Parenting With Teacher Nancy

Now that summer is on the horizon, and since I've been learning to surf, I found this article intriguing: How Parenting Is Like Surfing Parenting young children can feel a lot like surfing: One moment we’re in calm waters, enjoying a harmonious moment with our kids; the next we’re in a riptide, where a preschooler’s meltdown pulls the whole family momentarily out to sea. We have to be nimble, keep our knees bent, and expect the unexpected as we shift between our many roles of monitoring, teaching, enforcing, comforting, playing... More to consider this summer: When Do Children Develop Their Gender Identity  So, how do children come to understand gender ? ... Around that time , they become motivated to relate to other members of their group and ... Enjoy your summer!  See you in the fall! 

Play is essential for a flourishing child.   It develops the brain's executive function , social and emotional skills,  language and physical development, and their ability to have fun. The Importance of Play in Early Childhood Development Why are parents afraid to let kids play?  And why are some parents overprotective?  This article tackles these questions.   I post this article every semester.  For those who haven't read it, please do. The Overprotected Kid

Surprisingly, toddlers understand more about their learning than we think.  They are intuitive about what is right and wrong, and their metacognition helps them analyze their understanding.  They are smart little ones. Studies Show Infants Know More Than We Think  Also surprising, "parents’ sensitivity to justice" play a role in how babies respond to what is good and bad.  As do parents' ability to empathize.  Nature, or nurture, or both? How Parents Influence Early Moral Development

Try these tips.  Your child could increase his vocabulary quickly if you do. Talking Toddlers:  Seven Tips to Help Develop Language Skills By Po Bronson and Ashley Merryman Are you considering introducing a second language with your child.? It's a good option if you can. The Neural Advantage of Speaking Two Languages Extra: The Bilingual Brain As scientists unlock more of the neurological secrets of the bilingual brain, they're learning that speaking more than one language May have cognitive benefits that extend from childhood into old age.

Talking to and with your child can make a difference in their academic success.  Do it often, but don't exhaust yourself.  The Power of Talking to Your Baby Next week we will discuss language development in more depth. Book Discussion No Drama Discipline by Daniel Siegel and Tina Payne Bryso n We will discuss Chapter 6: Addressing Behavior: As Simple as R-E-D-I-R-E-C-T , this week of April 11.

There are many ways to go about potty training.  Here's a couple articles with overviews: Potty Training Techniques The Five Potty Training Methods Time Magazine offered this advice for parents in their potty training article : Your kid will be O.K. Positive and consistent potty-training is unlikely to cause long-term harm. Existing evidence suggests that potty problems typically don’t last: in one study by Brazelton, only 1.4% of children had dysfunctional behaviors — problems like withholding their stool, hiding while defecating or refusing to use the toilet — after age 5. There’s no right or wrong way. “Accepted norms of toilet training relate more to cultural differences than scientific evidence,” Kiddoo writes. Make sure you’re ready too. Potty training should begin only when the child — and the parent — are emotionally ready, willing and able to participate. In summary:  Which ever method you try, your child willbe fine.  Just do it, when you, th...

by Nancy Gapasin Gnass If you want your child to eat well, you should do it together as a family.  Create space for family meals where you sit together at the same time. Serve healthy food so you can model healthy eating. Family rituals around meals can help your children establish a healthy and happy view of eating through this bonding time together.  Rituals at family meals can create enjoyable expectations for your child and everyone else at the table that provides structure to help dining go smoothly.  The research on benefits of family meals together abound.  Studies shows that kids who have frequent family meals have a less likely chance that they will not use drugs in the future , higher academic achievement and self confidence. Part of the reason is there is time at the table to share your stories with your child. When children take time to listen your stories of growing up and life with your own parents and family, they get a sense of their Inter-Gen...