Sep 15, 2020

Whether you choose a licensed child-care provider, a registered faith-based center, or family home care, parents and caregivers have a lot to consider when choosing a daycare provider for their child. From safety concerns to staff credentials to meal plans and costs, there are many important things on a checklist when considering what center to choose.

Sep 8, 2020

From thumb sucking to nose picking, childhood often involves habits that may be thought of as “bad.” But even good children have so-called bad habits and they typically are used by children as coping strategies to help soothe such emotions and feelings as stress, boredom, insecurity, frustration, or unhappiness. The good news is that most of these behaviors are just phases—not serious medical or psychological conditions—and most children soon outgrow them.

Aug 25, 2020

For generations, families all over the world have told their children that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. In recent years, however, the importance of breakfast has been debated because of competing diet plans and weight-loss strategies, but most experts still agree that a good breakfast is important—especially for children.

Aug 18, 2020

One of the most difficult lessons a new parent or caregiver will have to give to a child is not just the facts of life—but also of death. Grief is a natural part of life but for young children, it can also be hard to understand. From losing a pet, classmate or teacher to more personal losses like that of a family member, children should be handled with extra care as they learn to understand and comprehend the concept of death as well as experiencing grief for the first time.

Aug 11, 2020

If you’re like most parents and caregivers, you’ve spent a good deal of time teaching your young child the importance of proper hygiene. From taking nightly baths to scrubbing those little hands before mealtime to rubbing on the hand sanitizer, we all work hard to ensure our kids are staying as clean and germ-free as possible. But what if our kids are too clean for their good?

Jul 21, 2020

In the world of children, “play” is considered part of the “workday.” When children play, they are learning new skills, asserting themselves as individuals, and practicing relationships with others and the world-at-large. As part of the development aspects of play, a good toy can help a child learn and grow. However, one quick trip to a toy department and a parent or caregiver can quickly be overwhelmed with the variety of toy choices and have difficulty deciding what defines a “good” toy. Even though most toys come with age classifications and development definitions, not all toys are beneficial for a child.