Most young children develop language rapidly, moving from crying and cooing in infancy to using hundreds of words and understanding their meanings by the time they are ready to enter kindergarten. Language development is a major accomplishment and is one of the most rewarding experiences for parents to share with their children.
Children learn to...
Today's job market requires many employees to work shifts that start or end after most child care programs open or close. More and more businesses operate around the clock. Many companies work in shifts which means employees work in the early mornings, evenings, nights, rotating schedules, weekends, holidays or extended hours. These non-...
Choosing child care is an important decision. Good child care arrangements can improve the daily lives of children and parents. In addition, children in high quality care have higher levels of success when they enter school. Yet, it can be difficult and confusing to know what to look for in a program. What is quality child care?
Many parents...
Many working parents are struggling harder than ever to balance work and home. Studies show that working parents have an increasing rate of absenteeism as they search for child care, juggle school holidays, care for sick children, adjust for sick child care providers, schedule school conferences, and respond to the unexpected....
Routines are familiar patterns and habits on which families rely to manage their daily lives. As parents often look for ways to save time and be organized, routines become a much needed helping hand. By setting daily schedules, creating family message centers and arranging storage for personal belongings, families can stay in control of their...
Stress is a part of our everyday lives: struggling with your 4-year-old over breakfast food, having the car overheat in traffic, running late to pick up at the child care center, confronting family members about chores and household responsibilities.
Sometimes the accumulation of stresses can result in your losing your temper. All too often it is...
Even the best-planned child care arrangements can be disrupted. Without emergency care options, more commonly known as backup care, working parents may be forced to stay home or bring their child to work with them. By planning ahead and knowing your options, you can be prepared to meet the unexpected.
Backup care may be needed whenever your...
Communicating With Your Child
Even in the best of circumstances, a family that is different to others can be hard on a child. There may be teasing at school, awkward silences or uncomfortable stares. When a family tries to hide differences from a child, she may sense something is wrong. Filling in with her imagination may be worse than the truth...
The use of medication for young children is on the rise. This increase is due to several reasons: the increase in asthma treatments, a greater reliance on medication for behavior control, and the increased incidence of some diseases. Most medications given to children are for colds, infections and pain or fever, but many children are diagnosed...
"I want that toy!" wailed 3-year-old Amy at the shopping mall.
"But Mom, everyone at school has the Nike sneakers - not these!" exclaimed 9-year-old Jeff.
"Dad, if you just loan me the money for the skates I'll pay you back" promised 13-year-old Will.
All parents find themselves dealing with money issues with their children. This can be...