Parenting is not easy, is it? We’ve been at it for 18 years and it doesn’t get any easier. There are always issues to resolve, changes to make, and life stages to navigate – even as the kids get older. So I try to save all the handy parenting tips, advice and activities to use …
Childhood
You already know not to give your toddler toys that feature lots of tiny attached parts to a toddler (at least, we hope you do). Did you also know that even basic toys and toys for older kids need to be inspected as well? No matter how old your kid gets, keeping a vigilant watch …
For young children, toddler toys come with numerous benefits. Not only are they fun, but they also stimulate the imagination and help with learning. But there is a serious side to toys; each year, millions of children are treated in emergency rooms for toy-related injuries, and tragedy can result from poor choices of toys or …
We’ve all been in the humiliating situation where our child makes a scene through it’s screams, rants and kicks but nothing is worse that when they do it in front of peers, friends and family. Don’tworry! We have all been there and I have some tips to help you. Imagine the scenario if you will. …
School is back in session for pretty much everyone around the country – with a new school year comes new fears and new friends. Many of us can remember when a new kid came on the school scene, or maybe we were that kid. You learned how to adapt and make friends. But how about …
Everyone has heard the story of Karen Kane, the bus monitor, being bullied and ridiculed by four seventh grade boys in Greece, NY. It was disgusting; horrible, violent and crude language hurled onto this 68 year-old grandmother who was doing her job. Karen didn’t reach out and grab the ring leader (although he looked quite small), …
Skills this child development activity enhances: Language Skills Imagination For ages: Preschool 4 years + What Happened Materials Needed: Several different pictures of everyday events. What Happened Instructions: Show your child a magazine picture of an ordinary, everyday event, such as a man running, a child crying, a dog sleeping, or a broken-down car. …
As your children grow up, they will start to become independent and venture out into the world. The experiences from their journeys will shape them into the adults who will lead the future. While they are still developing, it is crucial for parents to help children strengthen the skills needed to become well-rounded and successful …
Skills this child development activity enhances: Hand-Eye Coordination Cause and Effect For ages: Preschool 4 years + Straw Soccer Materials Needed: Small piece of paper Flat surface Short straw Straw Soccer Instructions: Crumple a small piece of paper into a ball and place it on your child’s play table. Show your child how …
The second half of a baby’s first year is a time of much joy and relief for new parents. The baby becomes more regular in her patterns, she begins to learn how to communicate her needs, and she no longer cries for seemingly no reason. But even though things tend to be relatively smooth in …
I broke down to a Teacher yesterday. Geez, what am I, a leaky faucet? I am so embarrassed, but I cried and cried at the school yesterday over my child. Zack turned 10 on April 30th. We call him DQ (Drama Queen) around the house because he can be kind of Diva-ish. He has to …
A Teachable Moment © May 2012: Make the most of moving up Dr. Susan Bartell The month of May is all about graduations, moving up ceremonies and commencements. It is a time to feel a little sad about “how fast they grow up”, and to feel joyous about the wonderful milestones and accomplishments. This year …