Let’s just get it out there—this child before you: What a miracle!! Yes, it can be exhausting with interrupted sleep and your non-stop concern over whether or not you’re doing things ‘right’. So let me reassure you right here and now—RELAX! If all you do is give your newborn child your time and attention (ie, bond with your child), meet their needs in terms of feeding, diaper-changing, sleep and necessary immunizations you’re doing great! Giving birth is a gigantic effort! Moms need to … [Read more...]
PLAY: Making the Men We NEED
Play is an essential component of childhood. It could even be considered a basic survival need much like shelter, food and touch. Of the many, many benefits play imparts, one of the most far-reaching and long-lasting effects could be in the preparation of future fathers. Children learn by doing; and often, what they do, is what they see. A lot of what they see is a parent or caregiver tending to a younger sibling or baby. Children incorporate this into their pretend play. Pretend play offers … [Read more...]
Why Playing with Baby Dolls is (Very) Important
Baby dolls have stood the test of time…and with good reason! Children learn by doing. And often what they do, is what they see. A lot of what they see is a parent or care giver taking care of a younger sibling or baby. Playing with baby dolls comes naturally! Speaking of what comes naturally... Play is the natural, organic way to learn. In fact, because play often involves using both sides of the body—developing bilateral coordination—and the brain, it’s a holistic activity. Baby dolls offer … [Read more...]
Why Building with Blocks is Important
Maybe you haven't given any thought to the importance of blocks, but they have been a staple of early childhood education for good reason. Following this post, you'll be able to describe and/or explain ways blocks further child development. In other words, you'll be able to explain why building with blocks is important! Gaming: It's Not about PLAY... A main focus for video play systems such as those made by Nintendo, Xbox, or PlayStation is to capture and keep your attention with graphics and … [Read more...]
Are You Ready to Go???….to Preschool?!!
"Ready yet?!" As a parent—or caregiver—you will ask that of your child many times over the course of a school year. But let’s go back, back to before they’ve begun class, and really get them ready! A New Chapter... Each Spring, at our Parent Orientation for the upcoming Fall classes, parents would be eager to know what they should do to prepare their child for school. You might be surprised that I didn’t tell them to practice their ABCs or make sure they knew their shapes. No, what I would … [Read more...]