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…
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Don’t forget that your littlest family members love to “help” with the holiday baking and meal preparation, too. Whether it’s singing Pat-A-Cake or a Christmas carol with you…or simply stirring…they can be helpers in the kitchen and have fun with you, too. Here are some additional tips for enjoying cooking with your little ones and…
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For your young children remember that the magic of the season and the connections with family and friends are what they’ll remember most. It could be the memories of their first snow, the lights on the Christmas tree, carolling with neighbors, nibbling candy canes, or my daughter still talks about the snow fort she built…
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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…
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The Milford Police Department is hosting their annual “toy store” for Milford kids and families. For any Milford family who may need the community’s support this year with gifts for your kids, you can stop by the Milford Police Station anytime starting today, Monday, December 6. Contact Detective Wales 603-249-0630 ext. 368 with any questions. Milford…
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When a child is feeling afraid or vulnerable, they are often not able to self-regulate, especially if they’ve experienced trauma. This is one of the best visuals I’ve found that explains the steps to support a child in emotional distress, especially in a preschool/school setting: Regulate; Relate; Reason. A child cannot learn or reason if…
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FYI >>> Although December 1st is normally the start of the fuel assistance program in New Hampshire, the state recently reported that there will be a delay this year. (The state administrator of the program said Wednesday that a technical issue has delayed the letters that get the program rolling). Until then, if you need…
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“Don’t underestimate the power of play…” Play, learning, and healthy development are not separate activities. They are intertwined. Think of a child’s play as their “work.” Luckily, they’re having fun while they do it, too. Here are ten more things to know about play, from the National Association of Educators of Young Children (NAEYC). To view…
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There’s a fun new outdoor story walk in Milford for families with young children. Thank you to our friends at Beaver Brook Association! Visit the Burns Farm Loop Trail across from Burns Farm Rd on Mason Rd. Enjoy the adventures of “hippy hoppy toad” as you follow the Loop Trail.
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“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…
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