Through First Lady Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move! initiative, the nation is focusing on the fight to prevent childhood obesity. One of the initiative’s goals is to limit the time your child spends watching television and using other screen media. Let’s Move offers the following guidelines regarding screen time: Talk to Your Family. Let...
Once again, tax deadlines are approaching. Many people will be rushing to file their 2011 federal returns by April 17 and meet deadlines for state returns. Are you aware of what filing your taxes might mean for your family? There are many credits taxpayers may take for various life events that often go overlooked. Below are just a few...
There will be a time when you hear the words you may not quite be ready for. “May I stay home by myself?” Parents often have mixed feelings about leaving their children home alone. The internal questions start: “Is my child old enough to stay home alone?” “Is it the right time?” Leaving your child at home for an hour after school, or...
The flurry of activities surrounding holiday preparations can get everyone excited and routines can get disrupted. The following tips adapted from the American Academy of Pediatrics offer ways to keep your family safe and minimize disruptions during this busy time.
Toy Safety
Select toys to suit the age, abilities, skills and interest level...
As a parent, you are likely to hear children telling on each other: “Mom! Jimmy’s picking on me again,” or “Sally called me a name.” You may brush this off as typical behavior for a child. But, do you know how to recognize when it is more than that? When the name calling and teasing goes too far? Bullying can be a serious issue for young...
Ah, the joy of long summer days. Three months of fun in the sun and endless possibilities. So, what do you do when your child comes to you and says “I’m bored!”? Below, you’ll find some helpful hints. Use these boredom-busters to liven up your summer, and feel free to create new ideas of your own!
Find Story Time: Many local libraries...
Recall when family meals, sit–down-at–the-table-meals, were an everyday occurrence? Today it seems like more and more families are either eating on the go or maybe even in shifts. Family meals do not have to be a thing of the past. Enjoying a sit-down family meal at least once or twice a week will benefit all family members – regardless of...
December 6, 2004
When selecting an early care and education program for their child, many parents select a program that includes and supports their faith. Some faith-based settings are located in their communities near their home and others are located in urban areas near work-related locations. Faith-based programs are also now an option for...
November 22, 2004
Discussions about academics in early childhood programs often oversimplify the debate as a choice between academics or play in preschool and kindergarten.
In truth, all high-quality early childhood programs are academic, but in a professional and appropriate way. Research shows that young children learn best through manipulation...
October 25, 2004
A Good Beginning, a recent report from the Child Mental Health Foundation and Agencies Network, emphasizes that social and emotional readiness is critical to successful kindergarten transition, early school success, and even later accomplishments in the workplace. However, according to the report, many children enter school...