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Why you Should Read to your Baby

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Do you read to your baby? The American Academy of Pediatrics has issued new guidelines that recommend that parents read to their newborn infants. Some parents may not be doing that because it never occurred to them that babies benefit from being read to. There are some very good reasons for parents to read to their babies and young children! The American Academy of Pediatrics notes that parents who read to their children nurture not only their children’s literary skills, but also much more. They have put together some easy to read information that points out the benefits that come … Continue reading →

Putting Your Preschooler to Work

Nothing makes preschoolers happier than helping their parents.  Studies show that young children are wired to get pleasure from pleasing their mom or dad.  So, instead of ignoring your four-year-old when he offers to help you make the beds, fold laundry or put away groceries, allow him to exercise his independence by lending a hand. In some cases, a preschooler’s attempt at helping is more of a hindrance to parents; however, with a little patience you can turn these heartfelt efforts into teachable moments. When my now 8-year-old daughter was a preschooler nothing delighted her more than being able to … Continue reading →

The Influence of Older Siblings on Preschoolers

A preschooler is blessed to have older siblings. A big sister is great for reading bedtime stories, doing hair and laughing. A big brother will play all day outside, let you win, and doesn’t mind if you get dirty. A sweet relationship develops between older and younger siblings. There are trying times, challenges, and disagreements but in the end a bond is formed that cannot be broken. Most big brothers and sisters have no intention of being a poor influence on their younger siblings. Many times what is acceptable and age appropriate for an older sibling is not acceptable or … Continue reading →

How Much Fluid Does Your Preschooler Need?

I worry about my daughter not drinking enough all the time. Not too long ago, she got a nasty stomach bug, and we almost had to give her an IV for dehydration. She does not drink a lot at meals either. She will take a tiny sip, and then put it back down on the table. I worry all the time about it. I am the opposite. I always have a drink in my hand. I drink my full 8 glasses of water a day, and then some. I am a chronically thirsty person. While I accept that she may … Continue reading →

Winter Birding With Your Preschooler

The air is cold and crisp, but not too crisp. It’s sunny out, and it’s perfect weather for birding. Before we go back to our usual deluge, we’ve been able to spot a lot of birds who cluster around our backyard feeder. We’re intermittent bird feeders in the summer, but winter birds can usually depend on us. My daughter and I love to watch them, especially after the first snowfall comes and the birds leave tiny footprints on the snow. Some of the birds in our area migrate to warmer places for the winter, while others move down from the … Continue reading →

Caution: Preschooler Ahead

I was a big, big kid. In fact, I was such a tall child that at nine years old, a neighbor down the street told me that I was too big to be trick-or-treating at Halloween, and that I should be ashamed of myself. By age twelve, I was 5 foot 8 and the boys in my class looked up at me in horror during square dancing class (yes, they make you take square dancing class in Canada). By the time I was fourteen, I swore that if anyone asked me if I played basketball again, I would scream and … Continue reading →

Swine Flu: Two Week Rebound?

In the last few days, two of my friends who’ve had swine flu have been talking about a “swine flu rebound”. To make a long story short, it seems that a good number of people who have had swine flu experience a reappearance of symptoms a couple of weeks after they thought they were better. One friend thought it might be linked to folks over-exerting themselves. I can understand that — when I’m sick, I suddenly get the urge to go out and do things and be social… specifically because I know I can’t or shouldn’t be doing those things. … Continue reading →

Sleep and Your Preschooler

I have a guilty secret. My daughter sometimes – dare I say, often – goes to bed late. She also sleeps in. With the onset of kindergarten next year and its earlier arrival times, we’re going to have to change this. However, in a family with two parents who are working outside the home, I find it to be a struggle to get her in bed by 8 pm. After all, my husband arrives home at dinner time, we eat, and then it would be bed time. On the days when I work outside the home, dinner tends to be … Continue reading →

The Flu and Your Preschooler

We’re still fighting a bug over here. I think that I may be fighting it off, although last night’s less-than-stellar sleep may help it win. I suspect it’s the flu. We live in an area where everyone seems to have the flu these days, and many people have “the” flu: H1N1 or swine flu. I’m not normally someone who panics about disease. When my daughter gets a fever, I don’t exactly embrace it, but I do accept it fairly gracefully. Fever is her way of fighting off an illness, and she does it with style. She’s been known to go … Continue reading →

The Most Vital thing You Can Do for Your Child’s Education

Today as promised, here is the most vital information about your child’s education and something any parent can do. The most important thing you can do for your child’s education is read to them, read to them from the time they are babies. Some experts believe even before they are born- while they are still in the womb. While we never went that far, we did read to our children from the time they were born. We read all sorts of books, starting with short, simple ones. As they got older we looked for those with good stories and use … Continue reading →