Good Beginnings That Last A Lifetime
Challenging behaviors in children is a form of communication letting us know there is an unmet need or unlearned skill. When caregivers can begin to identify what challenges a child is having, we can create a helping relationship and use different approaches to support the child and reduce that behavior.
Holidays can induce jet-lag-like symptoms in children as well as in adults brought on by late nights, sleep-ins, afternoon naps and various travel. Luckily, just like with jet lag, there are plenty of strategies that can help reset little bodies and re-establish a sleep routine.
This time of year brings about many changes that can be exciting, joyful, and challenging. Navigating the changes in schedules, expectations, and sometimes even travel can become stressful.
Do mornings feel rushed and chaotic? Are the phrases “Hurry Up!” or “Let’s Go!” common place while trying to get out of the door in the morning?” Repeatedly telling your child to hurry up can make them feel frustrated, stressed, anxious or worried. It can even cause them to freeze up and unable to think about what to do next.
Small moments with your child might not seem as important as the big events, but science tells us savoring those sweet memories can lead to greater happiness. Finding embraceable moments in the everyday activities you are already doing with your child like bathing or feeding them is one way to create lasting memories together.
Did you know there are many benefits of cooking with kids? Cooking engages all the senses – seeing, hearing, smelling, touching, and tasting – cooking with toddlers provides them with many sensory experiences that are important for brain development.
Gratitude is an advanced concept that can be tricky for toddlers and preschoolers to understand. They are naturally self-focused in their early ages and stages of development. But as children learn and grow, they become more understanding of the needs and feelings of others.
Family rituals are important as they can help the family to create memories, share important moments, develop important skills, and enhance family connection and satisfaction.
Although it might seem that screen time is a convenient way to keep young children occupied when they get home from school/daycare, when they are sick, or just at home- what their body needs is quiet.
Having fears is normal- and even a healthy part of development. It signals that your child has a growing awareness of the things happening around him and is trying to keep himself safe. As their cognitive abilities increase, so do their fears.
