Helping Little Ones With Big Feelings
When children learn to understand and express their emotions, they can really grow and thrive. Sometimes it can be difficult to help them cope through these big feelings. Take a look at this video to see a new way to help guide them through emotional regulation.
Communicating With Your Child
Healthy communication between you and your child can help develop a positive relationship that creates the trust needed to discuss difficult topics as they grow. Providing a space where children can feel safe and secure with their words shows them how much you value their thoughts and feelings. Try to understand the ways your child communicates, actively listen to what they have to say, and try to find the time to talk everyday.
Positive Parenting Strategies
Parenting looks different for every family, and each child acts and reacts in their own unique way and it’s important to know the different ways you can help guide and prepare them for independence. No matter the age, situations can be hard to go through for you and your child. The CDC has provided different tips and resources on positive parenting for all age groups to help get through these challenges.
Talking About Tough Topics
Caring adults can help children learn coping and resilience-building techniques to help them face some of the tough challenges they may experience like divorce, foster care, grief, military deployments, trauma and more. There are different strategies and resources to help you and your children create a safe space while going through these challenges together.
SESAME WORKSHOP
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Screen Time and Technology
When should kids be introduced to screens? Is all screen time the same? How much is too much? The Child Mind Institute has a variety of topics, research, and resources to help learn ways to help children use screens in a healthy way.
Shared Household Responsibilities
Children can learn a lot from helping with or being responsible for shared household responsibilities. They can learn about what they need to do to care for themselves and their home, as well as experiencing different ways they are listening, communicating, and cooperating. With encouragement, practice, and guidance, children are able to contribute as a member of the household while understanding the importance of shared responsibilities.
Routines & Schedules
Routines and schedules are a great way to help create a sense of safety and security for your child, and helping them understand what is coming next. When children are a part of familiar activities and routines, it can help them develop positive relationships with who they interact with. As children grow, they can have more confidence when it comes to showing their independence and adjusting to changes.
Special Playtime
Special playtime is important and healthy way to bond with our children. This time provides an opportunity to build a stronger connection with your child and gives you a glimpse into your child’s world. Through their play, your child is showing their thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Giving them your undivided attention, even if it’s for 5 minutes, allows them to feel seen and heard.
The Importance of Reading
Reading books out load can help children stimulate their imagination and expand their understanding of the world. It can help them develop language and listening skills, and helps prepare them for school readiness. Reading aloud with your child creates a time for you to bond, ask questions, and share reactions. Reading is a great opportunity for children to connect with the characters they are reading about, and with the world around them.
Spending Time Outside
Spending time outside at any age can help develop senses, spark imagination and creativity, and build confidence. This video shows some of the ways you can get creative with outdoor play no matter the season!