The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children do not watch television for the first 2 years of their lives. This is because the pixels that make up the pictures on the screen and speed at which they change (not to mention the content), can have damaging effects on children’s brain and eye development. For more information on the research behind this recommendation, visit
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With Spring Break and Summer Vacations coming upon us quicker than we realize, it’s important to think about the needs of children when traveling. Here are some tips for traveling by car and train: Car Trips: Have a very flexible schedule without deadlines. This gives the adults freedom to relax and take as many breaks as the kids need. Try to find a place
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Here is a free talk on Friday, March 15th: And a cheap, sliding scale film showing on Saturday, March 16th:
As adults, we can talk on the phone, put dishes away, stir the dinner on the stove, and make sure our kids are safe and happy all at the same time. Children do not have this ability- in their daily activities or in their development. Children, especially younger ones, place all of their focus on one thing and get it figured out before they
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At some point, every parent thinks this: My kid never listens to me! As frustrating as this feels, there’s a reason… Young children hear verbs before they hear anything else. Think about this, when you say, “Don’t run”, your child hears the word “run” before they hear the word “don’t”. So, what do they do? They run- and it’s usually away from you, right?
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Every parent has an idea of the wonderful things they will share with their child. Maybe it’s camping, skiing, video games, princesses- whatever the interest, parents want their child to share the enthusiasm for it. While it is wonderful for children to see their parents excited about what is enjoyable for them, it’s a fine line between wanting to share that enthusiasm and trying
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Everyone always says that parents have the hardest job. While every parent knows this is true- what does it really mean? There are the day-to-day challenges- scheduling the day/ weekend around the child’s schedule, not being able to come and go whenever the urge strikes, the worries of wondering, “Is my child supposed to be walking, yet?”, etc. But, the real challenges are speaking
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Absolutely, that is what kids do. The amazing thing about what we frequently call “play” is that it is the best way for children to learn, especially if adults support them in this! Imagine this scenario that everyone has seen at some point in their lives: A group of children is on a playground with an adult nearby. The children are playing on the
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Children have strong emotions just like adults. The challenging part for children is to learn what those emotions are and how to handle them. That’s where the adults come in. It is up to us to help children learn the names of what they are feeling and the most appropriate way to express those feelings. This is something that most adults don’t think about-
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Many people question the reasoning or the importance behind children engaging in Practical Life activities. Some say, “They will have their whole life to wash dishes and fold laundry. Just let them play.” While play is utterly important, so is teaching children responsibilities and to be held accountable to those. Moreover, children have the inner desire to be part of their community; encouraging them
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