Parenting With Teacher Nancy

Understanding that meaningful play is helpful for children's development, parents should take into consideration their play things.  Toys should promote language and social skills, creativity and physical development.  Here are three articles to point you in that direction: Infant-Toddler Play, Toys and Media Action Guide The Increasing Role of Electronic Toys in the Lives of Infants and Toddlers: Should we be concerned? The How and Why of Homemade Toys and Activities The American Pediatrics Association recommends no screen time for kids under two years old.  Because screen time effects the brain, cognition and psychosocial and physical health of our children. Selected Research on Screen Time and Children The easiest way for kids have meaningful creative play is to take them outside.  Richard Louv, wrote about Natured Deficit Disorder(NDD) in his book Last Child in the Woods.   This has sparked international movements for getting kids outdoors and in nature.  Louv write

The view of play has changed over time.  Take a look at this historians perspective of children's play: The Wild Ones Does Play play a role in  the "Creativity Crisis" of today? The Creativity Crisis What about sports teams for toddlers and young kids?  Is playing a sport considered play? Tiny Sports Star In class today, I brought up a couple of books worth a look: Mind in the Making:  The Seven Essential Life Skills Every Child Needs by Ellen Galinsky The Price of Privilege: How Parental Pressure and Material Advantage Are Creating a Generation of Disconnected and Unhappy Kids by Madeline Levine

In the last twenty-five years, the research in child development point to the same thing:  Play helps children thrive physically, academically, emotionally and socially.  These effects last through adulthood.  The articles written on this subject are abundant, but here are a few help you understand the basics: Serious Need For Play Scientific American Ten Things Every Parent Should Know About Play Five Essentials to Meaningful Play Extras: The Importance of Play in Promoting Healthy Child Development and Maintaining Strong Parent-Child Bonds American Academy Of Pediatrics The Cognitive Benefits of Play:  Effects on the Learning Brain

Here is another helpful resource from KidPower on aggression: Managing Aggressive Behavior ------------------- Using Positive Language helps guide children more clearly with a deeper understanding and it helps build their vocabulary.  Try to limit use of negative language by using other words besides "Don't" and "No." Instead of saying... SAY  Don't stand on the chair... Chairs are for sitting Don't throw the sand...  Build in the sand Don't play with the stick...  Make patterns in the dirt with the stick Don't yell...  Talk softly Don't drip on the floor...  Put your towel around the paintbrushes Don't leave your milk...  Drink your milk Don't drink from your friend's cup...  Drink from your own cup Don't slam the door...  Close the door gently This article shares other reasons on why Positive Language is helpful: Parenting Alternatives to Saying No