapling's legal birthday is observed February 28. This is a way of counting common years to when the child reaches majority at 18 years old. Since Feb. 29 comes every four years -- being born on this special day certainly has a bit of magic in it.

We found a book which celebrates leap year babies;

It's My Birthday... Finally! A Leap Year Story (Paperback)
by Michelle Winfrey Whitaker (Author), Joyce M. Turley (Illustrator)

Crayola's New Colours

Crayola has unveiled 8 new colours chosen by kids, named by kids. Your 2008 boxes of 64 count coloured pencils, crayons and markers will include these hot new colours. "happy ever after" blue, "bear hug" brown and "giving tree" green are a few of the shades These colour name choices tell us that kids are a "generous group, concerned about the environment and committed to making the world a better place" says Canadian Certified Child and Theraplay (TM) Therapist, Susan Garofolo.

Over 20,000 children in Canada and the U.S. contributed to the choosing the Kids' Choice Colours. The kids volunteered a short story and then chose a colour and named it to reflect their story.

According to Shery Hanser, Platform Manager for Crayola Canada; Crayola plans to support kids picking a new set of colours, yearly, to continue their commitment to feedback.

(Sidebar; the Crayola pip-sqeaks skinny markers are the perfect item to keep in your bag. Compact, washable and fun; these markers are great for doctor's waiting rooms, restaurants, and car rides! Yes, you must add paper.)

Another Conversation with Crayola

Susan Garofolo, Canadian Certified Child and Theraplay (TM) Therapist says that children explore happy discoveries when participating in art projects. She goes on to say that she encourages families to incorporate art on a regular basis into their activities. Just 10 minutes a day offers children an opportunity to release feelings.

For kids who have trouble with language acquisition or just plain shy kids...benefits are found in expressing their days through drawing or painting.

Don't fret about "The Grey Child" (A Parent Club title of a child who blends every colour of the rainbow into their picture until it is just one grey mass). Grey does not mean your child is frustrated or that you should have a cause for alarm. Instead, ask your child "Why do you love this colour?", "What is happening in this picture?". Let the child explain. Blending colours is actually science, chemistry and exploration at work.

Check back tomorrow for some neat Crayola news about colours and kids...

Learn more about play therapy and Susan Garofolo at www.playtherapyforchildren.com

Help!...We've Got Kids newsletter

The new Help!...We've Got Kids newsletter (March) has been sent to thousands of inboxes across town. This issue is all about camps. As well, there is a Disney contest to win tickets to see Disney on Ice (running in March at the Rogers Centre).

If you would like to sign up for this free newsletter and recieve the current issue send an e-mail to; info@helpwevegotkids.com.

Help!...We've Got Kids newsletters are written by Caroline Fernandez

A weekend where all your plans come together -- that could be called a perfect weekend. A weekend where all your plans are cancelled and you spend the allotted time with your kids -- that is certainly a gift.