End-of-Day Meltdowns

Parents with babies and small children all know about end-of-day meltdowns.  Many parents struggle with this time of day along with their child.  Parenting Magazine offers some great tips to help you get through this difficult time of day. Click here to read the whole article.

Keeping the Attention of a Preschoolers

The most difficult thing a parent will ever have to do is to try to keep a preschooler occupied. With their short attention spans, you need to have a lot of tricks up your sleeve. This can include arts and crafts, games and learning activities that you know will entertain them. Keeping your preschooler occupied allows them to maintain a healthy lifestyle and learn through activity.

Outdoors
Take advantage of days when temperatures moderates to send your children outside. Once winter comes it’s easy to forget that the backyard exists. A healthy dose of fresh air, can pep kids up and wear them out. Of course, don’t forget to bundle up. For an alternative when it is too cold, head to the mall for a brisk walk.

Arts and Crafts
If you can’t get out of the house, try a craft activity. Craft stores have made it easy, even if you’re not a crafty person. Packaged craft-in-a-box activities are very popular with kids. They include making beaded jewelry, bookmarks, birdhouses and more.

Indoor Play Centers
The Y, gymnastics centers, indoor play centers, mommy and me classes, activities of all types to fit all budgets are going on right now in your community. Look in your local paper, check online and check with your local library or community center for more information on how you can get involved.

8 Great Sick-Day Activities

When your child is home from school because they are not feeling well, you may struggle with ways to keep them entertained while the get better.  Scholastic.com offers 8 great sick day activities. From reading stories together to doing a simple craft.  Click here to read the article.  

Why Read To Babies

New moms often are told that they should read to babies, even if they are less than six months old. But if they can’t understand what you’re reading, how does it help your baby? Here are some ways reading to your baby can be beneficial.

• It gradually introduces concepts such as stories, numbers, letters, colors, and shapes that are critical for your child’s development.

• Your baby might not understand but by reading to them you are teaching them to listen.

• Reading can also teach your baby the concept of communication through using sounds before they can speak.

Here are some tips on what types of books work best based on your baby’s age.

• Newborns – books with bright colors and shapes

• 4 and 6 months – books made of cloth and soft materials they can grab onto

• 6 and 12 months – the more pictures the better, your baby is starting to focus

You can’t read too much to your baby so go crazy. Take every opportunity to pull out a book, at the doctor’s office, at the market and in the mall. This will keep your child’s attention and teach them that reading is fun anywhere and anytime. Teach your kids good reading habits and they will keep them for life.

Celebrating President's Day

Next weekend is President’s Weekend. Are you looking for ways to celebrate with the kids?  Family.go.com gives some great idea on on making this educational holiday a fun holiday for the whole family.  Click here to read the whole article

The Importance of Sleep and School

Experts say children ages 5 to 12 need 10 to 11 hours of sleep a night. Studies also show that most kids are getting about an hour less sleep each night than they did 30 years ago.

Children have a lot more distractions than they did 30 years ago including more activities, homework, TV and video games. It’s easy to understand how today’s kids have a hard time winding down at night. You might be wondering if your child is getting enough sleep. Well, here are some signs that they might need more:

• Behavior Changes – when your child doesn’t get enough sleep it can become difficult for them to control their emotions. This can result in emotional outburst, grumpiness and poor behavior.

• Attention Issues – if your child is normally a good listener but they begin having difficulty following detailed instructions or maintaining focus during activities, this could be a sign of a lack of sleep.

• Memory Loss – sleep is like a reset button for your child. During sleep, everything learned during the day is committed to memory and the brain is prepared to absorb more information the next day. If your child shows a change in remembering directions or information this could be a sign of not getting enough sleep.

What can you do to help your child get more sleep?

• Establish a bedtime routine for your child and stick to it. Make sure your child get’s to bed around the same time every night.

• Give your child time to unwind. Turn off the TV, video games and eliminate distractions 15 to 20 minutes before bedtime.

10 Fun Ways To Celebrate Valentine's Day With Kids

Valentine’s Day is just a little over 7 days away. Have the perfect holiday with the kids with these 10 fun ways to celebrate Valentine’s day from The Parent Squad. Click here to read the article

Improve Language & Cognitive Abilities with Imaginary Play

When children use their imagination during playtime the benefits are enormous. Playing dress up, role playing and putting on plays are not just ways for children to entertain themselves, it’s an exercise in language and cognitive skills. Here’s some ways you can promote play and learning.

Role-playing
Challenge your children to act out rolls.

• Boys and girls can play parents, doctors, nurses or other caregivers with some dolls or action figures.
• Some books, a pretend blackboard, or just pencils and crayons can help your child spend hours role playing a teacher.
• With a pair of boots and a raincoat they can turn into a firefighter to save the life of their favorite doll or action figure.
• Playing hotel is a favorite of many kids. Have your child make access cards with old rewards cards. Let them check you into your room and even have them straighten up and clean before their guest arrives (an added benefit).

A Theatre Production
Put on a little music and have your child show their best singing and dancing moves. Get all of the kids involved by letting them play the roles from their favorite movie or video. You may have to sit through some off-key singing or less-than talented dancing but your child will love the attention.

Dressing Up
Many parents are watching their budget closer than ever. You don’t need to spend a lot of money on character dress ups. You would be surprised at what kids can pretend to be with some old clothes. Look through your attic and maybe even grandma’s. Old men’s and women's hats, dresses, and old sporting equipment can really help kids stretch their imagination.