Posts Tagged ‘Child Care Centers in Charlotte’
Friday, January 21st, 2011
The Goddard School® located in Charlotte, NC, recommends trying new activities with your child!
This is a great way for your child to play in the snow during bath time! It’s simple to make a soapy snowball, just follow the directions below.
Materials:
Bar Soap and Water
Directions:
- Soak the bar of soap in water until you are able to break it into two pieces.
- Mold the soap into two snowballs.
- Dry the snowballs – they will flake giving a more realistic look.
- Use the soapy snowballs during bath time!
*Children should have adult supervision throughout this activity.
To learn more about The Goddard School, click here.
Tags: 5 Star Child Care Centers, 5 star Preschools in Charlotte, 5-star Preschools, Add new tag, Back To School, Biting, boredom, Charlotte Preschools, Child Care Ballantyne, Child Care Centers Ballantyne, Child Care Centers Charlotte, Child Care Centers in Ballantyne, Child Care Centers in Charlotte, Child Vacations, Fun in the Sun, Goddard School, Literacy, Pacifier, Role of Fathers, The Goddard School-Ballantyne, Thumbsucking, Worrying in Children
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Wednesday, January 12th, 2011
by Dr. Kyle Pruett
When setting limits, there are two key points to remember:
- The fewer words the better.
- Actions speak louder than words.
Fewer Words
My own decades of experience in clinical practice shows me that when parents use discipline phrases of more than 20 words, their children do not respond most of the time. If the emotional tone of that discipline is negative and nagging, children are particularly deaf. This is so hard for many parents because we feel we are so right (actually righteous), compared to our children. We want to believe that the more we correct them, the better they will behave. The data shows exactly the opposite.
Effective Actions
Few words only work in the self-control area if you back it up with action. Otherwise, internal shame will turn into the humiliation of being useless. When your child bites someone during a visit, take her home after a simple reprimand, and don’t endlessly berate her in her car seat. The action of losing her playtime speaks louder that anything you might say. Handing a spoon to a child who is mashing food into her mouth at dinner beats a lecture on manners.
Your love and opinion of your children matters deeply to them, especially when they are struggling to develop more self-control. Showing your children that their behavior affects the way you feel, helps children understand that you have feelings, too. Empathy and compassion begin to grow. When children see that their evolving self-control can make their parent feel good, the affirmation adds social and cognitive accomplishment to the achievement of controlling one’s behavior.
To learn more about The Goddard School, click here.
Tags: 28277, 5 Star Child Care Centers, 5 star Preschools in Charlotte, Charlotte Preschools, Child Care Ballantyne, Child Care Centers in Ballantyne, Child Care Centers in Charlotte, Choosing a Preschool, Controlling Worrying in children, Goddard School, Literacy, New Place, New School, Preventing Biting, Role of Fathers, Sleeping, Summer Games, The Goddard School, Thumbsucking, Traveling Children, water Play, Worrying in Children
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Friday, January 7th, 2011
Pets enrich the lives of many children and families. While children raised with pets show many benefits, safety concerns should always be a determining factor when deciding to get or keep a pet in a family with young children.
Choose wisely from breeds or species that are a good fit for your family, your home and your lifestyle. Behavior, temperament, excitability, patience and size are important characteristics to consider in a child-friendly pet that your little one can help care for. Pets should be free of disease and regularly checked by a veterinarian. Family allergies should also be taken into account. Young children should always be supervised during their interactions with pets. Animals can be easily harmed or provoked to attack if hit, poked or grabbed by young children. Children must be taught to play gently with pets and to keep their distance when an animal is eating, sleeping or caring for their young.
Involved parents, planning and open discussion are necessary in order for a family pet to be a positive experience. Young children can help with pet care, but can’t be completely responsible. They may only be able to help you with a few small tasks when feeding, cleaning or grooming your pet. For example, your child can join you when walking the dog, but certainly shouldn’t walk the dog alone. Allow your child to help care for the family pet in small, safe ways and always under adult supervision.
There are many benefits to children raised with pets. Positive relationships with pets can encourage children to love and trust others. Bonding with a pet can also help young children develop non-verbal communication, compassion and empathy. Caring for pets teaches children responsibility and respect. Both children and animals need exercise and pets are great playmates and a fun way to add physical activity into a child’s day. A pet’s life span can also provide parents the opportunity to teach life lessons about reproduction, birth, illness, loss and death.
To learn more about The Goddard School, click here.
Tags: 28277, 5 Star Child Care Centers, 5 star Preschools in Charlotte, Back To School, Biting, Charlotte Preschools, Child Care Ballantyne, Child Care Centers Ballantyne, Child Care Centers Charlotte, Child Care Centers in Charlotte, Child Vacations, Choosing a Preschool, Controlling Worrying in children, Fathering, Fun in the Sun, Learning through Play, Pacifier, Phonics, Preventing Biting, Role of Fathers, Saving Money, Summer Games, The Goddard School-Ballantyne, Thumbsucking, Traveling Children, water Play, Worrying in Children
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Friday, December 17th, 2010
Winter is a great time to snuggle up with your little one and share in the adventures of a good book. Children of all ages will benefit from this quality time with you and their imaginations will soar with every turn of the page.
Stick to simple board books with one picture per page and contrasting colors for the youngest readers (Infant to One Year). Make exaggerated faces to express emotion, change your voice, describe everything and point to the items on each page as you make your way through the book. Watch your child for clues as to what part of the book is his/her favorite.
As children grow, so can their stories. Progressively move to longer books and allow your child to interact by pointing to items, turning the pages and even reading some themselves, if developmentally appropriate. Continue to make faces and change your voice for characters or make sounds for objects and animals. If they’re still learning to sound out words, help them along by annunciating sounds in a normal tone and prompting them to repeat after you.
Together, you and your child can learn, laugh and create fond memories as you beat the winter blues, book after book.
Some great winter books to check out: Biscuit’s Snowy Day by Alyssa Satin Capucilli, Welcome Winter by Jill Ackerman, Winter Friends by Carl R. Sams and Jean Stoick and Winter by Gerda Muller.
To learn more about The Goddard School, click here.
Tags: 28277, 5 Star Child Care Centers, 5 star Preschools in Charlotte, 5-star Preschools, Back To School, car, Charlotte Preschools, Child Care Ballantyne, Child Care Centers Ballantyne, Child Care Centers in Charlotte, Choosing a Preschool, Goddard School, Literacy, Sleeping
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Wednesday, December 15th, 2010
Traveling with the family is fun, but it’s important to be prepared. Here are some tips and advice for parents to consider before they travel with their young ones.
Infant to One Year
- Plan for an active stretch. A rest stop break or a playground – let them walk or toddle for twenty or so minutes before climbing back in the car.
- Fun: music, mobiles, bubbles and books.
- Pre-measure formula into bottles and carry a room temperature bottle of water to mix on the go.
- Be prepared for a mess – snacks, diapers, spit-up, etc. – small trash bag, wipes, hand sanitizer (for the adults), spare water, tissues, bib and a blanket.
- Even if you are traveling by plane, a car seat can double as a feeding chair or nap location. Call ahead for a crib to be added to your hotel room.
- Be prepared and do not overload yourself. If time allows, buy what you can when you get to your destination.
First Steps (12 to 18 months)
- Many of the Infant travel tips apply here.
- Use “links” to keep toys within your child’s reach.
- Even in the cool weather, crack a window for fresh air. Stale air may make your little one grumpy. Remove heavy jackets and shoes for comfort.
- Fun: Music, books, stuffed animal, play mirror and foam shapes that will “stick” to the car seat. In an airplane – purchase headphones for music and rest it on your child’s shoulders instead of over their ears.
- Have some active playtime just before leaving and plan for frequent stops. In an airplane, let children walk down the aisle periodically at their own pace.
- Airports can be a bustling place. This may be the one time you check your luggage at the curb. This way you can focus on your little one’s needs without the hassle of luggage in tow.
Toddler and Get Set (18 to 36 months)
- Many of the First Steps travel tips apply here.
- Play window games – count the silos, trucks or red lights.
- Attach a mirror to the front passenger visor so you can see and interact with your toddler without having to spin around.
- Buckle up a toy bin right next to the children so they can help themselves – books, links, stuffed animals and puppets.
- Have your child help you pack a picnic lunch or snack and then serve it to everyone.
- A blanket can make a quick play space in any lobby, airport, etc.
Preschool to Pre-K (36 months+)
- “I Spy” a blue car, a white truck and other objects you can see while moving.
- Laptop desk for drawing with paper and crayons.
- Car-Ride Checklist – make a picture itinerary of landmarks you will see along the way.
- Ask your child to keep score – gas prices, mileage or count out toll money.
- Play “I’m thinking of an animal.” Provide age-appropriate hints to help your child guess a particular animal.
- If you’re using a hotel babysitter: 1. Check the sitter’s credentials, including criminal and/or child abuse clearances. 2. Check the room and the equipment in the room. 3. Carry your phone and check your phone service when you arrive at your destination.
To learn more about The Goddard School, click here.
Tags: 28277, 5 Star Child Care Centers, 5 star Preschools in Charlotte, Add new tag, Back To School, Charlotte Preschools, Child Care Ballantyne, Child Care Centers Ballantyne, Child Care Centers in Charlotte, Choosing a Preschool, Controlling Worrying in children, Learning through Play, Preventing Biting
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Friday, December 3rd, 2010
Wakeful Nights
by Dr Kyle Pruett
Growing up is heady stuff for kids. So sleep problems are not uncommon. If your child routinely has trouble getting to sleep or wakes up at night and needs comforting, his developmental achievements give you some important new tools to work with at this age.
Dr. Minde reminds parents of the importance of routine in the daily life of a child. At an age when children are learning so much so fast, predictability and regularity in the timing and location of meals, bathing, and bedtimes is soothing and comforting. In today’s environment of working parents, such routines may be harder to provide, but they are no less important to the child.
He encourages parents to use quiet bedtime rituals to ease the transition. Bedtime stories are a proven staple, as are songs and prayers. But you can personalize the routine and periodically update it to match you child’s special interests, such as helping him put his favorite stuffed animal or doll to bed.
When the child cries, he recommends that the parents check on the child every five to ten minutes (whatever time frame is tolerable for the parent), perhaps patting and reassuring the child, but making it clear that the child is expected to stay in bed. If necessary, he recommends that the parent withdraw from the room in stages, first sitting on the bed, then in a nearby chair.
If problems persist, Dr. Minde suggests that you enlist your child’s help. You can put your child’s growing language and imaginative powers, as well as his growing independence, to work on the case. Explain that you need your sleep, and ask your child what would help him to stay clam when he wakes and to get back to sleep on his own. Perhaps holding and talking to his favorite teddy bear or snuggling with his favorite blanket. Make sure these items are within easy reach at bedtime.
To learn more about The Goddard School click here.
Tags: 28277, 5 Star Child Care Centers, 5 star Preschools in Charlotte, 5-star Preschools, Add new tag, Back To School, Biting, Charlotte Preschools, Child Care Centers Charlotte, Child Care Centers in Ballantyne, Child Care Centers in Charlotte, Child Development, Controlling Worrying in children, Goddard School, New School, The Goddard School
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Friday, November 19th, 2010
by Dr. Kyle Pruett
When setting limits, there are two key points to remember:
- The fewer words the better.
- Actions speak louder than words.
Fewer Words
My own decades of experience in clinical practice shows me that when parents use discipline phrases of more than 20 words, their children do not respond most of the time. If the emotional tone of that discipline is negative and nagging, children are particularly deaf. This is so hard for many parents because we feel we are so right (actually righteous), compared to our children. We want to believe that the more we correct them, the better they will behave. The data shows exactly the opposite.
Effective Actions
Few words only work in the self-control area if you back it up with action. Otherwise, internal shame will turn into the humiliation of being useless. When your child bites someone during a visit, take her home after a simple reprimand, and don’t endlessly berate her in her car seat. The action of losing her playtime speaks louder that anything you might say. Handing a spoon to a child who is mashing food into her mouth at dinner beats a lecture on manners.
Your love and opinion of your children matters deeply to them, especially when they are struggling to develop more self-control. Showing your children that their behavior affects the way you feel, helps children understand that you have feelings, too. Empathy and compassion begin to grow. When children see that their evolving self-control can make their parent feel good, the affirmation adds social and cognitive accomplishment to the achievement of controlling one’s behavior.
To learn more about The Goddard School, click here.
Tags: 28277, 5 Star Child Care Centers, 5 star Preschools in Charlotte, Charlotte Preschools, Child Care Ballantyne, Child Care Centers Ballantyne, Child Care Centers Charlotte, Child Care Centers in Charlotte, Child Vacations, Choosing a Preschool, Goddard School, Literacy, Preventing Biting, The Goddard School, The Goddard School-Ballantyne, Worrying in Children
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Monday, November 8th, 2010
Students at The Goddard School® located in Charlotte, NC, benefit from added safety measures like door hinge guards.
fingersafe® produces door hinge guards that prevent children’s fingers from being pinched or crushed at the hinged end of doors.
The unique accordion shape of the fingersafe® door hinge ejects fingers from the opening area.
- fingersafe® has been installed in restaurants, hospitals, schools, homes and government facilities throughout North America and Europe.
- Joe Kaplan, of the Greater Los Angeles Chapter-National Safety Council has described fingersafe® as, “The best new safety product to hit America in 50 years.”*
To learn more about The Goddard School, click here.
Tags: 28277, 5 Star Child Care Centers, 5 star Preschools in Charlotte, Add new tag, Back To School, Charlotte Preschools, Child Care Ballantyne, Child Care Centers Ballantyne, Child Care Centers Charlotte, Child Care Centers in Ballantyne, Child Care Centers in Charlotte, Child Care Charlotte, Child Development, Child Vacations, Goddard School, New School, Role of Fathers
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Wednesday, September 29th, 2010
To a preschooler, a “friend” is anyone who is willing to play the way they want to play during any given period of time. Friends are just as likely to be boys as girls and may change frequently. Playing with friends is an important way for children to learn social skills including sharing and taking turns so providing your child the opportunity to make friends is helpful, worthwhile and fun!
Dale Walker, a professor of child development at the University of Kansas, offers these guidelines to promote productive and enjoyable playdates.
- Limit the initial invitation to one or two friends at your home.
- Schedule the playdate for one to two hours to avoid overstimulating the children.
- Plan games and activities your child enjoys and provide enough materials so the children don’t have to share immediately.
- Guide the children as they make a craft, play a game or splash in a wading pool rather than letting them manage themselves.
- Schedule playdates with the same children on a weekly basis.
- Periodically play one-on-one with your child to develop familiarity with their playing style and stimulate their social interaction.
- If your child is struggling socially with their peers consider adopting a pet, which is usually nonthreatening.
- Reading books and watching shows about friendship also reinforces the positive aspects of socialization.
- Model friendship by inviting friends to meet, especially when your friends have children compatible with your own.
- Limit your expectations and pressure to prevent your child developing insecurity about developing friends.
To learn more about The Goddard School, click here.
Tags: 5 Star Child Care Centers, 5 star Preschools in Charlotte, Back To School, Biting, boredom, car, Charlotte Preschools, Child Care Ballantyne, Child Care Centers Charlotte, Child Care Centers in Charlotte, Child Care Charlotte, Fun in the Sun, Goddard School, Pacifier, Phonics, Reading, The Goddard School, Traveling Children
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Wednesday, September 15th, 2010
Your experience as a sibling counts hugely in perpetually shaping and re-shaping your own perspectives and judgments (positive and negative) about how not to get stung in this hornet’s nest of competing interests, needs, and abilities.
I’m the middle of three sons, and have dozens of cousins. Several of them have special needs, but most don’t. I recall a riveting exchange from an Oklahoma Thanksgiving decades back where my loving (but daunting) grandmother chided one of her 7 year-old grandchildren for ‘cruelly teasing’ his sister; “Craig – you just can’t be that harsh with her. It’s your job to compromise – adjust yourself accordingly!”
He glared fiercely at her, went very still for a moment, and then burst into tears –“Yea, like I have choice. I’ve adjusted every day of my life for her!” and ran outside, seeking his comfort with the presumably less judgmental barn animals.
How many hours had Craig waited in waiting rooms while his sister received care? How many conversations had he overheard between his parents about her needs, compared to the ones they’d had about his? He loved her unconditionally, was incredibly proud of her, and protected her from insensitive peers. But wasn’t he entitled to think she could be a pain sometimes – just like all other sibling pairs from time immemorial? Couldn’t he not always have to try extra hard to make his parents proud of him since they worried so often about his sister? Couldn’t they talk to him about what was the matter with her and if she’d ever be normal?
These are the things that siblings of children with special needs struggle with every day, and here are some ideas about how to help them keep their balance (not to mention yours):
Let them know that you expect them to have many complicated feelings about their sibling, some loving and some not; and that you are open to listening without making them feel bad about it. They are feelings, after all, not explosives, and ambivalence is a thread woven into every relationship.
- Avoid setting unrealistically high standards – emotional, social, spiritual, moral, athletic or academic. They are just who they are, not compensations for who they are not.
- Expect them to reach their limit periodically (just like yourself), and try to avoid shaming them when they do. They need diversion and recovery time at such moments, not sermons. Guilt about ‘being normal’ is nearly universal in such children; making the sermons at such moments a kind of double-whammy of shame.
- Nothing is more effective than mutually gratifying time alone with you, although careful listening is its equally effective clone.
- As children develop, their understandings (and their worries) get more complex, so have periodic check-ins with them about their (ever-changing) questions about what is ‘the matter’ with and future for their sibling.
To learn more about The Goddard School, click here.
Tags: 5 Star Child Care Centers, 5-star Preschools, Add new tag, Biting, car, Child Care Ballantyne, Child Care Centers Ballantyne, Child Care Centers in Ballantyne, Child Care Centers in Charlotte, Child Vacations, Choosing a Preschool, Controlling Worrying in children, Day Care Center Ballantyne, Day Care School, Goddard, New Place, Phonics, Role of Fathers, Staying Cool, The Goddard School, Worrying in Children
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