Why I am no longer a helicopter parent
Mar 20 2013
Why I am no longer a helicopter parent
By Shara Lawrence-Weiss
I was sitting at the park with my kids a few days ago. I watched as a mother and father came over with their toddler. They sat in the sand and the father began to build a sandcastle. The dad did all of the work while the toddler stood watching. He said things like, “No – let me do it. I’ll show you.” And, “No, it’s too dirty for you. Don’t sit down.” The toddler never got to use the bucket – she just watched her father. Then they all left.
What do you want in a childcare provider?
Mar 17 2013
I recently asked our Facebook moms:
"What do you care most about when it comes to childcare? Whether it's a daycare center, sitter, nanny, family member watching your child - whatever."
Interesting Childcare Tip: Did you know that schools require a two year college degree to work in an elementary school as a teacher aide but typically pay less than a nanny earns for private care?
Helping Kids Make Friends
Mar 17 2013
Helping Kids Make Friends
By Ava Parnass, Child Therapist
There are various reasons children have trouble making friends. Here are a few:
1. Some parents may be very outgoing and their children may rebel against this. Many children don't like all of the attention an outgoing parents is giving to others instead of to them. It's natural for kids to feel jealous and jealousy is hard for kids to handle. Some kids cope by becoming introverted.
2. If you have an older outgoing child the other child may unconsciously take the role that hasn't been taken - being the quieter child.
Pure Free-Play Moment
Mar 16 2013
Pure Free-Play Moment
By Shara Lawrence-Weiss
As mentioned in the post Stress Busters for Kids, my husband and I made a choice to leave our living room rather empty. That way, the kids could ride bikes, scooters and roller skates in order to 'get their wiggles out.' We live in the Valley now and if you've ever visited the Phoenix Valley in the dead of summer you know - most people stay indoors! That being the case we wanted our kids to have space to move around, dance to music and so on.
Non-Curriculum Essentials for Early Learning: 10 Ideas
Mar 15 2013
By Jenny Herman
{Reprinted with permission from Home Educating Family Association}
Because of the push for early childhood education in typical school settings, those who choose homeschooling often feel pressured to get the perfect preschool curriculum for their little ones, especially if the little one is their oldest. Having been a former classroom teacher, I was one of those people. Now I have learned to relax. Your kids don’t need curriculum in preschool. They learn through play. Here are my top ten non-curriculum essentials for early learning.
