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…
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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…
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For most babies the first tooth breaks through around 6 months (sometimes as late as 12 months!). Every baby experiences teething differently. Some have virtually no symptoms, while others suffer through months of teething pain and fussiness. Teething is one of those milestones that usually leaves parents with a lot of questions: How do you…
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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…
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With the cold temps now pretty firmly in place, January is a great time to get out there and enjoy some ice skating! Check out the article from our friends at Nashua/Merrimack area Macaroni Kids providing a list of rinks in our area as well as hours for free-skate and hockey. Milford’s Shepard Park rink…
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Do you find yourself saying ‘no’ a lot to your toddler or preschooler? We’ve all been there. But trying to create a ‘Yes environment’ instead will encourage your child’s early exploration and learning skills, and makes your time together more enjoyable. Here are some ideas from Mount Sinai Parenting Center to get you started. For…
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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…
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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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