Parenting With Teacher Nancy

**Announcing:  Creating a Family Vision and Mission Workshops Dates Read More The warmth of the relationship with a parent matters physically, emotionally and mentally through adulthood.  This is what the longest, and most expensive study on Human Flourishing, Grant Study , has shown.  " Seventy-five years and 20 million dollars expended on the Grant Study points to a straight forward five year conclusion 'HAPPINESS IS LOVE. FULL STOP.'"  This conclusion is true of most longevity studies. Love in the home makes a lifetime of a difference. So let's practice talking to our kids in a loving way. Five Ways To Talk To Your Kids So They Feel Loved Research in child development show taking risks in play is healthier.  The Overprotected Kid  (if you haven't read this article, you really should),  lays out the research plainly.  Thankfully more people are paying more attention to this. Making Playgrounds a Little More Dangerous Why Good Parents L...

If you are reading this article, your kid probably doesn't need preschool.   But if parents need time without their children, please read on.  It is often assumed children need direct instruction and academics to become kindergarten ready, but research has shown something different--play is most important.  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 an article from Parents Magazine that give guidance on how to find a preschool. Play's the Thing!  If you want your preschooler to be ready for the academic rigors ahead, forget about the curriculum.  Instead, look for a classroom that lets children learn the way they do best. Finland has much to share about the needs of our young children.  Children lear...

Did you know... Kids Who Spend Time In Nature Become Happier Adults Parenthood, Play and Creativity by Nancy Gapasin Gnass and Eliza Gregory  PARENTHOOD What is the most important thing a parent can do for their child?  LOVE  them. The parent/child connection is our most secure relationship. Research consistently shows that the most important thing a parent can do is love their child. The top-ranked competency that helps predict a strong parent-child bond and children’s happiness, health and success is  “love and affection.  You support and accept the child, are physically affectionate, and spend quality one-on-one time together.” 1 When you love your children, you also show them  empathy.  Examples of this include giving them affectionate hugs and kisses; singing, reading and talking to your child; and making time to play together. When they get older, spending time with them where you are not distracted by other things and deliberately...