NEWS + BLOG

There are so many programs, books, and articles telling you how to make your child “smarter,” but what they really need to grow healthy and happy is you! The way you love and respond to your child provides the best environment for her to begin exploring her environment, which is the best way she can learn during her first few years of life. Cuddling, loving on, singing, rocking, and talking are exactly what your baby needs for their brain development!

When faced with the frustration of getting a little one to leave school, the playground, a party or a favorite friend’s house, many parents find themselves threatening, “I’m leaving!”

Parents play a critical role in helping their child make the separation adjustment. Separation anxiety is a normal reaction for children, and it can begin anywhere from 6 to 12 months and even peak during the second year of life. (You might be surprised if around 18-24 months your toddler starts to protest separations, but remember that this is normal and matches up with changes in their emotional and cognitive development!)

The last days of summer is upon us and it’s time to start thinking about starting preschool again! Whether this is your child’s first time attending school or they’re moving up to a class, it’s all a big transition. Learning new routines, getting to know new friends and teachers, and being away from home are just a few of the adjustments that need to be made. You can start preparing now to make those first weeks a bit easier for your child (and yourself!) Here are some helpful suggestions on how to help ease into preschool with less tears and fears.

At Forty Carrots, our Parenting Educators regularly refer to the ‘Forty Carrots Toolbox’ when talking to parents about positive discipline techniques. It is no secret that young children can be unpredictable in their behavior! This makes it necessary for parents to arm themselves with some ‘tools’ to use when challenging moments arise. In addition to offering choices, the 3-part reminder and when-then rule are two other techniques found in the ‘toolbox’ that can be used to teach positive behavior.

The worries and anxieties that pop up in young childhood can create roadblocks and meltdowns, throwing us as parents for a loop when we don’t see these events coming. New fears about haircuts, teachers, sleeping, or separations can creep up unexpectedly. New anxieties and fears are typical in young childhood and anxiety can be a very useful emotion if it is managed well.

Art is a wonderful way for young children to explore and learn, while tapping into their imaginations and expressing themselves in a tangible way. Learn some tips to encourage a child’s creative experience through art.

You all may have figured out by now that being a parent is not easy and stress seems to be an everyday thing that we sometimes cannot shake.  Last year child developmental researchers revealed data showing how much of a harmful impact our stress can have on our children.  So if we were not feeling […]

Being bilingual has more benefits than knowing more than one language. New studies show that bilingual children may enjoy other cognitive benefits as well, such as improved executive functioning skills which are crucial for problem solving and other mentally demanding activities.