"Rise and shine sweetie, it's time to ____" Insert any number of things that must be done before you able to get out the door and to work, daycare and/or school. If you're a working parent, mornings can be challenging when you have young kiddos—just trying to get yourself dressed and ready can seem impossible at times let alone getting their needs met! If you build in a little extra time to interact, engage your kidlet with some play-based activities, you just may be able to get a meal … [Read more...]
Failure in PLAY for Success in LIFE!
Failure--everyone experiences it. It can be in the form of not getting that sought-after job or promotion; or not making the varsity team; or failing to follow through with your New Year's resolutions. Failure is a part of LIFE. The big question though is: How do you react to failure; yours and/or your child’s? It’s no secret I’m a zealot when it comes to PLAY. The POWER of PLAY impacts all facets of a child’s life—now and in the future! Parents need to set up as many PLAY opportunities for … [Read more...]
1st Do No Harm-Questionable Medical Recommendations
Do no harm--that's part of the Hippocratic Oath that most medical schools ask their graduates to pledge and abide by. I'm sure most doctors would never intentionally harm any patient, however, I've had a couple incidents where my eyebrows went up after comments made by doctors... Knowledge is Power My younger grandbubs recently crossed the line from infants to toddlers, each having turned 1 year old. So where did the time go? It seems like I was just flying off to the deliveries of these … [Read more...]
Traveling and Away from Home–Working Parents Added Challenge
Working parents want and NEED to stay connected to the everyday happenings in their children's lives--and that's especially true when parents are traveling for business. Rather than bringing back trinkets or gifts from various countries--which kind of has the feel of trying to buy your child's love and/or assuage your guilt--parents can DO something with their children instead! Yes, there's a little bit of pre-planning involved, but instead of a business trip taking time away from your child … [Read more...]
Autumn Leaves & the Great Pumpkin
I know the New England area is renowned for the colors of Autumn, but as I get out and about here in the PNW we can be awfully proud of our own spectacular show put on by the changing of the seasons! What a sensory extravaganza and THAT means it's full of learning opportunities for kiddos! Go out on a nature walk! Collect LEAVES, looking for 1. Different shapes of leaves OR 2. Variety colors of leaves Look at this leaf I found.... The vibrant color that stopped me dead in my tracks is … [Read more...]