Sharing is Caring (But is it really?)

For a person's entire childhood, they hear the phrase repeated time and time again: sharing is caring! This mantra is spoken with good intentions, but what does enforcing it mean for the children involved? 

Resentment

Forced sharing leads to feelings of resentment, both towards the adult that is encouraging the sharing and the child that is being shared with. Having a toy or other material taken away from you, without your permission, simply because another person wants it can be incredibly frustrating and discouraging. As adults, we wouldn't want someone to take away our phone or computer in the middle of us using it - children should have the same option.

Overstepping boundaries

Forced sharing creates a habit of overstepping boundaries. If a child says "no, thank you" to sharing a toy, it is our duty to respect them. It is also our responsibility to teach other children to respect each other's wishes and give them the tools to communicate effectively. This will lead to the development of problem-solving skills, conflict resolution, and general respect and appreciation for others. Rather than forcing your little ones to share, try suggesting that they take turns. Waiting their turn will help them respect one another, grow patience, and learn to compromise in order to fit everyone's needs.

Encouraging passive behavior and a sense of entitlement

Not giving children the choice to share can lead to overly passive behavior. Later in life, these children may not feel comfortable setting firm boundaries or being outspoken in their beliefs or feelings. They also may become easily taken advantage of or otherwise disrespected. Conversely, children who are regularly expecting others to share with them may grow up with a sense of entitlement because they are accustomed to instant gratification.

There is no harm in encouraging our children to share, so long as it is done within reason. Our top priority should be preparing children for adulthood, and sometimes that means that they need to be told "no". Raising resilient and adaptive children results in adults who are well-rounded and grounded. While forced sharing may be a quick solution to a problem, its lasting effects are likely to be far less than desirable.

Screen Time in the Early Years: Yes or No?

Let's be honest: we're living in the age of technology, one where you can't even leave your house without running into some sort of screen. Whether it's advertisements, TV, or even a menu at a restaurant, technology is definitely taking over. The convenience of technology, however, does not come without faults. It's known that too much screen time can have negative effects on our bodies, including problems with the eyes, back, and brain. So, how do we protect our babies from these issues while not denying them the true 2024 experience?

Screen time, including TV, really is not recommended for kids under two years old. The main reason for this is that at that age, children are still developing vital brain synapses (the connection between neurons). These connections can be disrupted by inappropriate stimuli, such as overstimulating TV shows or videos. This article explains perfectly why we should avoid screens as an entertainment source for babies, citing a long-lasting effect on their attention span. As children age and their brains develop a bit more, slowly increasing screen time is more acceptable, however the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends still limiting it to about two hours per day after age five.

This article by WebMD discusses a study in which the attention span of a large group of five year olds was observed over a period of time. Those who spent more than two hours a day watching TV were more than seven times more likely to have characteristics consistent with ADHD than those who watch 30 minutes or less per day.

We could go on all day about how too much TV and tablet time can negatively impact our littles. Rather than completely discouraging screens, however, let's explore ways that we can embrace this shift into Tomorrow while still protecting our kids. This article by the American Academy of Pediatrics gives great advice on how to balance screen time and family time, including creating screen-free zones and setting "one at a time" rules.

In addition to limiting the amount of time spent on devices, it's also important to educate our children on Internet etiquette. Using apps aimed towards children can limit their exposure to mature themes (for example, using YouTube Kids instead of YouTube). Be sure to check your parental controls for the devices and apps that your child uses, especially if they play games online like Roblox or Minecraft. Online games create the opportunity for children to chat with strangers, which can be a potentially dangerous situation. A good rule of thumb is that if it cannot be secured with parental controls, then it isn't made for kids (but remember that parental controls are not fool-proof, so it's best to remain vigilant and check what your kids are doing online often). Some educational and fun apps for preschoolers include ABC Mouse, Duolingo, Epic Books, and PBS Kids. These apps all encourage learning in literacy and math, and are fun and engaging for kids. They also can be set to a timer so as to not overstep screen time limits, and they don't have overstimulating features such as bright/flashing scenes.

Screen time is something that is becoming increasingly integrated into our daily lives, so while it isn't ideal for our little ones, it also isn't always avoidable. There's no shame in having family movie night or letting your child play games on your phone during a long drive. Life is all about balance, so while technology is ever-growing, it's also important to find time to connect with nature and spend time outdoors. While we encourage the idea of connecting with our roots in terms of education, we must also acknowledge that the future is here, and we have to prepare our children to enter it.

"If we teach today as we taught yesterday, we rob our children of tomorrow." - John Dewey

Setting Boundaries with Children

In the recent years we have seen a major shift in parenting styles. New parents are focusing a lot of their time on introspection and self-reflection, citing their own childhood as a motivating factor to move away from undesirable habits or behaviors that they learned from others. As a result, there is an influx of parents that are struggling to manage their children's behaviors out of fear of damaging their self-esteem or stifling their growth. This internal conflict holds the potential to be detrimental to a family's ability to function, so together, let's explore ways that we can overcome this.

What does it mean to set boundaries?

The idea of setting boundaries isn't about limiting your child, but rather teaching them how they can best respect themself and others. Giving them an opportunity to hear the perspective of another person, and also express their own perspective, creates a feeling of trust and opens the door for further positive communication. Really, setting boundaries is just the act of communicating openly about what you are and are not comfortable with. It's easy, in theory, but how does it really work?

How do I set boundaries?

This is something best initiated early on in your child's life (like, infancy early), however it's never too late! The first step to setting healthy boundaries is considering what your expectations are for both yourself and your child. This is something that you can include your child in, as well. Asking them what they do and don't appreciate will help them feel validated and understood, and also give you an accurate insight into their feelings. Once you have determined clear expectations, it is then time to communicate them to your child in a way that they can understand. This may sound something like:

"Hey buddy, I know that you really love playing rough with me, but sometimes when we play like that it hurts my body. From now on, I'd appreciate it if we practiced being a little more gentle with each other."

When opening this type of dialogue, it's important to firmly, but kindly, express exactly what it is that you want to convey. Don't beat around the bush or ask permission (for example, "is that okay with you?"). When you communicate clearly and concisely, it doesn't leave room to misinterpret or misunderstand the message. By avoiding asking for permission, you're setting the tone for the conversation by serving as a reminder that your boundaries are yours, and that nobody has the right to undermine them. This may not be something that your child wants to hear, especially if it involves something they enjoy, however a fact of life is that our kids can't always have what they want. As hard as it is, hearing "no, thank you" will teach children how to respect others and how to be resilient.

The key to setting boundaries is...

Consistency! If this isn't something that you or your little one is comfortable with then it will be very easy to revert back to old habits. To this I say NO, THANK YOU! Remaining consistent and following through on rules and expectations will lay the foundation for a more desirable outcome. Parenting is extremely hard, especially in the age of technology and instant gratification. Keep in mind that you are not alone in this, and that we are all navigating the world for the first time together. When it comes to our kids, we just have to remind ourselves of all the things we wish we had learned at their age, and do our best to be their lifelong teachers.

Now, when learning about setting boundaries, remember that your child deserves the same respect as you do. With that being said, all of these tips should be applied to them as well. Talk to your child often about what they think and feel about interactions that they've had with others. Discuss with them ideas to work through any conflicts that may arise, and encourage them to use their voice and stand up for what they believe. An outspoken child is one who will grow into a bold, fearless, and honest adult.

"I don't fear being outspoken. The only thing I fear is losing my sense of integrity or losing sight of the values on which I guide my life." - Constance Wu

For more information:

https://www.consciousmommy.com/post/setting-boundaries-with-children-how-to

https://childmind.org/article/teaching-kids-boundaries-empathy/

 https://www.empoweringparents.com/article/parental-roles-how-to-set-healthy-boundaries-with-your-child/

Seeing the World Through Your Child’s Eyes

When we're kids we are full of wonder and curiosity, and as we grow older we find ourselves losing the excitement that we once felt towards the world around us. We see it in the media we consume all the time; stories like Peter Pan tell of children wanting to maintain their youth and freedom, and as a result paint a negative image of adulthood and the responsibilities that come with it. So, how can we as caregivers remind ourselves of the true freedom and bliss that comes with being a child? Below are some ways to channel your inner child that you can practice daily.

Get on your child's level

One of, if not the best way to engage your child in a way that will speak to them is by physically getting on their level. Lowering yourself to the child's height creates a more inviting and approachable demeanor, which, as a result, allows the child to feel more comfortable during interactions. Of course, the benefits are not just for the child. As caregivers, we can gain insights to a child's world when looking at it from their point of view. When your perspective changes, you can notice things that you otherwise may not have. For example, may you notice that they can't actually see any of their artwork on the walls because it's posted at your eye level rather than theirs. Adjusting our interactions, and even our environment, in this way shows children that their perspective is valued and appreciated.

Don't be afraid to play

Playtime is such a crucial aspect of a child's life. Everything that a preschooler is learning is being taught through play, and that goes for both academic skills and life skills. All adults in a child's life have a responsibility, to some degree, for the enrichment of that child. Whether they are primary caregivers, like parents or guardians, or secondary caregivers like teachers or grandparents, their job is to guide the child in a positive direction. Preparing children for both an academic career and adult life begins in early childhood, so don't be afraid to play with them. Imaginative play like "dress-up" has so many benefits. It gives children a chance to take charge in their life without any of the harsh consequences. Often times, children enjoy playing as the parent while the parent takes on the role of the baby. Let your child explore their creativity with you as a passenger along for the ride. Follow their lead, and understand that there is no right or wrong way to do it. Observing and engaging with your child while they play is a great way to learn about their interests, personality, fears, and dreams. Remember that playing isn't just for kids! It actually has a great benefit on the physical and mental health of adults, as well. This great article details more about how amazing play is for our well-being.

Ask questions

Engaging in conversations with children is vital for so many of their skills, such as critical thinking and language development, but it also has huge benefits for us as well. When we talk with our children, we learn about their train of thought, their interests, and their overall personality. It goes without saying that understanding your child's personality is the key to understanding them as an individual. Whether we are parents or educators, asking questions is an informative first step to gauging children's development and knowledge. Some examples of thought-provoking questions you can ask include:

"Why do you think the wind blows?"

"What do you think the clouds are made of?"

"Do you think bugs have mommies and daddies?"

Questions like these invite children to use their critical thinking skills to find the answer, however more often than not, they will introduce to you creative and imaginative ways of thinking. Think of it as improv, and go along with the "yes, and" mentality; whatever your child says, agree with it and then build upon in. Soon, you will have created a wondrous fantasy world that you can explore together!

Understanding the Behaviors Associated with Biting

Biting is a very common behavior seen in young children, and it is a great opportunity to learn about your child’s unmet needs. There are various reasons as to why a child might bite which we will explore more below, but for now let’s gain an understanding on early child development.

Social-emotional development

The first five years of a child’s life are the most important for many reasons. This is the time when they learn basic life skills like language, empathy, and social engagement. Because they are inexperienced and learning everything all at once, it is easy for little ones to become overstimulated. Without the proper language skills and ability to self-regulate emotions, the feelings of overstimulation or big emotions can be manifested through physical outlets, such as biting. There are things we can do as caregivers to identify these behaviors early and manage/prevent them as they arise. Before getting into that, however, it’s important to understand the different reasons that a child may bite.

Biting could be due to

- Teething pain

- Exploring cause and effect

- Oral-motor sensory stimulation needs

- Imitation

- Needing to feel in control

- Attention-seeking behavior

- Self-defense

- Communicating wants/needs (hungry, thirsty, or sleepy)

- Communicating feelings (scared, overstimulated, excited, etc.)

What we can do to help

First and foremost, it’s important to understand your child’s abilities so that you can set realistic expectations for them. Remember that age and development are not the same, so what one person’s three-year-old is capable of does not equate to what your three-year-old is capable of. Just like with most behavioral challenges, maintaining consistency works wonders. Keep a regular routine so your child knows what to expect each day and help prepare them for transitions adequately (for example, “Lunchtime is in ten minutes, then after we eat it will be nap time.”). Giving your child resources to manage their feelings is another very effective approach. Yoga, deep breathing exercises, and even a positive physical release (such as jumping or kicking a ball) can help to regulate emotional distress. Positive guidance techniques, such as gentle reminders and clear communication, help to show children what their expectations are. For example, “When you’re done with your blocks be sure to put them in the bin”. Lastly, reminding your little one that teeth are for chewing and not hurting friends and redirecting them to something that is appropriate to bite, like a teething toy, also reiterates expectations.

How to respond to biting

The most important step of responding to any challenging behavior is remaining calm. Refrain from using words like “bad” or “mean”, and rather give them a reminder (in a manner that is appropriate for the child’s development) that biting is not appropriate. As children grow and mature, you will see that this behavior becomes less common. If your child is around preschool age, it is less likely that you will experience biting from them, however it is still possible. At the preschool age, most biting stems from underlying emotional distress. In situations like this, it is important to address the issue head on by talking to the child and gaining an understanding of their emotional well-being. In these situations, it is also a great idea to communicate with your child’s teachers and other caregivers to see if they’ve observed the behaviors, as well.

Dos and don’ts of addressing biting

Do:

- Address the behavior promptly and in a serious manner and serve as a resource for positive conflict resolution.

- Discuss with your child about how they were feeling prior to biting, as well as following the incident. Brainstorm with your child ideas to manage those feelings without having to bite.

- Continue to observe your child for any signs that can give you a deeper understanding of their needs as well as possible triggers.

- Reinforce positive behavior by acknowledging appropriate interactions, as well as leading by example.

- Regularly re-evaluate your expectations to ensure they are developmentally appropriate.

- Set boundaries with words such as “no thank you” or “stop” and encourage your child to do the same.

- Offer foods with a variety of textures to help satisfy sensory needs.

Don’t:

- Label the child as a “biter”, as this can negatively impact their self-esteem.

- Bite a child back.

- Get angry, yell, or shame.

- Give too much attention to the actual act of biting than the underlying issue.

- Force a child who was bit to spend time with a child who bit them.

- Punish the child for biting, as punishment does not help the child learn how to regulate their emotions and correct the behavior.

We acknowledge that biting can be dangerous and frustrating, however it is developmentally appropriate for toddlers and young preschoolers. If you have a kiddo in your life that has a habit of biting, remember to give them - and yourself - a bit of grace. We’re all learning, so let’s do it together.

More than Baby Talk: How to Support Language Development

The transition from cute babbling to well-developed sentences doesn't always come naturally, and in most cases children need external support. In the first few years of development, children are expert mimics; they are constantly observing their surroundings and repeating the words and actions of others. It is during this time that we see a window of opportunity to teach crucial language skills through various modalities, and because of their innate mimicry, it’s actually is easier than we think.

Infancy 

People often underestimate the teachability of infants due to their inability to speak, but this is actually the best time to begin teaching language skills. One of the best ways to encourage early language development is by "sportscasting" - think of it as the broadcasters at a sporting event describing every aspect of the event for the audience. This type of descriptive communication teaches infants basic vocabulary (names of relatives or pets, colors, objects, etc.) and gives them a sense of inclusion in activities. At this stage in development, most of an infant's verbal communication is done through babbling which later turns into full-fledged words. At this age, one of the best things that a caregiver can do to support their budding language skills is to actually mimic the babbling noises that the infant makes. Babies (and toddlers) benefit heavily from watching our mouths as we speak as this teaches enunciation and pronunciation. Through us mimicking their speech, they are given an opportunity to see different ways of manipulating their mouth to produce new sounds. A study by the National Institute of Health suggests that babies whose parents respond promptly to their babbling develop more complex vocabulary compared to those whose parents do not. Through mimicry and sportscasting, in conjunction with other methods (such as singing songs and reading books), we can progress our infants' speech development exponentially.

Toddlerhood (ages one through three)

As our infants grow into toddlers, their speech morphs into more coherent and complex vocabulary. They begin to gain an understanding of grammar and sentence structure, but are often still repeating words that they hear without context. During this time, the continuation of sportscasting is just as vital as in the infant stage. Explaining what is happening as it is happening gives toddlers the ability to understand experiences in real time and offers them a chance to be more included in said experiences. They are also able to become active observers rather than passive ones; observing situations and being able to offer input or ask questions opens dialogue between toddlers and their caregivers that supports curiosity and learning in other areas. At this age, engaging your child in conversations is vital to their speech development. Children are learning how to socialize with others, and despite the fact that they may be otherwise chatty, conversational skills do not come naturally to us as human beings. Socialization is taught through experiences, so immersing your toddler in social settings, whether formal or informal, is important to teach them conversational skills (as well as social cues, confidence, and so many other important skills). As with infants, singing songs and reading to toddlers helps with the development of vocabulary, as well. Children generally gravitate towards music, especially in toddlerhood, so teaching them new words and ideas through song is extremely effective.

Preschool (ages four to five)

At this stage in their development, children should have a pretty well-established sense of grammar and conversation skills. They should be able to speak in well-developed sentences and explain complex ideas (memories, dreams, imagination, etc). Often we see children in preschool misusing pronouns or present/past/future tense, so continuing to model proper grammar and enunciating our own speech is one of the best ways to correct this. Rather than pointing out a child's mistake, it is more effective to simply model the desired manner of speaking. For example, a child may say, "her is so funny!" Our instinct may be to say, "you mean she is so funny." This style of correction can make the child feel bad, so to avoid that, it is recommended by many childcare professionals to instead repeat what the child said with the correct pronouns: "she is so funny, isn't she?" This is where regular conversations become even more important, so that our preschoolers can be as prepared as possible for kindergarten. Continuing to encourage their love for reading will only continue to benefit them, especially as they begin showing signs of reading readiness. Language is not only spoken, so learning to associate written words with spoken words increases their literacy and speech immensely.

Keep in mind that these milestones are just general guidelines, and all children blossom at their own pace. The best thing for us to do as caregivers when it comes to language development is to speak to them as often as possible, and read, read, read! If you believe that your child is delayed in their speech/language development, reach out to their teachers or pediatrician for further guidance.

For more information:

https://www.zerotothree.org/resource/lets-talk-about-it-5-ways-to-build-babies-language-and-communication-skills-from-birth/

Healthy Eating Habits in the Early Years

Encouraging healthy eating habits in the early years of a child’s life is so important, and it can be easier than we think. Proper nutrition leads to healthy skin, teeth, and eyes, weight management, strengthens bones and muscles, boosts immunity, increases digestive system function, and supports brain development. A lot of parents, especially first-time parents, often feel at a bit of a loss when it comes to feeding their kids filling and nutritious meals and snacks. A big area of concern, especially in the United States, is that of portion sizing and food quality. Many adults aren’t aware of just how much (or how little) their kids need to eat, and with the constant access to fast food and junk foods, they also may be unaware of the importance of choosing foods that are fresh. Luckily, as a society, we are seeing a switch in the mentality surrounding nutrition and a lot of parents are opting for foods that are raw, fresh, and homemade. With that being said, however, regardless of whether your child is eating foods made at home or foods that are storebought, filling our babies’ bellies is the goal.

Portion control

Children have so much energy, and because of this their need to snack is much higher than adults. Despite this, however, their amount of food ingested in one sitting should be supervised so as to avoid overeating. The United States Department of Agriculture has a feature called My Plate which shows recommended food group portions based on a person’s age and other factors. In recent years, My Plate has replaced the food pyramid, which was an outdated resource that wasn’t truly helpful in promoting a nutritious diet, nor was it necessarily realistic. According to My Plate, generally speaking, half of our total serving should be fruits and vegetables (more veggies than fruits) and half should be grains and proteins, ensuring a well-balanced diet. Healthy Children, a blog powered by pediatricians and sponsored by the American Academy of Pediatrics, goes into more detail about appropriate portions for children between the ages of one and ten. For more information regarding this chart, click this link.

What should kids be eating?

Exposing children to a wide range of foods is beneficial for expanding the palate, thus expanding our children’s flavor interests, but that is often times easier said than done. Online blog Eating Well has plenty of resources for healthy meal ideas that are generally kid-approved, but what about snacks? Making the switch from processed snacks to nutrient-rich ones isn’t always easy – or affordable. Some options that are nutritious, tasty, and won’t break the bank include: fruit, cheese sticks, whole grain crackers, rice cakes, plain popcorn, yogurt, cottage cheese, oatmeal based snacks, and more. As with food, consuming healthy beverages is a vital part of maintaining a child’s health. It’s important that kids are drinking plenty of water throughout the day. Healthy Children recommends preschool aged children drink anywhere from 8 to 40 ounces of water daily (depending on their needs and activity level). Juice is good in moderation, but ideally it would be 100% fruit juice, and it shouldn’t serve as a replacement for water. Juices that contain additives tend to be high in refined sugars and other chemicals that can negatively impact a child’s health and development (such as dyes, flavor enhancers, and preservatives). (Click here and here for articles on the negative effects of food dyes on young children, and here for an article about food additives.) Replacing artificial juices in your child’s diet can be easy and affordable; you can make fruit-infused water, smoothies, or purchase juice alternatives like Hint or Honest juice boxes. Alex Turnbull, a registered dietician, has a great article regarding juice consumption for children where she details the pros and cons of various beverages marketed towards young kids, as well as healthy alternatives.

Childhood nutrition is something that should be taken seriously by everyone involved in a child’s life. Ensuring proper nutrition not only optimizes the child’s health and mental well-being, but it also creates healthy habits that can last well into adulthood.

Don’t Cry Over Spilled Milk: Why Mistakes are an Integral Part of Growing Confidence

Children are inquisitive by nature and are experiencing everything for the very first time. This thought is sometimes lost on us as we, as adults, get caught up in the hustle and bustle of life. Often times, we forget that what we may consider to be common sense is actually something that we learned over years of repetition or experience. As a result, we sometimes place unfair expectations on our children, pushing them to do things “correctly” and even disciplining them when they make mistakes. That is not to say that discipline is unfair, but rather that sometimes children need guidance instead of correction. This, in turn, teaches them self-discipline because they’ve learned from life’s natural lessons. Children have such a limited set of knowledge and experiences, so mistakes are bound to happen. After all, nobody knows what they don’t know. It takes practice, along with lots of trial and error, to get things right. Mistakes should not be looked down upon, but rather celebrated!

Making mistakes is not the same as failing

As the saying goes, “to err is human”. Just because things didn’t go the way we expected does not mean that it’s a failure. It’s important for children to recognize their mistakes so that they can grow from them, and in time learn to correct them. It is vital that we as caregivers help guide them through the reasoning process of recognition and correction so that they can develop the skills to do so themselves. It is often difficult to refrain from simply fixing the problem for our child, however problem-solving is an important life skill (one that goes hand in hand with critical thinking) that can be translated to every aspect of adult life. Whether it is family life, social life, or in the professional realm, the ability to efficiently solve problems is highly valued. This skill, when fostered properly in childhood, can massively benefit more than just the individual and leads to confident and competent adults.

Mistakes teach resiliency

Resilience is defined as: “the capacity to withstand or to recover quickly from difficulties; toughness”. The ability to fall down, dust yourself off, and try again does not come easy, but is highly valued. Often, we see our young children becoming frustrated when they cannot do something. This frustration, while difficult to deal with in the moment, is actually fueling them to continue on. This builds character, confidence, and above all shows children that they are capable of so much. Isn’t that what we all want for our children? They truly are our future, and the sky is NOT the limit for them. Their potential is unending, and the more they recover from their mistakes, the quicker they will see that. Again, cleaning up their messes for them may be easier, faster, or more efficient, but allowing them to experience it teaches something much more important. They gain a sense of independence and pride when they look at their work and see what they’ve accomplished, whether it’s tying their own shoe or cleaning up spilled milk.

The Importance of Culture in the Early Years

Raising our children to become competent and empathetic adults requires a level of societal and cultural understanding that is best taught in the early years of their life. Celebrating various cultures teaches children about our differences as well as what makes us similar. Learning about different cultures promotes tolerance, acceptance, socialization, and creativity, among many more values that are vital to producing kind and loving humans. Below are some ways you can share your culture with others, as well as expose your child to new cultural ideas.

Music

Children love to dance and sing, and much of their language development comes from songs. Multicultural music is an accessible tool that you can utilize to introduce new languages, ideas, and values to your little one. Fun and easy ways to incorporate these songs into your child’s everyday life is by introducing songs that they are familiar with in different languages (for example, the ABCs, Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, etc.), watching videos of live performances, dancing together to the music, and building a playlist of multicultural songs to play in the car.

Food

Introducing a variety of foods to your child in the early years of their life is beneficial for various reasons, including sensory development, establishing a well-balanced diet, and expanding their appetite. Adding cultural appreciation to this list is an added benefit! Trying new foods can be scary, but it can also serve as a warm welcome to a world full of adventure. Some ways to introduce multicultural foods to your family’s palate are by trying new restaurants, cooking new recipes (this is a great opportunity to make memories with your little one as well!), and hosting or participating in potlucks with friends that have different cultural backgrounds than you.

Movies and TV shows

In today’s society, it is easy to find media that is diverse and inclusive, which is great! Exposing your child to TV shows and movies that represent ideas and values that differ from their own gives them an opportunity to find parallels between their lives and those of the characters on the screen. Yes, we may look, speak, or live differently, but we still share so many similarities! Culturally diverse TV and movies also show a deeper level of cultural practices of the characters that may otherwise be missed in other forms of media.

Books

As we know, books are an integral part of your child’s education. We can all learn from what literature has to teach us, and that includes diversity. Reading to our children teaches language, social-emotional regulation, and life skills. There is no better way to encourage tolerance and diversity than by cozying up with a good book!

Finding Magic in the Mundane: A Guide to Teachable Moments

You've heard the expression “children are like sponges”, and as the parent of a toddler, you’ve probably seen the extreme accuracy in that. As adults, we sometimes forget the incredible wonder with which children experience the world, and sometimes discount their ability to remember details. Little minds see the world with so much curiosity, and you as their parent are the first line of defense when it comes to satisfying that curiosity. Below are some ways you can foster your child’s growth and help them learn from even the simplest experiences.

Answering questions

Toddlers are notorious for asking the world’s most daunting question: why? Sometimes it can be a little tricky navigating a child’s mind, but the most important thing we can do as caregivers is to answer their questions as truthfully as possible (within reason, of course). When “why?” has been asked for the millionth time and you’ve exhausted all possible responses, a great way to encourage deep thinking in the mind of your little one is by giving them the good old Uno reverse card; ask them what they think about the situation. This gives your child an opportunity to think deeply and critically, as well as express their own thoughts. This will also open the door for dialogue between you and your child and has the potential to expand their vocabulary and literacy.

Reading

It is undeniable that books have a huge impact on the education and development of children. Reading fosters growth in literacy, imagination, empathy, problem solving, cognitive skills, self-esteem, emotional regulation, and so many more crucial developmental fields. An article by Child Mind Institute points out that children who are read to daily are exposed to at least 290,000 more words by the time they enter kindergarten than those that are not. Isn’t that incredible? Keep in mind that learning doesn’t have to be strictly academic; fiction books are at just as much of a capacity to educate your child as non-fictional ones. Authors such as Dr. Seuss, Eric Carle, P.D. Eastman, and Giles Andreae have written fun and engaging books for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers that can teach them important knowledge outside of their ABCs and 123s.

Imaginative play

Children learn best through playtime. Being an active participant in your child’s play satisfies not only their need for parental attention but also gives them an opportunity to explore many different ideas. Their imagination is a vast sea of possibilities, and by observing and participating in their play, you can learn about their interests as well as their personality. It is true that when children engage in imaginative or dramatic play, often times they imitate things that they see or experience in their daily life. This tends to be their parents, siblings, teachers, and community members. Children can learn so much about social interactions and emotional regulation through this type of play. Academics are something that children will learn as they age and move through school, however social skills are something that are best taught in the early years in order to produce confident and competent young people.

Outside play

Children have a natural affinity for being outdoors, and many child psychologists and educators believe that they learn best by exploring nature. In fact, the word “kindergarten” comes from the German word kinder, meaning children, and garten meaning – you guessed it – garden. Friedrich Froebel, the creator of the first kindergarten, had a philosophy that is similar to the modern 4-H philosophy; hands-on learning, as well as free self-expression, creativity, social participation, and motor expression. Through outside play, children can learn about the natural world around them as well as learning empathy, respect, and their own physical abilities. Engaging in outside play allows a child to explore their own environment, learn about their place in the world, and gives an opportunity to gain knowledge in math, science, language, literacy, art, and so many more fields. This can be as simple as making mud pies in the backyard or going on a walk through the park!

Children are constantly learning, and their brains are constantly working to make sense of the world. As their parent, you are their very first – and most important! – teacher. We can easily get caught up in the hustle and bustle of our day to day lives, but our little ones remind us to take a breath and stop to play in the dirt. You never know what you’ll learn along the way! They can teach us just as much, if not more, than we could ever teach them.