I recently watched a TED talk with Stuart Robinson who has been studying the importance of play for children and adults. His arguments about the educational importance of play were very compelling – explaining that interactive, rambunctious and imaginative activities can help improve a child’s memory, social skills, general happiness and brain function. I have [...]
When talking with Carol Anne Wien – a PhD of education and early childhood development expert – about educational activities that parents can do with their children, I was shocked to hear what she had to say. Dr. Wien actually cautions parents against trying to do too much educational stuff with their children. “I don’t [...]
“My daughter wants to give holiday gifts to her daycare teachers. What’s appropriate?” Giving gifts to teachers is a lovely gesture of gratitude, and it offers children an opportunity to express their feelings. That said, don’t feel obligated to hand out presents – educators also appreciate cards or a simple “thank you.” “Parents don’t need [...]
Between picking them up and dropping them off, feeding them, clothing them, keeping them safe and, oh yeah – working – it’s no wonder we have trouble finding time to read with our kids! VTech has a solution to help you in your quest to get your kids reading. The new V.Reader Animated E-Book System [...]
I want to play an active role in my child’s daycare, but the daycare board meetings are two hours of disorganization, petty complaints about individual problems, and grandiose ideas that go nowhere. How can these meetings be improved? Daycare boards and school councils play a vital role in the school community if run effectively and [...]
My three-year-old son is afraid of another child at his daycare centre. What should I do? The first step is to acknowledge his feelings. “It may be real or imagined, but nonetheless the child feels it,” says Alice Taylor, a children’s behavioural consultant in North Rustico, P.E.I. Reassure your child that you and the teacher [...]
My son’s daycare teacher smokes while waiting for the bus at the stop just around the corner from the centre. I think this sends a terrible message to the kids, who see him on their way home. I tried speaking to him about it, but he says he is off the daycare’s property and on [...]
