Parenting With Teacher Nancy

Children as young as 6 months old know that there are differences in race.  And when they learn to communicate, they want to talk about it.  Talking about it is how we can foster tolerance as part of their worldview:  discuss the differences with them.  These articles explain how children learn about race, and how they can be taught to be accepting. Rubbing Off Greater Good Science Center Even Babies Discriminate Newsweek Extra: Combatting Stereotypes: How to Talk to your Children   Feb 15, 2017 -  For young   children , how we speak is often more important than what we say. Even 'positive' generalizations can lead   children   to adopt negative   stereotypes . Class Announcement We will have potluck this week, our last week of classes.  I hope to see you next semester!

Since the light is shining brighter on sexism in our society right now, I thought it would be appropriate to think about how early parenting has an effect on how our children see the roles of men and women in society.  Hopefully, with these ideas in mind, we can teach our children to have a better understanding of gender, and treat everyone with respect and dignity every human deserves. Sexism Starts in Childhood Nov 6, 2017 -    ... How do I shape my son into a man who respects women and treats them as equals?   ... I asked them how and why kids develop gender stereotypes and   sexist  behavior, and what parents can do to prevent them. CLASS ANNOUNCEMENT City College SF's last day of classes/finals is December 22.  Our class potlucks will begin the week of December 18.

Something to think about in this season of giving...  Besides giving toys, consider the gift of less, the gift of experience, the gift of giving and the gift of an activity. Despite the temptation for parents to  say  yes to their  children's  wishes, research shows there's an insidious side to chasing after the newest thing others have. It fosters a sense of deficiency that can never be fully satisfied. First they want the doll, then all of the accessories... To Raise Better Kids, Say No

The research is clear that the more children are focused on material things, the more they are stressed out.  This season near the holidays, consider giving more time, instead of things, to enjoy your holidays.  Take time to create and practice holiday rituals together;  whether that is a rainy day hike through the woods, lighting candles at meal time, sharing highs and lows at dinner, making cookies and taking them to neighbors, volunteering together at a shelter or convalescent home, or decorating the house festively.  If you have rituals such as these that are practiced seasonally or annually,  your children will remember these experiences as they get older, instead of the toy that broke after a few uses.  Even if you think your children do not understand what these rituals are about, it's important to begin to incorporate these practices in your life now. These articles below help you focus on how to teach your kids to be grateful instead of materialistic. Seven Ways to Fos

Some say Mindfulness is a fad.  I think it's worth a try, it couldn't hurt, and it even might help. This NY Times article explains why it's important and how parents and children can learn to practice it. MindfulnessFor Children BOOK DISCUSSION This semester we are reading   Parenting from the Inside Out by Daniel Siebel and Mary Hartzell.    This week of November 6, we will be discussing  Chapter 8.   The  discussion questions  are  here . CLASS ANNOUNCEMENT There will be class with a substitute on Wednesday, November 22, and no class on Thursday, November 23 to celebrate Thanksgiving.   Extras: Per our discussion on last week's reading: Nancy's children's favorite longest use toys:  Waldorf inspired silk cloths (Playsilks) Student Recommended resource of these toys

Parents today hear that it is important to get your child academically ready for school, making sure that direct instruction is used at their child's academic preschool.  But most of the research show the same result, that kids in academic preschools do not have advantages over those in play based preschools, in fact, it shows the opposite.  Kids who went to play based preschools tend to like school more, are less stressed about school, are more creative, and perform better academically and socially.  Here's a recent article from Washington Post that expands on this. Why Kids Deserve a Preschool That Lets Them Play If you're looking for more information about types of preschools, here's a link to Past Preschool Resources BOOK DISCUSSION This semester we are reading   Parenting from the Inside Out by Daniel Siebel and Mary Hartzell.    This week of October 10, we will be discussing  Chapter 7, in the Monday class only , next week we will discuss it in the Wednesd

It is sometimes difficult to watch our children just play, because they occasionally choose danger.  Sometimes we just have to let them take healthy risks, despite how hard it is for us parents to watch.  This is a fascinating article that I post every semester. The Overprotected Kid Consider This: Do you tend to be an overprotecter? Were you overprotected? Why or why not would you take your child to this type of playground? BOOK DISCUSSION This semester we are reading   Parenting from the Inside Out by Daniel Siebel and Mary Hartzell.    This week of October 10, we will be discussing  Chapter 6.   The  discussion questions  are  here . CLASS ANNOUNCEMENT Our Halloween Costume Party will be held on Wednesday-10/25, Thursday -10/26 and Monday -10/30.  Get those costumes ready!

Some of you expressed how the   Newsweek article,  on the C reativity Crisis  brought about more questions than answers.  The fact that this effects not just children, but our economy as well, is daunting.  The  Harvard Business Review  also has an article on this. There is a remedy: Play Power: How to Turn Around Our Creativity Crisis The Positive Psychology of Play:  How Play Helps Children to Flourish BOOK DISCUSSION This semester we are reading   Parenting from the Inside Out by Daniel Siebel and Mary Hartzell.    This week of October 10, we will be discussing Chapter 5.  The  discussion questions  are  here . CLASS ANNOUNCEMENT There will be no classes this Monday, October 9.  It is the Columbus/Indigenous People Holiday and professional development at CCSF.

This piece lays the background as to why play is essential in the lives of our children and our society.  We will be discussing more on play in the next couple of weeks. The Creativity Crisis BOOK DISCUSSION This semester we are reading   Parenting from the Inside Out by Daniel Siebel and Mary Hartzell.    This week of October 2, we will be discussing Chapter 4.  The  discussion questions  are  here . CLASS ANNOUNCEMENT There will be no classes next Monday, October 9.  It is the Columbus/Indigenous People Holiday and professional development at CCSF.

If your child is not yet talking, here are... 7  Ways To Jumpstart Infant Language Skills BOOK DISCUSSION This semester we are reading   Parenting from the Inside Out by Daniel Siebel and Mary Hartzell.    This week of September 18, we will be discussing Chapter 3.  The  discussion questions  are  here .

Nothing can replace the face-to-face responsiveness for helping our child's language to to develop. These articles explain the process of learning, and what you can do to help. The Baby-Brain Language Connections 11 Ways To Jumpstart Infant Language Skills EXTRA A well timed loving caress promotes language development.  Responding to your child's babbling with a touch or caress is a way to "Serve and Return."  Po Bronson's and Ashley Merryman's book,  Nurture Shock , has an incredible chapter on Language Development called "Why Hannah Talks and Alyssa Doesn't".  This is not to be missed, see the hand out in class. BOOK DISCUSSION This semester we are reading   Parenting from the Inside Out by Daniel Siebel and Mary Hartzell.   This week of September 18, we will be discussing Chapter 2.  The discussion questions are here .

A newborn baby can detect patterns in language, and at four months old, babies can distinguish one language from another.  The key to helping this development along is physical and emotional bonds-- love. The First Year: A baby's brain needs love to develop. National Geographic Magazine   Extras Children can still develop these bonds of love, aka attachment, even in their adolescence. Here is a moving report/story on NPR's This American Life about the benefits of loving your children.   The recording is well worth the time. This American Life: Unconditional Love (Recording) This American Life: Unconditional Love  (Transcript) Book Discussion This semester's book is Dan Siegel's and Mary Hartzell's: Parenting From The Inside Out . Either edition of the book is ok. We will discuss the Introduction and Chapter 1 in class this week of September 11.  Here's a link to the discussion questions .

You can't be a perfect parent. Otherwise you would have to do all of this... ------------------------ Facebook post by Bunmi Laditan May 1 at 2:25pm How To Be A Mom in 2017 : Make sure your children's academic, emotional, psychological, mental, spiritual, physical, nutritional, and social needs are met while being careful not to overstimulate, understimulate, improperly medicate, helicopter, or neglect them in a screen-free, processed foods-free, GMO-free, negative energy-free, plastic-free, body positive, socially conscious, egalitarian but also authoritative, nurturing but fostering of independence, gentle but not overly permissive, pesticide-free two-story, multilingual home preferably in a cul-de-sac with a backyard and 1.5 siblings spaced at least two year apart for proper development also don't forget the coconut oil. How To Be A Mom In Literally Every Generation Before Ours : Feed them sometimes. (This is why we're crazy.) ------------------------

A strong body is helpful for parenting.  I have chronic back issues due to pregnancy, birthing and child rearing.  If someone talked to me about the importance of having a strong core when having a child, these issues may have been prevented.  So here it is:  Take care of your body.  As a parent, you will want an able body.  When they are young, you'll need to schlep them around: into their car seats, carrying, lifting...  And when they are older, you'll want to do things with them:  hiking, sports, traveling.. Without a strong core and body, the more likely you may hurt yourself.  The sooner you begin to take care for yourself in this way, the happier you will be.  Here's a place to start.  It's only seven minutes (in total, it's actually nine minutes-- everyone has 9 minutes!). Seven Minute Scientific Workout- New York Times Here's one youtube version.   There are many more Fatherly, the parenting blog, has an article called Seven Essentials for Building

Parents today hear that it is important to get your child academically ready for school, making sure that direct instruction is used at their child's academic preschool.    But, if you are reading this article, your kid probably doesn't need preschool.   Slate.com calls it the  The Early Education Racket .    But, many parents don't have a choice because of work, or parents need a break from their children.  So when you start considering preschools consider this: the research shows that kids in academic preschools do not have advantages over those in play based preschools, in fact, it shows the opposite.  Kids who went to play based preschools tend to like school more, are less stressed about school, are more creative, and perform better academically and socially. The most important qualities is needed in a preschool is that 1) you feel comfortable with the space, staff and the program 2)the preschool is child centered, and 3) the program is play based.  Free PLAY is what

Tantrums are not as mysterious as we thought.  Scientists have done studies by attaching monitors on  to the shirts of children find out more.  The stages of a tantrum, and what should or shouldn't do are in the articles.  (Here's a hint:  Don't do anything but stay calm.) How to Tame a Tantrum There's more information below for extra reading. BOOK DISCUSSION This semester we will be reading   The Whole Brain Child: Revolutionary Strategies To Nurture Your Child's Developing Mind by Daniel Siegel and Tina Payne Bryson .   This week we will discuss Chapter 5:  The United States of Me: Integrating the Many Parts of the Self. Chapter Summaries of The Whole Brain Child Spanish Chapter 5 Summary CLASS ANNOUNCEMENTS We will have class potlucks the week of March 20. Spring Break will be March 27 to April 2.  There will be no classes at the college.  Please feel free to meet up with other class members at Mission Playground.  JUST FOR FUN I watched

Research tells us that toddlers' have the ability to be prosocial (" voluntary behavior intended to benefit another").  They have the innate ability to cooperate and help others.  The article states that " This prosocial orientation is fundamental to what makes us human."  So when your child snatches something out of another friend's hands, remember that often, it's just their way of socially interacting with others. Using your "news casting" to explicitly explain the situation and what action is helpful will guide your child.  Toddlers have yet to develop their impulse control. Stop Telling Your Toddler to Share BOOK DISCUSSION This semester we will be reading   The Whole Brain Child: Revolutionary Strategies To Nurture Your Child's Developing Mind by Daniel Siegel and Tina Payne Bryson .   This week we will discuss Chapter 2: Two Brains Are Better Than One-- Integrating the Left and the Right. Chapter Summaries of The Whole Brai

Sharing is caring, but this concept of being generous is not easy to explain, especially with just one word, "share." This is the first of two articles (next week we'll look at another) on how we can help them become more generous. The S Word- Toddlers Learning To Share BOOK DISCUSSION This semester we will be reading   The Whole Brain Child: Revolutionary Strategies To Nurture Your Child's Developing Mind by Daniel Siegel and Tina Payne Bryson .   This week we will discuss Chapter 2: Two Brains Are Better Than One-- Integrating the Left and the Right. Chapter Summaries of The Whole Brain Child Spanish Chapter 3 Summary

"Science says the secret to lasting relationships comes down to-- you guessed it-- kindness and generosity."  This article reminds us that our partners simply need just two things from us.   Unfortunately, kindness and generosity towards our partner can be difficult in the midst of the stress of parenting, work and life.  It's worth putting forth the effort to help our relationships.  A little effort may go a long way. The Secret To Love Is Just Kindness and Generosity BOOK DISCUSSION This semester we will be reading   The Whole Brain Child: Revolutionary Strategies To Nurture Your Child's Developing Mind by Daniel Siegel and Tina Payne Bryson .   This week we will discuss Chapter 2: Two Brains Are Better Than One-- Integrating the Left and the Right. Read the Chapter 2 on-line here: The Whole-Brain Child: 12 Revolutionary ...  Chapter Summaries of The Whole Brain Child Spanish Chapter 2 Summary CLASS ANNOUNCEMENT City College will be closed on Monday,

The new documentary, The Beginning of Life , explores the impact of a child's early environment on their cognitive, social and emotional development.  Understanding these developmental needs help us care for our children better.  The Atlantic Monthly's article on the movie below covers the basics nicely. The Complex Lives of Babies It's impossible to be perfect, especially as a parent.  Donald Winnicott coined the term "Good Enough" Parent. Being good enough should be enough for both you and your child. The Case for 'Good Enough' Parenting BOOK DISCUSSION This semester we will be reading   The Whole Brain Child: Revolutionary Strategies To Nurture Your Child's Developing Mind by Daniel Siegel and Tina Payne Bryson .   We will discuss the Introduction:  Survive and Thrive, next week (beginning February 6), and Chapter 1 the following week. Read the Introduction on-line here: The Whole-Brain Child: 12 Revolutionary ... - DIY STORE チロル

Welcome to those that are new to the class, and welcome back to everyone else! You may be familiar with Ages and Stages of your child or seen this handout before, but check it out again.  Your child is growing, so s/he could be at a different stage now compared to when you last looked. Here are resources with a quick overview on your child's development, common issues and what you can do at this stage. Zero to Three Age Based Handouts (0-36 months) Three to Four Year Olds Four to Five Year Olds Consider This: Did anything surprise you about your child's development? Is there any suggestions on the list you want to try? Book Discussion  This semester we will be reading The Whole Brain Child: Revolutionary Strategies To Nurture Your Child's Developing Mind by Daniel Siegel and Tina Payne Bryson .   Please pick up a copy, our discussions will begin in February. Class Resources: Here are the  lyrics to some of our favorite songs .