Parenting With Teacher Nancy

It's too easy to say "No" to our children.  In fact, a toddler hears the word no an average of 400 times in one day.  Hearing the word "no"too much can have negative effects. There are other ways to communicate the action you prefer when children are behaving in an undesirable way.   Seven Positive Alternatives to No   Say "Yes" Instead of "No': Set Limits With A Conditional Yes  Words That Help Children Grow Extras: How to Turn Your No Into A Yes

The science of language development in children shows that it's not just about talking to your children, but about responding to them.  A physical response, without a verbal one also can encourage language.  Check out these two articles... The Baby Brain - Language Connection Neuroscience Peeks in on the Beginnings of Speech and Vocabulary 11 Ways To Jumpstart Infant Language Skills Consider This: How can you help your children develop their language BOOK DISCUSSION This coming week, beginning 17, we will conclude our discussion on the book Bringing Up B é b é, by Pamela Druckerman .  Bring your thoughts and questions. CLASS ANNOUNCEMENT October 26, 27 and 31st will be our dress up Halloween Party Potluck days.  Here's your chance to get maximum use out of those costumes, and please bring food to share.

Routines are included in "Four Pillars of Security" for children (the other three are people, places and rituals ).  Routines structure lives, and helps remove the 'unknowns' that can cause stress. It also helps build self-discipline and autonomy in children.  I personally like to think of daily routines not as a 'schedule' but more as a  'rhythm' for the day.  Be careful not to get dogmatic about routines, because often, as parents, you have to go with the flow; things happen and children grow and change.  Make sure you can still be flexible within your routine. The best thing you can do for your children is to manage stress , so do not create a routine that is stress inducing. Why Kids Need Routines Extras: For more inspiration on how to structure a routine that works for your family: Building an evening routine for kids of different ages» Starting a routine» Routines & Structure that Toddlers Can Understand»