The Basics are 5 fun, simple, and powerful ways that every parent can give every child a great start in life! The third Basic has to do with math and you may be thinking: “But I’m not a math person!”
Never fear. Basic #3, Count, Group, and Compare, is already part of your daily life with your baby or toddler. You just don’t realize it. Think about the words you use each day as you talk with your child:
Your diaper bag is heavy. // Let’s go up the stairs. // Eat
Talking with your child from the very beginning is one of the most important things you can do to build a healthy brain and emotional security.
Children learn language from the moment they are born through relationships with their caregivers. Day by day, babies learn that sounds have meaning. Every time you talk, sing, or point to what you are talking about, you provide clues to the meaning of what you are saying and create strong relational connection. This is why “Talking, Singing and Pointing” is one of The Basics: 5 fun, simple, powerful ways every child can […]
We imagine childhood as a carefree time of innocence, play, and curiosity. Sadly, far too many children are accumulating one negative experience after another. The effects show up in their brains, their bodies, and their behavior.
Professionals in mental health, education, and healthcare now recognize the affect of “Adverse Childhood Experiences” (ACEs) on brain function, mental health, physical health, and behavior. The more ACEs a child has, the more at risk they are for developmental disorders, adult diseases, and negative socio-economic realities.
As we care for our own children and serve children and families in our community, it’s […]
Perhaps you already know that it’s never too early to begin reading to your child, that you can begin reading to them from the moment they’re born. Since 80% of a child’s brain development happens during the first three years of life, it’s important that parents and caregivers begin as early as possible!
But this message of reading to babies and very young children may seem impractical. After all, babies can’t yet understand the meaning of words or comprehend a story. Toddlers often can’t sit still from the first page of a book to […]
Why is reading to your child so important?
– Stories engage a child’s imagination and expose them to words and ideas.
– What they learn about people, places, and things can be important building blocks to school readiness and later life success.
– For both parents and children, times together with books form fond and lasting memories
It’s never too early to begin reading to your child! But in a fast-paced world where parents and caregivers are juggling so many responsibilities, you may feel that you don’t have the time and energy to read with your child as much […]
Bad weather days can make it a challenge to keep little ones engaged and active without resorting to screens. When the days are cold or the rain won’t stop, it’s tempting to turn on the TV or the iPad instead of encouraging activities that will stimulate the brain and the body in the ways a young child needs. Exploring through movement and play is one of 5 Basics every child needs to get a great start in life!
Believe it or not, there are many things your child can do that are free or low-cost. Here […]
