All posts in Child Development

Feb 21, 2023

How is ABC Quality making child care more accessible for parents?

Affordable, high-quality child care is a must for families in South Carolina. Child care not only keeps children safe and healthy, but it also helps them develop social, emotional, and communication skills as well as early education concepts that they will need for success in school and in their lives outside of school and throughout their lives. Unfortunately, many families in communities across the state have limited access to child care. But that’s where ABC Quality comes in.

Feb 21, 2023

Why are routines important for children and families?

Raising a family can be one of the most gratifying experiences but it can also come with unexpected stressors. Between changing diapers, planning meals, and managing a budget, life's pressures can overwhelm you (and your family!). However, jam-packed schedules don't have to result in chaos and fast food every night. One of the best ways to get a handle on your family's hectic life can be as easy as setting up a daily routine.

Feb 7, 2023

How to help your child break a bad habit

Bad habits in childhood are usually actions or behaviors repeated over and over, most often to help soothe a child when they feel anxious or uncomfortable. Most children aren’t aware they are doing the bad habit, and bad habits can be picked up at any time for a variety of reasons. The most common bad habits seen in children include nail biting, nose picking, hair twirling, thumb sucking, teeth grinding, lip biting or licking, or excessive screen time. More serious bad habits include lying, hitting, and biting

Jan 24, 2023

What should parents know about melatonin?

Trouble falling asleep or staying asleep is a problem with which anywhere from 15 to 25 percent of children or teens struggle. Increased screen time and exposure to ‘blue light,’ along with busy school and sports schedules, can make getting appropriate rest a challenge. In their quest for easier bedtimes or more restful sleep, parents and caregivers sometimes look to melatonin, an over-the-counter dietary supplement, to help. In fact, usage of the supplement is at an all-time high, and Nielson estimates sales of melatonin nearly tripled from 2018 to 2022. Here is what parents should know before they consider giving it to children.