Music in Schools
Children benefit from music in schools. There is a compelling amount of research connecting music to higher order brain function, among other positive outcomes, as outlined below. With this in mind, you may want to lobby for more music in your child’s school. It is equally important to access programs that are now in place, […]
Valentines Activities to Increase Fine Motor Skills
I. Valentine Hearts Fine Motor Lacing Supplies: Colored Felt (red, white and black) Fabric Scissors Googly Eyes Yarn Masking Tape Hot Glue Gun Directions (For one child): – Fold felt in half and cut out half of a heart. – Cut out three hearts of various sizes in each of the three colors. – Fold […]
Social Maturity
Do you ever wonder why some preteens and teens seem so immature, making bad choices in their daily lives? And there will always be the child that seems to “have it together” even in those turbulent years. There are many things that garners confidence in a child, but the one we will discuss today is […]
Restless Snowy Days
As we push into the end of January, it seems likely that at least a bit more snow is going to come our way. Snow days do not have to be restless mornings and afternoons spent locked indoors. There are many different and fun ways to pass the hours. Whether you’re a parent staying home […]
Cold Winter Days and Gross Motor Development
When snowy and cold winter days invade our world, we are forced to stay indoors way too often. As parents, grandparents and caregivers, these are days we most dread. Children grow new behaviors as a supplement for exercise and outdoor activities. Not only are they bored, their brains are not getting the benefits that exercise […]
Puzzles for Christmas
“Puzzles for Christmas” should be a chant heard around the world. Every child should wake up Christmas morning to find puzzles under the tree. In fact, my children would have been disappointed if Santa had not left puzzles under their tree, which he did each year until they left home. You might ask why puzzles […]
Santa
Should you teach your child to believe in Santa? Nickelodeon Parents Connect asked in a poll, “Do you let your kids believe in Santa Claus?” 65% answered, “Of course! It’s a magical part of childhood. What’s the harm?” 13% answered, “No. I think Christmas should be about Jesus, not Santa.” 10% answered, “Yes, although I’m […]
Holidays and Traditions
With the holiday season beginning, I thought it would be timely to repeat an earlier article about the importance of establishing family traditions. What are family traditions and why are they so important in a child’s life? Family traditions are rituals or routines with meaning. They are repetitive, create a sense of belonging, and children […]
Physical Readiness for School
Concerns about physical readiness for school are growing. Teachers and occupational therapists say an increasing number of children are entering school without fine motor skills. They are showing up for kindergarten without the fine motor skills needed to grip large crayons, hold their paper to color, or cut and glue shapes. It is estimated that […]
Tips for a Safe Halloween
Tips for a safe Halloween from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). ALL DRESSED UP: Plan costumes that are bright and reflective. Make sure that shoes fit well and that costumes are short enough to prevent tripping, entanglement or contact with flame. Consider adding reflective tape or striping to costumes and trick-or-treat bags for greater […]
Expanding Cognitive Ability Through Art
Creative art is a great way to expand your child’s cognitive ability through development of problem solving skills. What line to draw, colors to use, what should the tree look like, should I make animals, the list goes on and on. The brain is exercised. Ideas are created. Thoughts are linked to create more ideas. […]
Keeping Friends
Making and keeping friends requires skills that you should help your child develop. Friendships are necessary for your child to be happy and content in their world, thus teaching and encouraging these skills is important for parents and caregivers. Helping your child make and keep friends, is well worth the energy put into it. Children […]
Developing Friendships
School would be a lonely place without friends and every child needs to cultivate friendships. Self-esteem is an important factor in establishing friendships. Children also gravitate toward peers who are self-sufficient (independent). Young children do not establish friendships, and until the age of three, play parallel to other children. At three, cooperatively play begins to […]
School Transitions pt. 2
Starting back to school can bring social stress to your child. New class-mates mean new friends. Your child internalizes this and is anxious, no matter what age. We all, to some degree, like “the known” vs. “the unknown” in our lives. This is human nature. Some children have harder times with transitions to new situations […]
School Stresses
Beginning a new school year can be stressful to your child. Children have different responses to returning to school. Emotions run the gambit from fear and dread to sheer uncontrollable excitement. Most children fall somewhere in between, and vacillate between two or three reoccurring emotions. Some children hide their feelings, while some children act them […]
Pre-K: Yes or No?
Parents ask the question, “Does my child need to enroll in a Pre-K program?” The answer is dependent on your child’s specific needs. A Pre-K program certainly is appropriate for all children, whether it is implemented in a school setting, private setting, or in the home. Your child’s Pre-K years are filled with tremendous social, […]
