Parents can make resolutions to communicate and have better relationships with their toddlers and preschoolers.

 It is time to reflect on what has been done these past  months and what can be improved in the next year. Parents may want to make more commitments to be better and more effective parents.

We offer strategies parents can tailor their unique family situation to the needs of their child. 

Some of the following suggestions may work.

Research has proven that developing literacy skills begins at birth. These skills can be accessed through everyday loving interactions, such as sharing books, telling stories, singing songs, talking to one another, or pointing out and naming objects. Melrose Daycare incorporates daily into their schedules, different ways that promote, encourage, and help  build these early literacy skills.

Two Obstacles to Parents' Promoting Healthy Development.

1. Lack of understanding of how deeply babies and toddlers are affected by their earliest experiences.

2. Economic downturn's impact on parents' ability to provide stable child care.

A free article from the Zero to Three Journal...
"Some infants take self-regulation into their own hands and use sign language to modify their own behavior in emotionally challenging situations."

Be Attentive to Children

When talking to children, listen carefully to what they say. Give them the attention they deserve. Refrain from just nodding and saying yes from time to time without actually registering what they say. The little people know when their parents are not listening and may feel neglected. So put everything aside, come down to the children's height and look at them when they talk. It's easier to see their emotions and expressions that way. And when they know Mum or Dad is really listening, they are more open and happy.

Avoid Shouting at Children

Sometimes, children do get on their parents' nerves...and it's often hard for parents not to raise their voices at the children when they are out of control. Parents who find themselves in such a situation should just step back, take a few deep breaths and count to ten before saying anything to the children.

Another effective way is to say out loud that Mom is upset now and would appreciate some cooperation from the kids. It's amazing how kids quickly get the message when there is some clear warning in Mum's tone. When the parent is calm and in control, it will be easier to control the kids too.

Praise Good Behavior

Most parents never fail to reprimand a child when he misbehaves. But most also hardly compliment a child when he does behave properly. To encourage beautiful manners, praise the child each time he behaves well, no matter how small the gesture is. If he says "thank you" and "please", shower him with praises. He/she'll be beaming with pride and more likely to continue behaving politely.

Substitute Saying "Don't" and "No" with other Positive Words

Parents use a lot of "Don'ts" and "No's" when talking to children. After a while, all the negatives will just fall on deaf ears. Change the tune to make the message clearer. Instead of saying "Don't climb up the table", say "Come sit on the couch". Try "Please pack up your toys" instead of "Don't leave your toys all over the floor". Focus on the positive to encourage positive results.

Play with Children

All children love to play and will readily welcome their parents joining them whenever they play. Give them piggy back rides, play sports, fly kites, attend their pretend tea parties, have fun with the family pets, etc. Allocate at least half an hour just for this sort of playtime. When parents play with their children, they are seen as buddies and not just disciplinarians and that can boost parent-child relationships.

Helping Your Child Love To Read

To get a non-reader interested in reading you can create books with your child. Not only does this encourage reading or wanting to be read to, but it also provides an opportunity for a family activity.

You can make a book for or with your baby or young child by cutting sturdy pieces of fabric or cardboard into square pieces. Glue a large, colorful picture of the child, family members, pets, toys, or other things your child may be familiar with on each page.

You may also want to glue on a piece of sandpaper, fabric, or other textured items that the child can feel. Write a word or a couple of words in large, clear letters under the picture and bind together by sewing, stapling or using a three-hole punch and yarn or ribbon.

 Dr. William Walker Jr., Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist

Read to Children

You may want to check out the books... 
Poems to Learn to Read By... designed for adults to read with children that promotes both bonding and early literacy.

 Circles in the Nursery which discusses the significance of ethnicity and culture when working with multicultural families.

Children love listening to stories. So read to them every day. Ten to 15 minutes of short story reading daily is something easily done. Be as expressive as possible when reading lines from characters of a book. Kids light up whenever Dad pretends to roar like a lion or when Mum sings out of tune. Reading to children is a great way to spend quality family time. Plus, it helps develop a young child's language skills and inculcate the reading habit.

Granted, parenting is not an easy job. However, by paying more attention to children, avoiding screaming at them, praising good behavior, focusing on the positive, playing with them and reading to them regularly, both parents and children will be able to enjoy a better relationship.

Suite 101.com

How to Help Your Child Love To Read

Of course, you will want to introduce him/her to great children's literature which has character, beauty, poetic language, intriguing images and stories that make us think about everyday moments or life's possibilities and struggles.  Excellence may be as loud as a peddler yelling at monkeys with hats or as quiet as a little old lady whispering hush, as fantastic as land of wild things or as down to earth as snowy day: as quirky as a cowardly lion or as universal as late blooming Leo.  These books have room for witches and trolls, bunnies and bears, brave little girls and foolish little boy's (and the reverse), rascals and villains, photos and illustrations, sadness and joy.  Of course, good books are a matter of individual taste and merit a spirited discussion. 

Choosing Books

First of all, books must be desirable. To find them, comb reviews in respected publications and study books that have received special recognition such as the Caldecott Award, given by the American Library Association to the Best Children's Picture Book of the Year. Teachers and librarians let us know which books they like, and which books children respond to. 

 Will children relate to and enjoy the meaning of the book?

 Do the illustrations stand up on their own and interact artistically with the text?

 How universal is the message?

Will the book withstand the test of time?

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Next a book is judged for its adaptability. Not all good books make good audiovisual adaptations. All the mood and action described in the text must appear in the illustrations. The graphic style which includes the striking qualities of the lines, color and composition must lend itself to reproduction in an audiovisual medium.

Finally, if a book meets these standards,  determine its availability. 
Films, read-along cassettes and CD-ROMS made from the books provide formats whereby children can easily experience the text over and over again, helping to build a reading scaffold that broadens vocabularies, stretches attention spans and flexes thinking skills.

The following are some notable books for your consideration...

 Scared at night ?

How many times have we heard that laughter is the best medicine. Well, in your house we think you might have some luck with laughter in the face of mild night frights.

 As most of us know, many preschool children have the habit at night when they get scared of waking their parents to take care of the scary thing.  Lately, though, a new children's book seems to have been a help for some.

The book, entitled "The Very Noisy Night," is written by Diana Hendry and illustrated by Jane Chapman. One reviewer commented, this "book will delight youngsters frightened by things that go bump in the night." Since laughter begins to familiarize us with new situations and breaks down our fears somewhat, it's a bet that this book may help your child outgrow some night fears. Plus, it's a fun read.

Click the site below for a story...

http://www.aspecialplace.net/Childrenscorner/stories/something_in_backyard.htm

Book Reviews
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Establish a sense that books are valuable and precious.

1.

Kitten's First Full Moon -  Kevin Henkes From one of the most beloved picture book creators of today comes a memorable new character and a suspenseful adventure. Kitten sees her first full moon, but she thinks it's a bowl of milk and tries to get at it.

Dazzle the Dinosaur

  A young dinosaur with unique glittering spines bravely decides to help his family and friends.  He leaves to find the feared Dragonsaurus who had driven the dinosaur herd from their cave.  This a well-done story with beautiful illustrations.

Rainbow Fish

  Rainbow Fish learns to make friends by sharing his prized shimmering scales with others.  Use this charming story to talk with you child about the dangers of pride and of the importance of sharing.

Rainbow Fish to the Rescue

 In this story, the Rainbow Fish learns the importance of doing what you believe in, regardless of the opinions of your peers.  This is a good story to begin to discuss the problems of peer pressure with your child and the importance of  being sensitive to the feelings and needs of others, especially those who are different.

Mommies Say Shhhh

Writer and Illustrator Patricia Pollaco
Horses, cows and goats, oh my!  Neighing and mooing and naaing!  This colorful, noisy menagerie in the barnyard is enough to drive a mother, with her infant child, to finally tell them all to hush - because only "mommies say shhh".

Diary of a Worm

Author Doreen Cronin and Illustrator Harry Bliss unearth a young worm's diary, revealing a hilarious delightful world of very human-like worms.  Young readers love the humor and learn a few things along the way.

Yesterday I Had the Blues

Author Jeron Ashford Frame and Illustrator R. Gregory Christie
A rainbow of emotions is captured in rich hues and vibrant angles, and mesmerizing rhythmical text.  Yesterday I Had the Blues is a great book to talk about the feeling of everyday life while stretching children's power to express themselves.

Frog Goes to Dinner - Mercer Mayer  -    Pre-K-4

A frog escapes from a boy's pocket in a famous restaurant and creates havoc for all involved.

Angus Lost - Marjorie Flack   -    Pre-K-4

Angus, a very curious and clever Scottish Terrier sets out on a series of adventures after wandering away from home.  Although lost for a time, Angus finally manages to figure out how to get  back to his owner, who is anxiously awaiting his return.

Duck For President - Doreen Cronin  -  Pre-K-3

A winning little morality tale about greed and ambition...children will take to this, well, like a duck to water and adults will get a kick out of all the sly election year humor.

Please check out Shel Silverstein's book series of  'Runny Babbitt'.  These are delightful.

One really good book on the subject of left-handed children is, "Loving Lefties: How To Raise Your Left-Handed Child In A Right-Handed World," by Jane M. Healey. Ms. Healey devotes an entire book to the subject of parenting a left-handed child.

Excellent site for Children's Book Selections:

http://www.powells.com/psection/Childrens.html

Excellent site for specifically Pre-k to Grade 4:

http://teacher.scholastic.com/products/westonwoods/catalog/award.asp?catid=2&title=Critics'%20Choice

Click the following sites for suggestions for good books for all children of all ages.  

   Newbery Award is awarded yearly to the author of the most distinguished contribution to American literature for children.

http://www.alibris.com/books/awards/newbery_medal_winners.cfm

  Caldecott Award is awarded yearly to the artist   of the most distinguished picture book for children.

http://www.alibris.com/books/awards/caldecott_award_winners.cfm

Read to your children daily: some way, some how.   
 Be creative....      get Dad to do it.   

Growing a Writer     
         

Young children like to communicate.  As soon as they develop the motor skills to make marks with crayon or marker, they can begin their lives as writers.  Sure, you may not know what those scribbles or pictures mean, but your child does.  You can begin the process of exchanging notes when your child is 2 or 3 years old and encourage a lifelong pattern of written communication.

.  Write notes to your child ( words or pictures) and leave in the lunch box or on the refrigerator.
.  Put a marker board in your child's room at his or her height and leave regular notes ( words or pictures).  Encourage your child to respond.
.  Give your 4 year old a journal and encourage daily entries (scribbles or pictures). Better yet get an identical journal and share your thoughts together.

Courtesy of e-family news - Bright Horizons Family Solutions

We are asking parents to please volunteer one hour during the year

What is Back-Up Child Care?

• Family child care providers, nannies, and grandparents get sick or go on vacation  
  
  

• School is unexpectedly closed due to inclement weather 
   

• Scheduled school vacations 
   

• Maternity transition/return to work periods 
   

• When parents are in between child care arrangements

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Like health insurance, good backup care is so expensive that average families struggle to pay.  Often these fees are  $100 per day. To fill these brief, often unpredictable needs, skilled caregivers must be available to come to your home on short notice; in another option, some child-care centers charge a fee to set aside backup slots for children whose regular care isn't available.

Avoiding unscheduled employee absences is a mounting concern for employers, and child-care breakdowns are a leading cause.  Some providers of backup-care programs are paying about $10 to $40 an employee a year for employee subsidies and support services.  Prices vary based on the services and the size of the employer.  These safety nets are invaluable to those to whom it is available; about 9% of the U.S. work force.  The other 91% had better plan ahead.

The bottom line:  It is essential to start planning for backup care very, very early.  If you are among the have-nots and don't have access to employer help, plan on paying roughly $18 to $25 an hour for in-home care, or $25 to $100 a day for a slot in a child-care center.

Consider asking a relative, neighbor or friend for backup care help, perhaps paying them or bartering services. Research providers in advance, including family child-care homes, child-care centers and nanny or in-home care agencies . 

Screen your options in advance, pre-register and give your child a chance to try out the setup.

As burdensome as all this might seem, it can do much to ward off work-family crises in the future.

 Getting Backup

·         Ask your regular sitter for substitutes.

·         Ask a relative, neighbor or friend.

·         Check if your employer offers referrals or subsidies.

·         Pre-register with more than one provider.

                          Excerpts: Sue Shellenbarger – (Wall Street Journal)

Newest Parent Survey reveals family, upbringing, and faith are most critical influences on child rearing.

What Matters Most

As one mother said, ". . . what matters in a family is love and devotion, not gourmet meals, a sparkling kitchen, or ticking off jobs on a to-do list." There is no replacement for giving our children love and devotion. Toys, new clothes and CDs are nice, but they will never substitute for what comes from within you.

Good Parenting Action Point:

On a daily basis, no matter how busy you are, find at least one way to express love and devotion to your child.  An "I love you" with a hug is a very good place to start.

 Dr. William Walker Jr., Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist

All children experience anxiety. Anxiety in children is expected and normal at specific times in development. For example, from approximately age 8 months through the preschool years, healthy youngsters may show intense distress (anxiety) at times of separation from their parents or other persons with whom they are close. Young children may have short-lived fears, (such as fear of the dark, storms, animals, or strangers). Anxious children are often overly tense or uptight. Some may seek a lot of reassurance, and their worries may interfere with activities. Parents should not discount a child’s fears. Because anxious children may also be quiet, compliant and eager to please, their difficulties may be missed. Parents should be alert to the signs of severe anxiety so they can intervene early to prevent complications. There are different types of anxiety in children. Symptoms of separation anxiety include: constant thoughts and intense fears about the safety of parents and caretakers refusing to go to school frequent stomachaches and other physical complaints extreme worries about sleeping away from home being overly clingy panic or tantrums at times of separation from parents trouble sleeping or nightmares Symptoms of phobia include: extreme fear about a specific thing or situation (ex. dogs, insects, or needles) the fears cause significant distress and interfere with usual activities Symptoms of social anxiety include: fears of meeting or talking to people avoidance of social situations few friends outside the family Other symptoms of anxious children include: many worries about things before they happen constant worries or concerns about family, school, friends, or activities repetitive, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) or actions (compulsions) fears of embarrassment or making mistakes low self esteem and lack of self-confidence Severe anxiety problems in children can be treated. Early treatment can prevent future difficulties, such as loss of friendships, failure to reach social and academic potential, and feelings of low self-esteem. Treatments may include a combination of the following: individual psychotherapy, family therapy, medications, behavioral treatments, and consultation to the school. Click below to read complete article: http://www.aacap.org/publications/factsfam/anxious.htm American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry Fun Activities to Stimulate Learning 10 Things To Do With Your Toddler Toddlers love to play games with Mommy and Daddy.   Turn play time into learning time with these fun activities.         Click the website below for creative suggestions..                  http://kids-educational-activities.suite101.com/article.cfm/10_things_to_do_with_your_toddler Click the website below for a comprehensive  Activity Guide for Toddlers and Pre-schoolers. http://www.kristinegeorge.com/UP_Activity_Guide.pdf Click the website below for how the  Media ( TV - Advertising )  affects your child and how to control it... http://www.pbs.org/parents/childrenandmedia/milestones-3.html Great information about caring for your baby's and toddler's teeth.. Click below to read complete article: http://www.smilezonekids.com/faq.asp

Clean Hands Do Help...

We cannot emphasize enough the importance of good hand hygiene in preventing the spread of infections. Help stop the spread of germs by following  the:

 Four Principles of Clean Hands Awareness

1) WASH your hands when they are dirty and BEFORE eating.

2) DO NOT cough into your hands.

3) DO NOT sneeze into your hands.
(If a tissue is not handy, pull open the collar of your shirt and  sneeze into the inside of your shirt.)

4) Above all, DO NOT put your fingers into your eyes, nose or mouth!

 Have your child sing Happy Birthday  to him/herself once  while washing his/her
 hands to insure a thorough washing. 
  
Make it fun and let's keep it going!

However, there will be many times you will need
First Aid for minor  cuts, scrapes and burns. Anything else call your doctor.

 Infection of the area is of major concern.

  If you need to apply a band-aid or bandage be certain it will not 'stick' to the wound which will prevent consistent healing.  Smooth bandages and band-aids are for that purpose.  You may also need to cleanse the wound first, if so do that with peroxide, then apply an 'over the counter' anti-biotic ointment which contains Zinc.  
Zinc , an emollient when added to the
anti-biotic ointment,  helps to keep the wound 
covered which aids the healing process.
These products are available in your local pharmacies.  

You will need to change the dressing only once a day unless it has been disturbed in some way.

I Am Special.

Raising a child includes not only nurturing him intellectually, but also socially and emotionally. You can help your child become a competent, confidant individual by giving your child a strong sense of self and fostering independence, but also by encouraging him to make friends and teaching him to share.

All children are unique.  By celebrating individuality you teach tolerance and help kids feel good about themselves. There are activities which will help every child understand they are special.

Some Age-Appropriate Activities:

Infant: Name Game
Toddler: [Child's name] Can...
Preschool: My Face Can Say...
School-Age: The Mirror Game

Click link below for 'Tips for Toddlers' - 12-15 months - features how to bond with your child.

http://www.zerotothree.org/magic/

Younger children do not understand what is meant by empathy, cooperation, kindness and perseverance.  Several fun ways to teach these are...

PLANT A GARDEN:  ( spring is a good time of year for this)  growing even a single flower can demonstrate how perseverance   pays off - but it is more fun to nurture a small garden instead.  The trick is not to try your child's patience too much.  Marigolds and zinnias are easy to grow.  Sunflowers are great also because kids get a kick out of their height.  When everything is in bloom, have your child make a bouquet for a neighbor which will teach them thoughtfulness  also.

If you plant vegetables as well - peas, lettuce and radishes grow fast. You can cook them or eat them raw after washing. This is a wonderful demonstration of the satisfaction self-reliance can bring.  Bonus: usually a child is much more willing to eat his/her 'veggies' if he/she planted and tended them themselves.