Instead of focusing on what you don’t want your child to do, focus on what you do want them to do.’ Instead of providing a model for an art projects, encourage them to create their own art. Instead of sending children to time out, redirect them with a new activity. Instead of memorization drills, create meaningful learning experiences. Instead of your children competing against each … Continue reading Positive Parenting Tips
Saying Names: To help your toddler learn that people and objects have different names, touch an object and say the name. Then take your toddler’s hand and touch the object and say the name again. Now say “(your toddlers name) is touching the (object)”. This can be done with all different objects and people. Early Block Fun: Make disposable blocks out of small milk cartons. … Continue reading Brain Games for Toddlers
Solve the lost/dry problem by gluing the caps (open ends up) onto the inside of a container top. The markers can be put into the caps and will stand upright for use again. Give new life to old, dried up markers by adding a few drops of water to the tip. Recycle dried up markers by dipping them in paint and using them as a … Continue reading This Works for Me: Markers
Toddlers can take an active role in preparing foods. Based on your childs abilities you can get them involved by pouring, slicing, whisking, squeezing, and garnishing. Here are some ideas: Preparing finger foods by stacking foods. ex: stacking cheese on top of crackers, or cucumbers on top of toast Using a spatula to spread fruit or butter on crackers, toast or bread Stirring together ingredients … Continue reading Ways to Include your Toddler in the Kitchen
Children learn that when the “do” something, they “get” something. This is the “do-get” theory. It works both ways. When they do something well, we praise them, get excited for them. Hang their art work on the refrigerator. They learn that by “doing” that particular action or activity, they receive positive reinforcement. It encourages them to continue doing that activity and doing it well. They … Continue reading The “Do-Get” Theory
This is a great nontoxic recipe for homemade glue. It won’t have the same stickiness as the store-bought glue, but it works. Ingredients: 1/3 cup flour 2 tbsp sugar 1 cup water Directions: Mix the flour and sugar together. Pour in the water slowly, continuously stirring. Cook over low heat, continuously stirring. Allow to Cool. Do you have any recipes for homemade glue? Please share! … Continue reading Crunchy Living: Homemade Glue
There are a lot of parents that feel like the child’s art work needs to fit into a nice little box. Here are a few types to encourage children to use their creativity. Encourage children to ask question Remember to focus on the process and not the finish product. Allow your child to make decisions when possible. Allow your child to use the materials for … Continue reading Encouraging Creativity in Children
Children learn by doing. “Doing” is an active, senses-involved way of learning. Most children are tactile and learn through their senses. So “watching” you do something is using one sense – seeing. Most of us need to get to the “doing” part. Allow children to follow along with you after instructing them. Let them make mistakes. In fact, there are no mistakes because they are … Continue reading Children Learn by Doing
As a mother, I always want to guide my children in a positive way. There are various ways to guide your children in a positive way. Below are some strategies for guiding your child’s behavior in positive ways as you help them learn to manage their feelings and behavior. Give the big rule and the little rule. This strategies involves state one of your main rules … Continue reading Positive Guidance Strategies
Babies start learning from the minute they are born. Over the course of their first year they learn so much, there are a lot of activities that you can do with infants to help with development. Below are a few activities for ages 9-12 months: A Bath Surprise: While your baby is in the bathtub, show him/her a floating toy. Cover the toy up with the wash cloth and … Continue reading Activities for Babies: 9-12 Months
ART with Angela DiCicco, The Italian Grandmama's Guide 