In 2022, for the first time since 2004, the American Academy of Pediatrics and the CDC changed the checklist of developmental milestones for infants and young children. Their hope in doing so was to encourage parents to seek early intervention screenings sooner when they notice delays in their child’s development. For more information on the…
Our friends at Arlington Street Community Center (ASCC) in Nashua are working alongside Rivier University Education Club to offer FREE virtual pre-K activities for kids ages 3-5. Kids registered for this program will use the Seesaw app to complete 4-5 activities each week. These activities will improve fine motor and computer skills while working on…
There is nothing quite like curling up on the couch or snuggling in bed and sharing a story with your child. Shared book reading is one of the most important developmental activities families can engage in, sparking back-and-forth interactions with children and promoting early literacy skills. Studies have shown that print books encourage positive interactions…
Somewhere around age 2-1/2 to 3 many children develop an obsession, or intense interest, in a certain thing…like dinosaurs, trains, machines, animals and birds to name just a few. This is a very normal part of your child’s cognitive development! Studies have shown that childhood obsessions, when sustained for a long period of time, can…
Are your kids playing ‘COVID’? Do they mask up their dolls or stuffed animals and give pretend shots? Our children learn through play and it is a normal part of their development to play out their life experiences. During stressful and fear-filled times this type of imaginary play helps children manage and cope with their…
Outgoing or shy, neither is wrong or right, especially during times like the holidays when you’re visiting with friends and family that your kids may not be as familiar with. It’s important that your child feel accepted and supported whether they are more outgoing or slower to warm up. Read more about how you can…
The experts at Zero to Three offer these ideas for choosing toys that will grow with your child, challenge her, and nurture her thinking, physical, language, and social-emotional skills: * Open ended, multi-use like blocks, play silks/cloths, cups *imaginary toys that will grow with your child *real “tools” and things including child-sized utensils, pots/pans, cloths…
Did you know that simply going to the playground to play with your little one can support their healthy gross motor development? Gross motor skills include crawling, standing, walking, running, jumping, climbing, skipping, dancing…Large movements that involve moving arms, legs, or your entire body are “gross motor.” Playground and backyard play provide a fun environment…
What is Executive function? Executive function and self-regulation skills are the mental processes that enable us to plan, focus attention, remember instructions, and juggle multiple tasks successfully. These skills are crucial for learning, healthy development, and positive behavior. Children aren’t born with these skills—they are born with the potential to develop them. How can parents…
Here’s a good article on why independent play for your young child is healthy>> “It’s important to recognize the skills that independent play helps a child to develop, such as motor skills, as well as negotiation and conflict management skills. When they’re young, it’s entirely normal for younger children to play by themselves or play…