We were at a playgroup with a few children. It was not a large group. My son-at that age-was a total follower. He wanted to follow the big kids. They made him laugh and looked like fun. The problem was, he was about 16 months old. He was not at a stage where he could think about his actions. He only saw the big boys running and making messes and thought since they looked … [Read more...]
How Parents Teach Socialization
Socialization is the most over-used term in the parenting world-and early childhood education world-these days…and often the most misinterpreted. We stay-at-home moms are not depriving our children of proper socialization, we are actually providing the best form of it. The definition of socialization, from dictionary.reference.com is: … [Read more...]
Books on CD Recorded by You
My husband deployed for a year back when my oldest son was 6 months old. It was a job of mine to teach my son about his dad. Without the daily interactions of a parent and an infant, that memory of "dad" would not be established. It is a reality for families whose breadwinner travels a lot. Our solution was to do a few things to keep my husband present in our daily life and one … [Read more...]
Crash Course in Child Development: Toddlers
We have made it through the sleepless nights of infancy, the milestones of crawling and first steps, and now, just as we have a nap schedule in place and a plan of attack for errands, the toddler stage begins! I know I needed a crash course in child development toddlers edition during the years of parenting toddlers. This was my least favorite age when I was taking care of … [Read more...]
Crash Course in Child Development: Infants
If you ask most Stay-at-Home Parents of infants, they search for activities to keep their infant entertained and learning. This crash course in child development: infants will help identify what your baby can do with you to keep growing and learning. In reality, A LOT of repetition is FANTASTIC for the brain development of your baby from birth to 18 months. Don't … [Read more...]
First Aid and CPR for Babies and Children
Teachers and child care personnel must be certified in infant and child CPR. We as parents do not, but I like to have this posted as a reference. Just a simple, quick tip that could come in handy, and hopefully will never have to be used: Post the steps for CPR and Rescue Breathing in a couple of spots in your home. Included are basic first aid resources when you … [Read more...]
Responsibility of Teachers Versus Parents
The lines between what is the responsibility of teachers and parents are blurred today. Children are being essentially raised by teachers. In child care the caregivers are called "teachers" and these are the adults a child in daycare full-time sees most of their days. Beyond that, teachers are receiving students who are not ready to learn. Teachers are limited in ways … [Read more...]
Instilling the Love of Learning by Reading
Starting in infancy, when your child is home with you, you are able to devote so much one-on-one time to them and with them. They learn that they are important; they learn that they have something to contribute to you. I feel important when another adult takes the time to talk with me and focus on what I have to say; it is not different with children. They relish the focus … [Read more...]
Play and Learning at the Playground
You do not have to be bored sitting and watching your children play at the playground. There are simple ways to connect the outdoor playtime with simple, fun activities and learning at home too. I tend to look at a visit to the playground as my chance to sit and watch-finally! I am up and down on my feet all day: up the stairs, down the stairs, criss-crossing the house. I … [Read more...]