No doubt parenting is hard, but it is especially hard while children are still young, discovering the world. Parenting a preschooler can both be rewarding and difficult. As your child enters this stage of life, parents are faced with new challenges. Children at this age will continue to push boundaries and test your patience as they gain independence and abilities. You are not alone if you find yourself in this situation.

Using some simple, effective parenting techniques and tools, you can help your child develop into a well-adjusted, happy person. Here are ten mistakes you can avoid with your preschooler:

Inconsistent rules and limits

It is essential to set clear expectations and boundaries for preschoolers. Children will have difficulty learning appropriate behaviors without rules. Be sure to set rules that are clear, consistent, and age-appropriate. 

For example, you might have a rule that limits your child’s TV time each day. In this case, explain to children that watching too much TV can be bad for their eyes and overall health.

Yelling

Parenting also involves keeping calm, especially during difficult or heated moments (such as when your child is tantruming). Yelling and being angry will only escalate the problem. Your child is also likely to feel scared, frustrated, and confused.

Instead of raising your voice when your child is having a meltdown or misbehaving, try to use a calm and firm voice. By doing this, you’ll be able to communicate more effectively with your child without losing your cool. It may seem easier said than done, but it’s doable with a little bit of practice.

Giving into demands

Many parents tend to give in to their children’s every demand. This is a common parenting habit that can be difficult to break. However, if you want to raise a child who is respectful and responsible, you must learn how to say “no” once in a while.

Giving in to children’s demands all the time can cause them to learn that they can get away with anything without consequences. It can also lead to a sense of entitlement, which is not healthy for your child’s overall well-being.

Lack of adequate attention or interaction

When parents have busy schedules and hectic lives, it can be easy to let too much time go by without spending quality time with your child. It’s important to remember that no matter how busy you may be, your preschooler needs your attention and affection.

Take time to listen to your child. Ask little ones about their day. Carve out time to play with them, read together, and enjoy each other’s company. Create family traditions and devote time for fun and bonding. These small gestures can go a long way in strengthening your relationship with your preschooler.

Being too lenient

While it’s important to give your little one plenty of attention and love, we also want to avoid being too lenient with young children. If we don’t ensure that they adhere to expectations, they are likely to have trouble following rules and respecting boundaries.

Remember that it’s okay to be firm when disciplining your child. Just be sure that you’re consistent with rules, and use positive reinforcement when appropriate. This balance can help your child learn to behave appropriately without feeling controlled.

Being too strict

On the other hand, when parents are too strict, this can also be detrimental to their children’s development. If you tend to yell and scold your little ones frequently, they are likely to feel scared and resentful towards you.

It’s important to find a balance between leniency and being firm. Allow your child some freedom to make mistakes and learn from them. At the same time, set clear rules and expectations your child is expected to follow.

Not providing choices

Giving children choices is a great way to let them exercise their independence while still maintaining structure and expectations. When you give kids choices, you’re teaching them how to make decisions for themselves.

You might give preschoolers options to pick out which clothes they want to wear, which type of food they want to eat, or which activity they’d like to do. When kids can make their own decisions, it helps them feel empowered and appreciate that they’re not just following orders.

Parenting preschool-aged children effectively takes time, patience, and a lot of love. You can make the journey more enjoyable for both you and your child by avoiding these common parenting blunders.

At Children Central, we provide kids with themed, and age-appropriate activities each day that help toddlers learn about themselves, and discover how they fit into the world around them. Learn more about our toddler program by visiting our website. 

 

Let’s face it: toddler bedtime is often a battle for many parents. In fact, it’s one of the many dilemmas that parents face regularly. Trouble tucking your little one into bed each night can be attributed to things like overexcitement, poor sleep cues, or stubbornness, among other factors. The good news is that with a little preparation and planning, your toddler’s bedtime can be smoother. Establishing a consistent bedtime routine helps toddlers wind down from their busy day and ensures that they get enough sleep at night (which means less crankiness for everyone). A consistent routine also helps to instill healthy sleep habits that will last them throughout childhood and beyond.

Let’s talk about how you can create a consistent bedtime routine for your toddler.

Set up an evening ritual

Ideally, your toddler’s bedtime should occur about an hour after the sun sets. Because toddlers tend to wake up early each morning, it’s essential that they get adequate rest each night before their busy days begin again. Consider starting your toddler’s bedtime routine around 6 pm. And remember that every toddler is different, so adjust according to your child’s sleep needs.
Try creating an evening ritual to help signal to your little one that it’s time to get ready for sleep. Your ritual can include a bedtime snack, a warm bath, and a favorite book before bedtime. It also helps to start dimming the lights, engaging in quiet play, and turning off the TV and other electronic devices.

Help your children associate their bedroom with sleep and rest

It’s helpful to reserve your toddler’s bedroom primarily for sleeping or naptime. Doing this helps children make a connection between the bedroom and bedtime, which makes the transition from daily activities to settling down a bit smoother each day. Try to keep other activities like meals and playtime out of your toddler’s bedroom to avoid confusion.

Put away distracting items

Many toddlers can be particularly prickly when it comes to bedtime. They’ll do anything to stay up longer. It helps to remove any distractions that tempt your child to stay awake longer, like toys or electronics. Turn off the TV at least an hour before your little one’s bedtime. If your child is particularly distracted by certain toys or activities, be sure to put them away when it’s time to start getting ready for bed. For instance, if your toddler loves playing with cars, make sure they’re all picked up and put away before the bedtime routine begins.

Adhere to a consistent bedtime

Toddlers thrive on routine and structure. Setting a specific time for bed helps your toddler gain a better understanding about when it’s time to sleep. This can help lessen resistance and make the bedtime routine a lot easier.

Your child’s bedtime may vary depending on your family’s routine and lifestyle. However, it’s important to stick to a consistent bedtime for your child each night. Observe children’s cues when they start to feel sleepy, and do your best to start the routine around the same time each day.

Let your child engage in calming-down activities before bed

Establishing a bedtime routine is also about teaching your toddler how to wind down. It’s best to offer activities that help quiet their bodies and minds as they start preparing for sleep. These might include reading, cuddling, doing some light crafts, or playing quiet games. It’s beneficial to read a bedtime story or sing a lullaby to help your little one head off to dreamland.

Limit screen time

Spending too much time on electronics and screens can overstimulate young children’s brains, which can keep them awake longer. Your toddler’s bedtime routine should be relaxing and spent away from the TV and other electronic devices. It’s advisable to limit children’s screen time at least an hour or two before bedtime, so they don’t get too revved up right before sleeping. More importantly, do not allow gadgets in children’s bedrooms. Toddlers should not stay up watching TV or playing with electronics when it’s time to go to sleep.

Create a comfortable sleep environment

Everyone needs certain conditions to help elicit sleep each night. Ensure that your child’s room is well ventilated, not too warm or cold, and free of any clutter that might cause discomfort. Let children pick out their favorite comforter and pajamas to make their room feel more conducive to sleeping.

Adequate sleep is crucial when it comes to every child’s healthy growth and development. Creating a consistent bedtime routine for your toddler can help ensure that your little one gets adequate rest needed to stay healthy and happy.

At Children Central, we provide daily, themed age-appropriate activities that help toddlers learn about themselves, and how they fit into the world around them. Learn more about our toddler program by visiting our website. 

 

Kindergartners and parents alike look forward to kindergarten. It’s only natural for you to want your child to be prepared for this new chapter. In addition to fundamental academic skills, kindergarten readiness is also about equipping our little ones with a range of skills that will help them adjust smoothly to school.

Here are seven kindergarten readiness skills you can read about with your preschooler:

Listening and following directions

Kindergarten is typically more structured than preschool or daycare. Kindergarteners learn to listen and follow classroom instructions, as they settle into a more traditional classroom setting.

At home, you can help your child develop this skill through games and playtime. Play games that require listening and following directions, such as “Simon Says.” 

Reading and writing

The early learning of reading is associated with higher academic success. Before the first day of kindergarten, make sure your child is familiar with letters, words, and other key concepts (such as left-to-right directionality).

By providing ample opportunities for practice, you can also help your child develop early reading and writing skills. Explore kindergarten-focused books that introduce letters, words, and sounds. Other materials, like letter magnets, are also good for practicing these skills

Fine motor skills

In kindergarten, kids really hone their fine motor skills, which is the ability to use their fingers, hands, wrists, and arms with care and precision.

You can do many activities with your child at home to help them develop fine motor skills. Play with play dough or thread beads.​

Math and numeracy skills

In addition to counting and adding, kindergarteners also learn some basic math concepts.

Fun activities can help your child practice counting and recognizing numbers at home. Take math concepts into activities like cooking, the days of the week, or grocery shopping!

Self-regulation

According to psychologists, self-regulation is one of the most important kindergarten readiness skills for children. It is the ability to effectively manage emotions and behaviors. In school, this skill helps children maintain focus and complete tasks. In academic settings, children will have to adjust to and compromise at times. Thus, self-regulation is a vital life skill.

You can help your child learn this kindergarten readiness skill by setting routines and limits. Create a bedtime routine that includes soothing activities such as brushing teeth and reading. Consistently enforce the rules in your home so your child can more easily follow school rules and expectations.

Social skills

Playing well with others is a crucial part of kindergarten preparation. Kindergarteners must learn how to work together and communicate effectively with peers.

Playing pretend can help your preschooler practice these skills. Also, set up playdates with friends and neighbors so your child can play with kids the same age.

Reading and language skills

Reading and writing become a major focus in kindergarten. Additionally, this time focuses on holding a writing utensil properly when writing. Children at this age need to be comfortable speaking clearly and articulating their thoughts.

Your child can develop language skills by reading early. Make sure you choose books appropriate for your child’s reading level and talk about each story’s message. It will help them follow stories and make connections. In addition to teaching reading and language skills, books also develop creativity, imagination, and comprehension.

A child’s transition to kindergarten is an important academic milestone. Developing these kindergarten readiness skills at home can help preschoolers prepare for this exciting journey.

Children Central utilizes a pre-K reading readiness program designed to give children the foundation they need in order to be successful as they begin formal reading instruction in kindergarten. This effective pre-K curriculum uses beautifully illustrated selections of children’s literature as the basis of the program’s ten units in the program. Visit our website to learn more!

 

Anxiety at bedtime is something many kids face, and parents often struggle with how they can help their children overcome these fears. Kids may develop feelings of anxiety as bedtime approaches for various reasons. While it’s normal for kids to be afraid of the dark or imagine monsters in their closets, significant anxiety at bedtime can be more problematic, especially when it comes between your child and getting a good night’s sleep.

As bedtime approaches, many become increasingly anxious and restless throughout the evening, which causes bedtime to become an even greater source of anxiety. This prevents children from being able to relax and get proper rest before facing another day. As a parent, there are several things you can do to help lessen your little one’s fears at night and help them attain a more restful night’s sleep.

Parenting Tips To Help Kids Manage Bedtime Fears

Follow a consistent bedtime routine

One of the best ways to help alleviate children’s anxiety at bedtime is to establish and stick to a consistent bedtime routine. This can help children learn to associate bedtime with more positive feelings and events. When children find themselves starting to feel anxious as bedtime approaches, they can remind themselves that bedtime means spending relaxing time alone, and resting in bed while mom or dad reads them a story or sings a lullaby.

Identify the source of the fear

As with most bedtime anxiety, the first step is to try to identify what it is that causes your little one fear. Ask children if they can articulate exactly what it is about bedtime that makes them feel scared. Is it being left alone in the dark? Ask open-ended questions and listen. No matter what they say, remember to take their concerns seriously.

Help children develop positive thoughts about bedtime

You can help your little one develop positive thoughts about bedtime by explaining that bedtime means our bodies are resting and recharging for another fun-filled day tomorrow. Explain to kids how they’ll be storing up more energy to play and have fun tomorrow after a good night’s sleep. It can also help children feel more empowered about the bedtime routine when you allow them to participate in things like choosing bedtime stories and songs. This will also help create a positive association between bedtime and the peaceful feelings.

Let kids have some say regarding when bedtime should begin

Inviting your child to have a say about when bedtime starts can help to make bedtime less of a battle at home. For instance, if you usually tell little ones that it’s time for bed immediately after dinner, but they don’t feel tired yet, we recommend allowing them to play in their room or enjoy some relaxing downtime until they start to feel tired enough to get ready for bed. This can reduce feelings of anxiety about rushing to brush their teeth and change into pajamas just because that’s what’s expected of them.

Give kids plenty of assurance bedtime won’t hurt them

If children are scared about being left alone in their bedroom, talk about bedtime with them openly and honestly. Explain that bedtime means they’ll get tucked into bed and get a hug and kiss good night. Going to bed will not cause anything that can hurt them. Let children know you also follow your own bedtime routine before you go to sleep each night as well. Remind little ones that they are safe, and that there is nothing to fear once they’re tucked into bed.

Let children snuggle with their favorite thing

When kids feel anxious at bedtime, sometimes they feel comforted by snuggling with their favorite object in bed. This is another way to help bedtime become less associated with feelings of loneliness or separation anxiety. Letting kids sleep with their favorite teddy bear or blanket can provide additional comfort and a sense of security. If your child is not comfortable going to bed in complete darkness, it can also help to turn on a dim night light.

Create bedtime rituals together

Even adults need bedtime rituals! Following a regular bedtime routine can be an effective antidote to bedtime fears because they make the evening more predictable, which can help put kids at ease. If you’re not sure how to begin, you might start by singing a song or reading a book together before bed each night. It doesn’t matter which particular bedtime rituals you create with your child, as long as they work for both of you and help to make bedtime a more peaceful time in your home.

Bedtime fears are normal for kids, but it’s important for parents to take steps to help alleviate children’s feelings of anxiety about going to bed.  Try these remedies to help conquer bedtime fears in your home, and your child will be sleeping like a baby in no time!

If you’re looking for the best child care center that focuses on each child’s overall well-being, education, and healthy development, Children Central is the choice for you!

Playing with playdough provides little ones with numerous activities to enhance their imaginations and other skills while providing an excellent way for them to harness their creativity. Oftentimes, children who have been confined at home or restricted to one play area may have limited options for exploration and creativity. In these cases, parents need to create opportunities for imaginative play.

Other benefits of using playdough during early childhood include developing color recognition, making size comparisons, and sensory awareness. As children roll out their creations, they notice colors. They also begin to learn how colors may vary depending on which combinations they use. Children start to understand the varying sizes of objects and practice making size comparisons. In this post, we will examine the various benefits of playdough activities during early childhood.

The Benefits of Playdough Activities

Playing with playdough offers so many benefits to all children, regardless of their developmental levels. Here are some of them:

They encourage creativity and self-expression

Children sometimes have trouble getting “out of their own heads” long enough to see the world from someone else’s perspective. This is where the importance of art comes in. By making something from an original idea that still matches one’s own self-expression and personality, children can create interesting works of art as they try new things and explore different designs.

They’re tactile

For kids who struggle with sensory processing, being able to squish, throw, roll, or shape playdough can help them better manage this difficulty. In fact, many therapists use playdough as an active intervention tool for children who have trouble coping with outside stimuli.

They help improve muscle control and coordination

Activities like drawing and building shapes out of blocks can be tricky for children who have limited fine motor skills. Oftentimes, children who struggle in this area have trouble drawing or picking up small objects without smudging, dropping things, or becoming frustrated. But playdough is different. It’s malleable and easily held between two fingers, making it ideal even for the youngest preschoolers. This activity allows kids to explore their creativity independently, without requiring too much physical effort.

Children can create their own fun

Oftentimes, kids want to do things that they see others doing because they may not know how to come up with their own activities yet. When they do try to create something on their own, it may have limitations. But with playdough, youngsters can make new things each time, even if it is just random shapes and blobs. And because the material itself is so malleable, children are less likely to become bored with the same old thing each time they grab it.

Playdough activities help kids develop social skills

When children interact and play with others, they learn how to share, take turns, resolve disagreements peacefully, and build interpersonal relationships that can withstand a few bumps in the road. They also learn how to cope more effectively with disappointment, frustration, and failure, without becoming excessively overwhelmed, because their playmates encourage them to keep trying.

They help children learn about cause and effect

When children smash two playdough balls together, they learn that one will become bigger from adding more to it. This is a simple concept that eventually transfers into other areas of learning.

 

Playdough activities are easily accessible to children of all ages. Keep in mind that not all kids who have trouble expressing themselves necessarily enjoy art projects. If your child isn’t interested in making shapes or figures out of moldable dough, there are many other options, including painting, or building with blocks or legos. Remember that playtime should be about the freedom to make choices and be creative, so if children want to engage in something else, let them go for it.

There are also some precautions to take when playing with playdough. Since the dough contains salt and flour, it’s important to keep it out of your child’s mouth. Similarly, you should always check the ingredients label for any potential allergens before using playdough. Finally, playdough is designed to keep its shape even after being compressed, so as to remind children not to use their teeth or fingernails on it.

If children struggle to express themselves through other playtime activities, allowing them to explore their artistic side might be just what they need. The best part about playdough is that anyone can participate, regardless of skill level or dexterity, so everyone can freely express themselves.

Children Central promotes children’s creativity through a variety of playdough activities. Call us today for more information!

 

Most parents feel a mix of emotions as they get ready to send their baby to daycare for the first time. Even though these feelings can be overwhelming, there are many things you can do to prepare yourself and your little one for this big step. Preparing your infant for daycare isn’t always smooth sailing, but in this post, we will provide you with tips that can help to make this transition as smooth as possible for you and your child.

What parents need to do to prepare before the big day

Make sure you let your daycare center know about any of your child’s unique needs and routines. It’s important to discuss everything including important details, even some that may be personal.

When your chosen provider is made aware of these things, it will result in a smoother transition for your child, you, and the caregiver.

Here are some vital points to discuss with your new infant daycare center:

• Feeding times
• Nap times
• Allergies
• Snack schedules
• Sensitivities

How do I transition my baby to daycare?

It’s important to remember that when a baby begins at a new daycare center, your little one will experience schedule changes. Expect that your infant’s usual playtime, nap time, and even the way to console your baby will be a little different from home. 

Changes in routine can be stressful for infants. Therefore, parents need to be prepared for their little ones to become fussier than usual at home. Daycare centers won’t typically impose significant adjustments to your child’s routine, especially if you communicate with them what it is. Try to follow the new weekday routine during weekends. Come Monday, your baby will be less fussy.

How long does it take for a baby to transition to daycare?

The answer will depend on your child’s temperament. Some babies adjust quickly from day one, while others can take closer to four weeks. Expect tears during drop-offs until your baby gets accustomed to this new setting.

Preparing your baby for naps at daycare

It’s important to share information about your child’s unique traits and sleeping habits as much as possible, especially when going to a large childcare center. Even little details, like what kinds of things help your baby fall asleep, should be communicated to your new caregiver.

When your infant has attachment issues

When your baby finds it hard to be apart from you, we suggest spending periods of time away from your little one. Do this practice starting a few weeks before your baby’s first day at the center. Start with short periods of separation, and then stretch your absences into longer periods. This will help make your child’s transition smoother

What to bring on the first day

When you’re preparing your infant for the first day of daycare, the recommendation is to bring two sets of bags.

Inside one bag, pack the items that need to come home with your baby at the end of the day. These include personal items, such as your baby’s stuffed toy or lovey, blankets, pacifiers, and teethers.

The second bag should include standard infant supplies, like milk or formula, bottles, diapers, baby wipes, medicines, bibs, extra clothes, burp rags, and other things needed for your baby’s daily use.

Remember to include your paperwork inside your bag as well. We recommend bringing all of your baby’s records and emergency numbers. Make sure the center knows if any friends or relatives will be picking up your baby at the end of the day. If so ensure they have pictures of these individuals.

What to do if your baby is feeling sick at pick-up time

At a large center, it’s hard to anticipate when children will get sick. Remember that some children will be contagious during cold and flu seasons. If your baby is feeling under the weather at pick-up time, be sure to obtain all of the necessary information from the center regarding how your child was feeling during the day.

Make sure everything your baby needs is at the center

Keep in mind that caregivers will only check for missing items when getting your child ready to go home. They are not responsible for providing supplies at the center, which is why it’s essential to make sure you have everything your baby needs with you before you head to daycare. We recommend you leaving two weeks’ worth of supplies at the center.

How do I transition my baby when it’s time to come home?

Your child may be tired or cranky after being away from you for several hours. To help transition your baby back to your home environment, take your time getting your little one settled in his or her car seat before you leave the center. The more time you put into preparing your infant to transition to and from daycare, the easier the change of setting will be, especially when it comes to getting your little one to sleep once you’re home.

Children Central helps make the new transition to daycare smooth for infants and parents. Call us today for more information!

 

Years ago, perhaps when members of the “Baby Boomer” generation  were children,  (around 1946, or even earlier, to 1964) saw a different parenting style than children of today. No one questioned parents regarding how they raised their kids. Children back then may have gotten a spanking at home, or out in public, if they misbehaved or disrespected their parents or other adults. Parents back then rarely cared whether others saw them give their child a spanking,  and never did a parent say, “You are going to get a spanking when we get home.” It was an unspoken and understood fact for many children that if you disobeyed your parents, you risked corporal punishment at that moment. This parenting style is a radical change as compared with the current parenting trend known as “Mindful Parenting”.

Parents back in those days were typically disciplinarians or authoritarians. They usually didn’t feel the need to stop and think first before reacting to their child’s misconduct. Most parents gave the “licking” first and would then tell children to go to their room and think about what they had done wrong. There were no televisions, tablets, computers, or cell phones to play with while spending time-out in a bedroom or corner.

Today, if any parent dares to lay their hands on their child, many schools are obligated to report the incident, and children themselves may even call 911 and report their parent for abuse. These days, most parents are not comfortable spanking their child in public or even at home, for fear of being reported to the authorities. If parents refuse to discipline their child, they are too permissive or indulgent in the child’s misbehavior, their children may never learn about respect for authority.

Kids knew how to respect their parents in the “good ole days”, and those children are the Baby Boomer generation of today. Many Baby Boomers brought up their own children in the same manner in which their parents brought them up. In the 21st Century, most Baby Boomers are either grandparents or even great- grandparents, who suffered no ramifications from physical and immediate discipline from their parents. Today most people have turned their backs on the physical punishment of years past and instead have turned to something entirely different, called “Mindful Parenting”.

A Close Look at Mindful Parenting

In the 21st Century, parents are taking a closer look at how they raise and discipline their children. Members of the Baby Boomer generation may ask, “Does Mindful Parenting work?” Some parents of the 21st Century are uninvolved in their child’s lives or unaware of what their child is doing, due to an array of reasons. These children may not have the opportunity to receive any discipline, to learn respect, or to grow up to be responsible citizens.

Mindful parenting involves making a conscious effort to pay attention to what is happening and why children are doing what they are doing, and refusing to repeat the actions of typical parents of years past. In simpler terms, parents are responding versus reacting. Parents who practice Mindful Parenting make a conscious effort to avoid overacting, and instead take time to think before responding to their children’s negative behavior.  Nowadays, compassion is key when it comes to raising children. In many instances, parents may not agree with how their child acted or what they said. But, in contrast with previous generations who may have  disciplined their children on the spot, parents are now encouraged to have compassion for their children. In short, today’s parents are reminded to exhibit compassion, empathy, and understanding of their child’s perspective at that moment. This philosophy is known as Mindful Parenting, and today this approach is all the rage in parenting circles.

Mindful parents live in the moment. Parents must be conscious of where they are, and they must recognize their own thoughts and emotions. They must not judge the world and instead accept how the world is at that moment. Being mindful brings to light something that parents practice in a similar way today as centuries ago, known as Buddhist meditation. This practice makes you more aware of the present as a means to better understanding your child’s behavior in that moment.

• Parents must be good listeners first versus taking action and then listening. Many Baby Boomer parents thought more than once, “If dad would have listened to me.”
• Parents now do not judge the child’s feelings, because feelings are neither right nor wrong; they just are. Unrealistic expectations of the child no longer exist.
• Be aware of emotions
• Never let feelings spur unnecessary reactions, such as yelling at the child or spanking the child at a moment’s notice. Emotions affect situations.
• Never immediately act on your emotions. Think before you act.
• Try to avoid feelings of blame.

Researchers find that parents who practice Mindful Parenting experience fewer episodes of depression,  anxiety, or stress. Studies have shown that Mindful Parenting can actually strengthen the parent-child relationship. This form of parenting becomes especially helpful during your child’s adolescence.

Constructively responding to the child showed great benefits to the child, teaching an element of social decision-making. The reduction of physical and mental abuse decreased significantly. The attitudes of the parent improved, along with a decrease in the negative behaviors of the child.

Other Benefits of Mindful Parenting

• Communication between the child and parent improves
• Hyperactive behavior among children decreases
• Parents are increasingly satisfied with outcomes
• Less aggressive behaviors occur
• Decreased depression and anxiety are noted
• Increased parental involvement with the child
• Less effort yielding to positive outcomes is required over time

Mindful parenting encourages us to stop and try to see things through the child’s eyes. Ask yourself, “How is my child seeing the world now?” Children naturally live in the moment, so it is vital that we teach our children to deal with stressors as they arise and see the world through the child’s eyes with compassion, empathy, and understanding. 

If you live in Langhorn, PA or surrounding areas, find out more about Children Central by accessing our website.

 

It’s true what they say, the world is one huge classroom where a tremendous amount of learning takes place. 

School closures are something that kids look forward to because who doesn’t love a vacation from academics and schoolwork, anyway? And while your little ones now enjoy more time for play and electronics, take note that you can also make the most of this time to provide your child with productive, yet fun, learning activities.

Children do not have to be confined within the walls of their school just to learn. In fact, there are a lot of valuable lessons that children learn at home or elsewhere outside of school.

While the school is out, be sure to cultivate and instill the following life lessons in your children.

Being kind

One of the most important things kids can learn while they’re young is the fact that being kind is one of the most valuable achievements they can ever strive for. Being compassionate can bring them the kind of joy they can’t get from obtaining material things. If they sow kindness now, they will also harvest kindness later.

They may be young, but there are several ways your child can spread kindness. Encourage them to extend a helping hand every time an opportunity arises. It can be as simple as helping out getting the plates arranged on the table. It can be helping an elder with their bag of groceries or holding the door open for them. It can be sharing some food with someone who’s hungry. 

There’s no such thing as “too small” or “too little” when it comes to a heart that’s willing to help. 

Honesty

The value of honesty is another important life lesson that should be instilled in children. And an ideal way to develop it in your little one is by becoming the best example of good behavior. It isn’t enough to tell your kids that not telling the truth is not okay especially when they hear you tell your relatives you can’t join the weekend gathering because you’re sick when you’re actually just busy around the house. 

No matter how small or harmless, young kids should understand that lying is never acceptable. Any form of dishonesty is not okay. You may be tempted to tell them to lie to their daddy about getting an ice cream from you before bedtime. But no. Just don’t do it. It will give your child the impression that there are exceptions to being truthful. However, if there will come a time they tell a lie, be sure not to overreact. Talk to your child and explain the consequences of dishonesty.

Good manners

Instilling good manners in young kids early on can help shape them into becoming a pleasant, likable, and considerate individual. Start teaching your child manners by using common phrases such as “thank you” and “please”. If they have done anyone wrong or made a mistake, whether or not it was intentional, teach them how to apologize. 

More importantly, be sure to stand as a role model for your kids. When making a request, say “please” and “thank you”. Remember that children look up to their parents so be sure to model the best behavior when it comes to actions and language. 

Value of respect

Respect is fundamental to developing other good character traits. A person should understand how important it is to engender respect from others and give others the respect they deserve. To become a good human being, children should be taught to respect other people regardless of age, gender, religion, and beliefs. Basic human respect allows people to coexist peacefully and harmoniously. 

Money management

If you want your little one to understand the importance of saving money, you have to cultivate a positive attitude toward money early on. As soon as your child begins to receive money from you for their allowance, you may begin incorporating lessons about spending and saving. Teach them how to set simple financial goals. Especially when they want to buy a particular toy, for instance. Learning money management while they’re still young is an excellent head start to good financial health in the future.

Parents play a significant role in instilling in their children life lessons that will prove valuable through their adulthood and throughout their lives. Make the most of your child’s vacation from school to cultivate these learnings. 

Need more helpful parenting tips or are you looking for the best preschool for your child? Please visit Children Central. 

 

 You are in the supermarket and a man sneezes all over the canned tomatoes you were just about to pick off of the shelf. Chances are, you will pick a different can. 

Scenarios like this showcase day-to-day habits you have already established, to help protect yourself against infectious diseases. And yes, protecting yourself really can be that simple. So, take a moment to stop reading those scary news reports about the latest disease sweeping the nation, and find out how to take charge of your health with just a few simple behavioral adjustments. 

Wash your Hands

I know, this seems silly, but it can’t be reiterated enough. Wash your hands. Microbes are everywhere, living on surfaces for minutes to months, depending on their lifespan and environmental conditions. They live on your cell-phone, your steering wheel, and even the crevices of the keyboard you are currently using to scroll through this page. Your first line of defense against these infectious diseases is soap and water. The CDC recommends washing your hands for at least 20 seconds, or as my mother used to say, for as long as it takes you to sing Happy Birthday. You want to be sure to wash between the fingers, and on the fronts and backs of the hands, working the soap into a lather. Afterward, pat your hands dry with a clean towel or air-dry them, for the most effective and sanitary drying method.

Keep your Hand(kerchief)s to yourself

We all know that old saying “Keep your hands to yourself.” It is a classic saying to keep children from fighting, with the added intention of preventing the spread of “germs” between children. That is common knowledge. However, the saying would do better to say “Keep your hands and personal effects to yourself.” Then it might be common knowledge that sharing toothbrushes, razors, nail clippers, towels, tweezers, and other personal items can swiftly transmit infectious diseases from person to person, as well.  

Cover your Coughs and Sneezes

For most of us, this is already habitual. For those of us who it is not, here’s why you should make it a habit: Even if you are not displaying symptoms of an illness that does not necessarily mean you are not sick. The microbes of most infectious diseases begin growing and dividing hours to weeks before symptoms begin showing. When you cough or sneeze, microscopic sized droplets spray through the air, releasing these microbes onto your surroundings. Whoever comes into contact with these droplets will become infected with the disease you were carrying. You can easily prevent this from happening by covering your mouth with your arm, or the bend in your elbow. It is not recommended that you cover your coughs and sneezes with your hands, because you will then touch surfaces with your hands and continue the spread indirectly. 

Get your Vaccines

Did you know that your immune system has a good memory? That’s right. Your immune system can remember a microbe that has previously caused an infection, and it begins increasing production of white blood cells and antibodies to reinforce the body against reinfection from that same microbe. Vaccinations create an illusion that a specific microbe has attacked the immune system, by introducing a small quantity of the virus’ inactive DNA. Then, if the infectious disease actually does attack your immune system, the vaccine will have already helped you build up antibodies to defend yourself more effectively.

Practice Safe Cooking

If you are an American, you likely eat an average of three meals a day. That is 21 meals a week, 84 meals a month, or 1,008 meals a year. That is 1,008 times every single year of your life that you risk contracting a food-borne illness. Microbes live on everything. This includes food! That is why it is so important that you use safe food prep and dining habits. Microbes thrive most on food that has been left to sit and become room temperature. However, the cold temperatures from refrigerating and freezing your food can slow or stop the growth of these microbes, so try to get your food put away within a couple of hours. Additionally, remember to always wash your fruits and vegetables, disinfect your countertops with alcohol-based cleaners, and cook your foods all the way through before consumption. 

Travel Safely

Who doesn’t love to get away for a while and see something new? But when you imagine that dream vacation, are you doing it safely? That is not often a top-priority calculation for travellers, but it should be. Infectious diseases are an imminent threat, from the circulated air and close proximity seats on airplanes to unfamiliar microbes found in foreign environments. When you enter a new country or region, it is common that the water will contain microbes that foreigners have not built up resistance to, and can thus become very sick from ingesting. If you are travelling to one such region, it is important to use bottled or filtered water for drinking, brushing your teeth, and cooking. Also be sure not to use ice cubes that have been formed with local water. Similarly, you want to be careful of fruits and vegetables that may have been washed with local water. To be safe, avoid raw fruits and vegetables, and if you do eat fruits, remove the peel carefully before eating. While all of this is very important, the number one step you can take to protect yourself against infectious diseases while travelling is to update your travel immunizations, this will have the same effect as the vaccinations in tip #4. 

Practice Safe Sex

Another form of infectious diseases is known as sexually transmitted infections (STI’s). The good news is these are easily preventable! Use condoms, dental dams, and finger condoms to practice safe sex. Verywellhealth.com urges readers to understand that this threat is not just about pregnancy or even infectious diseases: “It is thought that about 16 percent of cancers are related to infections worldwide – most of them sexually transmitted.”

Don’t Touch your Face

Many microbes thrive in warm, moist environments. This makes places like the inside of your nose, mouth, in and around your eyes, and in and around your ears the perfect places for infectious diseases to lurk. Avoid touching these mucous lined surfaces, and you will be one step closer to preventing infection. 

Use Caution with Animals

Zoonotic diseases are infectious diseases spread between animals and humans. There are two types of threat here:

•     Pets:

o   Get regular check-ups

o   Ensure vaccinations are up-to-date

o   Keep litter boxes clean

o   Keep children away from feces and wash hands thoroughly if handling

•     Wild animals:

o   Teach children about the dangers of wild animals

o   Make your home and the surrounding area uninhabitable to animals and insects

• Get rid of areas where they can hide or nest
• Use trash cans with lids
• Seal holes that offer access to animals

A few Special Tips for a few Special Cases

Some individuals will want to use extra caution, when it comes to preventing infectious diseases. 

•     Pregnant women will be more at risk of miscarrying, having a stillbirth, or having a child with birth defects, if they come into contact with many different diseases. 
•     Those who are hospitalized are at risk of nosocomial infections, or those acquired in a hospital. Many of these microbes are antibiotic resistant. 
•     People who are immunosuppressed (chemotherapy, HIV/AIDS, etc.) will want to be the most cautious of all. Not only do more diseases infect these people, but they affect them much worse. 

In all of these cases, while caution is necessary, the importance of the first nine tips should not be lost. If all of these tips are followed, the results should be highly effective. 

It’s true, infectious diseases are something to think twice about. Think about them for your own safety, but also for the safety of others. When you follow these tips, you are committing to protect yourself, and preventing the spread of these germs. So, keep on covering your coughs, practice safe habits, think before you touch, and wash your hands. 

At Children Central, we are committed to the healthy growth of families. To find out more, please visit us online or in person.

 

Screaming, whining, kicking and throwing stuff, even running away – temper tantrums come in various shapes and forms. And they are common among kids between the ages one and three.

While tantrums are a normal part of child development, dealing with them can be frustrating. Especially when they happen in public.

But why do temper tantrums happen? And what is the best way for parents to handle them?

Why temper tantrums happen

Temper tantrums in children are an intense outpour of emotions which can lead to crying, screaming, hitting, throwing things and more. They usually stem from negative feelings such as anger, disappointment, or frustration.

They are very common during the second year of life because this is the stage where young kids aren’t capable of expression and reasoning yet. This is the phase when their language skills are only starting to develop. Therefore, in situations when they can’t express what they want, need and feel, they tend to throw a tantrum.

Effective ways to handle temper tantrums

Toddlers aren’t yet experts at the ability to regulate emotions. It’s a skill they are only starting to learn at this stage in their development.

They have emotional meltdowns when they realize that they have no control over their environment and can’t have everything they want. But it doesn’t mean these kids are spoiled brats.

So how can parents best handle tantrums?

Don’t force them to calm down

Unless your child is being physically aggressive to himself or others, it’s best to ignore them instead of forcing them to calm down. The more you give the tantrum your attention, the more you encourage their undesirable behavior.

Wait for a few minutes before checking back on them. Just make sure they are not hitting, biting, kicking or hurting anybody. 

However, if things start getting worse, immediately remove them from the situation.

Stay calm and never scream back at them

It’s easy to get frustrated when your child begins to throw tantrums. However, giving in to your own anger will only make matters worse.

Never yell back at them when they’re raising their voice. Try to keep calm as best as you can and keep the tone of your voice low.

If it happens in a public place like the movies or a restaurant, take them outside first and talk to them calmly. Try not to embarrass your child for having emotions they don’t yet know how to express.

Give them some space

For as long as your child is not being destructive in any way, you can leave them alone for a while so they can have some space to let their emotions out. Allow them to vent and let their feelings out until they feel calmer and better.

Tantrums can’t hurt your child, so it’s okay if you let them be for a while.

This way, you can avoid engaging in a power struggle or yelling match. 

Acknowledge and understand their feelings

Young kids, especially toddlers, wish they can verbalize what they want and need every single time. But it’s not that easy. Their vocabulary is limited, therefore, their communication is also limited.

Most of the time, they have wishes that they want to have met but they can’t easily get the message across. In the end, they’ll throw a tantrum to release their frustration. 

What you can do at this point is try to understand their feelings and empathize with them. Find out the reason behind the tantrum and why they freaked out.

For example, if it’s because they find it hard to tie their shoes, validate their feelings and say something like “it’s frustrating when you can’t seem to get your shoes laced properly, right?” If they nod or agree, help them out and teach them the easiest way to do it. 

Reward positive behavior

Young kids are naturally restless. You can’t keep them glued to one place for a long period. If you bring them to a long dinner at a restaurant, expect them to be looking for things that could keep them occupied.

This is where rewards for positive behaviors come in handy. You can offer to play their favorite game as soon as you get home if they behave all throughout dinner. Or maybe buy their favorite dessert afterward.

Be sure to set their expectations and offer the reward ahead instead of doing it in the middle of a tantrum.

Managing your child’s behaviors, let alone dealing with temper tantrums can be difficult. Use these tips to help you cope with your child’s fits. 

For more helpful tips on parenting or if you’re looking for a good childcare center and preschool for your little one, please visit Children Central.