MRI studies, longitudinal observational studies and input from tens of thousands of educators of young children have changed the way most view how one should appropriately interact with and guide very young children. Historical discipline has given way to strong guidance. Some historical discipline approaches…
It is very important that you talk to your child as much as possible for both academic and behavior reasons. According to research by Betty Hart and Todd Risley(2003), children from higher social and economic status families have heard thirty million more words than children from underprivileged…
Sometimes it feels like you cannot change your child’s behavior so try focusing on changing your own behavior instead. For this, use “I messages”. This only works in certain situations, though, but can be an extremely effective tool. “I messages” are about controlling your own…
Children like to contribute. Even two year olds can do things to help. They often say, “Let me do it myself” so try to find ways for your child to help with chores around the house. We have to remember how challenging it is for them…
Children have different learning styles. Developmental psychologist Howard Gardner defines six different intelligences/learning styles. Linguistic intelligence: sensitivity to spoken and written language. Logical-mathematical intelligence: the capacity to analyze problems logically, carry out mathematical operations, and investigate issues scientifically. Musical intelligence: skill in the performance, composition,…
What would life be like for us if no one really listened to us? What if we got home from work and wanted to tell our story, and those around us just looked at their cell phones and didn’t look at us. What if our…
I have outlined below ways to help your child with imagination/creativity, emotional intelligence, literacy, math, joy of learning, writing development and service. As you interact with your child, remember children are not mini-adults. They are qualitatively different in their ways of learning and thinking from…
Children who bite, hit and scratch often need to work on the following skills: language, self-awareness and emotional self-regulation. As a parent, you can help by giving your child more attention, reducing screen time and learning more about developmentally appropriate expectations. Kids often fight and…
The developmental psychologist Vygotsky said teaching should occur in the zone of proximal development. This means you support a child doing a task that is “challenging for the child, slightly above his or her independent level of functioning, but not frustrating” 1. In that interim…
Do you want your child to be a creative thinker? Do you want to increase your child’s mental well-being? Then do the following. 🙂 Guidelines Create a climate that encourages children to feel creative. Remember, process is more important than product. Encourage choice to foster…
Definition Autism is defined by the Autism Society Of America (ASA) as: “Autism is a complex developmental disability that typically appears during the first three years of life and is the result of a neurological disorder that affects the normal functioning of…
The following article addresses what it feels like for a parent to come to terms with having a child with a serious health issue. WELCOME TO HOLLAND by Emily Perl Kingsley. c1987 by Emily Perl Kingsley. All rights reserved I am often asked to describe…