3 mins read

Social & Emotional Development in Preschoolers

Preschoolers are a whirlwind of energy and imagination. One minute she can impress you with her cooperative behavior only to frustrate you the next by having a meltdown at the mall. The social and emotional development of 3- and 4-year-olds transitioning from toddlers into school-age children is as important as her cognitive and physical development. According to a survey of kindergarten teachers by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching, the most important factors in school readiness are health, communication skills, enthusiasm/curiosity, turn-taking and attention span. The National Scientific Council on the Developing Child states that the core features of emotional development include the ability to identify and express his own feelings properly as well as empathize with others. The tendency for parents and preschool teachers to push the basics (ABC’s, counting, shapes, colors) can sometimes cause socio-emotional skills to be overlooked.

8 mins read

10 Weight Loss Tips for Overweight Kids

Being overweight might be an awkward phase your child is experiencing, or it could be a precursor of things to come. When a child is overweight, he may feel uncomfortable or inadequate and continue to feed those negative feelings with more food. As the child ages his feelings may turn to despair and he may settle for a life without physical activity, which will not be healthy. As a parent, you can change the course of this unhealthy cycle. It’s important not to comfort the child with food when he is sad or upset. Affection, kind words and listening may be all the child needs, rather than an ice cream cone or a treat. Focus on the child’s behavior, and call out the behavior not the child. Eating candy before dinner may be a bad idea for an overweight child, but that does not mean the child is bad. Thwart the behavior without hurting the child’s feelings if you want to help the overweight child reach a healthy weight.

3 mins read

Organization Tips for a Child’s Bedroom

A child’s bedroom is a place to slumber, to play, to create and to enjoy quiet time. Organize a child’s bedroom based on the child’s current needs and interests. Organizational furniture and storage units should not be selected based on functionality. Before organizing the child’s bedroom, remove all items. Clean windows and wash curtains. Repaint the walls to give the room a fresh start. Donate or give away any old items which the child no longer needs or uses.

3 mins read

The Best Time to Go to Disney World Orlando

Disney World in Orlando, Florida, is an exciting place to take a family vacation and can provide entertainment for all ages. There are certain times of year that give you the best chance to avoid heavy crowds and hot weather. Plan ahead so your family vacation is enjoyable and stress free.

2 mins read

Foods That Relieve Stress

While we all joke about pans of chocolate brownies or pints of ice cream for stress relief, there are foods that can help you manage high-stress times and feel good without packing on weight. Making smart food choices can improve your energy level and ability to cope with both day-to-day and extraordinary stresses. The best foods for stress are vitamin- and nutrient-rich, fresh and as close to their natural state as possible when eaten.