Part II of Eating Together as a Family

Earlier this week we talked about the importance and the benefits of eating together as a family. But some parents might not know what to do once you get the family around the dinner table to get communication flowing. No one can benefit if there is too much arguing going on, if there is no meaningful conversation or even worse, if there is just plain silence during dinner. Below are a few tips to try to jump start the conversation and get to know your kids all over again.

1. Rule one - TV, radio, phones, text messaging- it all should be turned off during mealtime.

2. Set the table together with children and encourage them to clean up with you. This way everyone will feel important. This is especially important for the younger ones, since they can’t always help with cooking.

3. Adjust your meal time to accommodate as many members of the family as possible.

4. Skip the restaurant. Eat at home as much as possible. Restaurants may inhibit your child from really opening up and showing you their feelings. In addition, your family will get better nourishment from foods like lean meat, poultry, fruits, vegetables and whole wheat.

5. Remember that it is never too late to start a family dinner ritual. Just find a routine that works best for your family.

A regular family dinner can really develop into a family ritual like game night. Let’s bring it back into style. It is a great way for mom and dad to set and discuss certain rules, get to know more about your kid's friends, and be a good role model. The benefits of eating together will last a lifetime and change the life of you and your children for the better.

Sources: http://www.theparentreport.com
http://www.enotalone.com

Eating Together as a Family

When it comes to our children's nutrition, we usually think more about what our kids eat rather than how they're eating it. In other words, dining together as a family has become lost in today’s hectic work pace. Most families have both caregivers working and multiple after school activities. Recent studies have shown how important eating dinner together actually is. Researchers began reporting the benefits of family dinner over a decade ago, focusing mainly on how it affects children. Studies show that families who eat dinner together at least 3 or 4 times a week, benefit in many ways.

First, eating together helps families develop open communication and build stronger relationships. Children have better grades at school and are better adjusted as teens and adults, and the entire family enjoys healthier nutrition. It’s a great time to share the events of the day, discuss news and ideas and just be together and enjoy each other's company. Eating dinner together not only improves communication, it also has been proven to reduce teen rates of addiction and lessen teen depression.

During dinner time parents have better opportunity to show their children that they are the priority. Sitting at the same table and sharing meals is where and when parents can find out more about their children's tastes, what they like, what they dislike, and their everyday life in general. When parents have all this information they can better direct their kids toward positive things in life, such as activities and behaviors. Studies have also shown that children who ate with their parents on a regular basis got higher grades on average.

Sitting down for every family meal simply isn’t possible today, but trying to sit down together a few nights a week can help your children even when you’re not there. Later in the week we will give tips on how to get the most out of your family meal.

Kindergarten Readiness

This is the time of year parents start to register their kids for kindergarten and parents wonder if their child will be ready come September. Many school districts rely on age as the determining factor for school readiness but, some educators believe that the most important factor in determining if a child is ready for kindergarten is how much experience he or she has had in a school like setting.

Some districts might test children before the school year has starts. The kindergartners may be evaluated on the child's physical development, alphabet recognition and his or her knowledge of body parts, colors and shapes. This serves as an indicator of a kindergartners physical and cognitive development.

What should you do if your district doesn’t offer pre-evaluate for children entering Kindergarten? Below are a few guidelines to look for at home:

* Language – Does your child speak in full sentences? Are they able to understand and then follow simple directions, and are they capable of retelling an event they experienced?

* Motor Skills – Does your child demonstrate both the gross (throwing a ball, skip, climb) and fine (use scissors, hold a pencil) motor skills needed daily in kindergarten?

* Independence -- Can your child dress him/herself and wash their own face and hands?

* Socialization – Does your child play and work with other children, understands authority, follow rules, and understand sharing?

There is no perfect formula to determine when your child is truly ready for kindergarten. There are many factors that will affect an individual child and in the end, as parents, we must rely on the fact that we know our child the best and make the best decision that will lead to their success.

Sources: www.preschoolerstoday.com

Teaching Green

For the second consecutive year, Goddard has teamed up with Earth Hour. Starting March 22 Goddard Schools will launch a whole week of lessons and activities getting the students ready for the celebration called “Stepping Up for the Environment” on March 26th at 10am when the school will turn off any non-essential lighting for 1 hour.

“We want children to think about how we all impact the environment in our daily lives and how each one of us can make a difference. Earth Hour provides a great opportunity to accomplish that,” said Joseph Schumacher, CEO of Goddard Systems, Inc. “As educators and as parents, we want to help children understand that how they care for and protect the earth will affect future generations.”

To prepare the Goddard students for Earth Hour, the Goddard School Ashburn will include activities that integrate the environment. Goddard Schools across the country will create a large banner and students will decorate it with hand prints and footprints, leaving their own little “carbon” footprint. Then, at 10 a.m., schools will turn off any non-essential lighting for one hour to participate in the official Earth Hour on March 27th at 8:30 pm. The children will “green” their own communities, by planting trees and picking up trash around school grounds. They will also create invitations asking parents and neighboring buildings to join them in Earth Hour, as well as city officials and environmental leaders, to join them in the week’s Earth Hour activities.

Participation in Earth Hour supports Goddard Systems, Inc.’s ongoing efforts and commitment to the environment. Recently, Goddard has become involved with Renewable Energy Credits (RECs) which give schools the option of purchasing wind energy credits, offsetting 100% of a schools electricity usage with clean, renewable wind power.

Teaching Healthy Eating

If getting your child to eat vegetables and fruits has become a battle. Get them involved in choosing healthy food by create a collage of nutritious fruits and veggies. This will help them learn about new foods while embracing their inner artist.

What you'll need

* Magazines, preferably cooking and food publications
* Cardboard or poster board
* Scissors
* Glue or a glue stick


How it works

Ask your child what healthy foods they likes to eat, and look through the magazines together to find pictures of those vegetables, fruit, or grains. Encourage them to pick out items that they are less enthusiastic about and explain why those are good to include in their diet as well.

Help your child to cut out the images and glue them on the poster board arranging items by color. Then hang their masterpiece on the fridge as an easy reminder of what foods are best to eat, or head out to your local farmers market and have your child pick out foods they want to try that are on their poster.

The Key to Active Kids

Last month, the Goddard School launched its “Get Active” initiative to keep youngsters moving. Michelle Obama recently announced “Let’s Move,” a national campaign to combat childhood obesity through fitness and nutritional programs. Placing children on the right path to living and maintaining a healthy lifestyle is essential, and that is why Goddard initiated its “Get Active” campaign. The classroom, 360- plus Goddard Schools nationwide take great strides to get preschoolers, toddlers and infants up and moving. Here are some ways you can keep them moving at home.

1. Focus on fun. You don't have to call it "exercise," just consider it an activity. Find out which physical activities your child likes and encourage those.

2. Be a model of fitness. It's much easier to motivate kids to be active, if you lead an active lifestyle. Let them see you exercising. It will likely inspire them to do the same.

3 Encourage walking or biking whenever possible. Make the choice to walk to local stores, libraries or other places.

4. Get the whole family in on the fun. Have a funny dance party. Make up funny dance moves to entertain and exercise the family. Choose family activities that involve a lot of walking, the zoo, miniature golf or even the mall.

5. Limit TV and computer time. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends no more than "two hours of daily media exposure" for children ages two and older.

6. Clean up around the house. Make chores a game by singing, making funny faces or make it competition to see who can get chores done first. On a hot day, a car wash can make exercise a cool fun activity.

7. Go to the playground. A local park or playground offers exercise, exploration and fresh air.

8. Promote physical activity every chance you get. Give your child a jump-rope, hula-hoop, roller skates or a bike for their next birthday.

Any change that promotes activity now can have a lifelong effect on exercise habits that will keeps them active and healthy for life.


Source: http://www.pbs.org

Developmental Milestones 5-6 Year Olds

As we conclude our series on developmental milestones, this week we will talk about milestones for 5 and 6 year olds. You will notice as your child begins school they have developed enough independence and understanding to enable them to cope away from home. Keep in mind each child will gain independence at different rates. Here are some millstones to expect:

Wants to please friends

More likely to agree to rules

Sometimes demanding, sometimes eagerly cooperative

Can count 10 or more objects

Better understands the concept of time

Recalls part of a story

Uses future tense

Stands on one foot for 10 seconds or longer

May be able to skip

Prints some letters

If you have any questions or concerns about your child’s development, please contact your pediatrician or for more information please visit the American Academy Pediatrics website.

Sources: www.growachild.org

Summer Camp at the Goddard School

I know it’s hard to believe, but it’s that time of year to start to make plans for your child’s summer camps. On Saturday March 13^th form 11am to 1 pm, stop in and check out our summer program. Just for stopping by you can get discounts for attending our open house.

Beyond summer camp: Goddard’s summer program blends fun, adventure and learning for your child's best summer yet.

Delight your child with our unique FLEX Learning Program™ summer program activities, where play and educational opportunities abound!

Most summer camps for kids offer plenty of play. But how many prepare your child for school while creating joyful, lasting summer memories? The Goddard School® goes far beyond just summer camp fun. Our summer program combines songs, stories, exploration, physical activities and learning adventures in a safe, nurturing environment. Science and Nature, Arts and Crafts, Manners, Computers and Technology, Literature and Language, Music and Movement, Sports and Games, Cooking and Drama are brought to life. Tour The Goddard Summer Program now.

• Amazing Animals: March into summer with an animal parade, an arctic adventure, and farm and forest visits.

• Hooray for the USA: Your child will travel across the great United States.

•Leap Into Literature: Seven children's book authors are featured, with each 'chapter' exploring several books in fun new ways.

• Let's Go Exploring: From the bright lights of the big city to sandy beaches, your child investigates all sorts of phenomena.

• Mysterious Minds: Our adventures in science start with a "Blast-off to Summer."

• Passport Around the World: World travels include Italy, Israel, Australia, Mexico, the South Pole, South Africa and India.

• The Great Outdoors: We provides an authentic "summer camp" experience.

• Time Travel Your child takes a trip through time with stops in various periods.

Click here to see Goddard's Summer Program

Chores Toddlers Can Do

Earlier this week we talked about motivating your toddler to help with cleaning up around the house. Many parents wonder what types of chores their toddler can handle and what is too much for them. Toddlers are at a stage of development where they can start to learn how to pick up after themselves and are very eager to do so. Below are a few ideas for age appropriate chores:
Folding clothes
You can ask your preschooler to fold his/her clothes or even some towels. Since their clothes are so tiny anyway, they’re perfect for little hands to fold. They can even help to put some of their clothes in drawers that are low to the ground.

Cleaning the bathroom tub
What kid doesn’t want to play with water, give your child a sponge or a rag with no cleaning chemicals on it and let them run it around the sink.

Wiping the tables:
Wet a paper towel or sponge and have them wipe a paper towel over the table to clean up any messes made during the meal.

Sweeping
You toddler may not be able to sweep the entire room, but they can sweep up a small area. A small broom or a swiffer work well with little hands.
Imagine the self confidence your toddler will gain over time by helping out around the house. Your setting a great foundation and teaching long lasting habits to guide them as they get older.

Getting the Little Ones To Pitch In Around the House

One of the most common complaints from parents with toddlers is that their toddlers don’t clean up, because of their curious minds and nonstop energy they are into everything. By the end of the day your house looks like 50 kids had a play date instead of just one. However, there is some good news, toddlers can learn at an early age to pick up after themselves and even have a little fun while doing it. The earlier you start cleaning up and helping around the house habits the easier it will become as your little one gets older.

One of the most important habits is to have a routine for clean up. Try giving them a 5 minute warning that clean up time is coming. Next, is having a verbal cue to let your child know that it is clean up time. A favorite one used by teachers is the clean up song, you can make up one on your own or use the old time favorite. Singing will help pass the time while your child is picking everything up and putting it away. Now to make things easier for your child you need to be organized, it makes it much more fun when your little one knows where everything goes. One of the best ways to do this is to purchase some inexpensive bins and label them, take a picture of the toy that belongs in the bin and place it on the outside so all your child has to do is to match the toy to the picture. If you have older children also place a card with the name of the toy written on it, this will help with their reading skills.

Remember to keep a positive attitude. Your little one may not get all the toys back where they should go but they did clean up, so offer them positive encouragement for even the littlest effort. Your toddler will be so pleased with their accomplishment.