PLAY gives children the tools they need to navigate in and through the world. During PLAY, children develop the capability and creativity they'll need when they become adults. It’s been said, PLAY is a dress rehearsal LIFE! PLAY also is about the here and now. PLAY addresses all developmental areas for a child—physical, social, emotional and cognitive. When children PLAY they construct a framework to deal with change, stress and conflict—in other words, to be able to problem-solve and … [Read more...]
Speak Up–Helping Your Child Find Their Voice
"Speak up. I didn't hear what you said." The only thing that would make me cringe more, after hearing that phrase directed to a kidlet, is to hear their Mom or Dad say "Oh Johnny or Sally is shy." ARGH!! First off, adults need to be sure to give young children enough time to answer. Secondly, I am not fond of the word shy. It's a self-defeating, self-realizing label. Children learn language from direct, interaction with their parents, other adults—even other children. It’s really quite … [Read more...]
Babies’ Laughter: Music to My Ears
Babies' laughter--there's just nothing sweeter to hear! I would go so far as to say no one can resist breaking into a huge smile, if not joining right in with them! LAUGHING is a way babies interact with family members. I recently read an article that shed light on just how much more information we can glean from babies' laughter! In the article Peek-a-Boo: A Window on Baby's Brain laughter is shown to been an effective tool at pinpointing stages in the way a baby's minds is growing … [Read more...]