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…
“Children are primed to communicate at birth” but communication skills continue to develop as they grow and learn. You may have heard about the benefits of “serve and return.” This is just another term for back and forth communication. Babbling is a baby’s language and it is healthy to make sounds and listen for your baby…
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…
“For very young children, art and early writing skills are one and the same. At first, it’s all about just figuring out what these cool things called crayons can do. Then your child discovers the link between her hand holding the crayon and the line she made on the page. “Here is a helpful article…
As a parent, you know your child best. If your child is not meeting the milestones for his or her age, or if you think there could be a problem with the way your child plays, learns, speaks, acts, and moves talk to your child’s doctor and share your concerns. They will help you go…
Do you know about the free app and website, VROOM? VROOM helps parents create fun learning opportunities in every day moments. The website and app are easy to use and help you give your baby a strong start in life!