Sleep



Who is getting enough sleep?

Your children need more hours of sleep than you think.

 



  

Brain Development

Scientists have demonstrated that 85 percent of the emotional and intellectual wiring of the brain is formed during the first three years of life. Children are born ready to learn and actually crave the positive stimulation that lets them do so.

Children develop much of their capacity for learning during their first three years.  How the brain develops hinges on a complex interplay between the genes you are born with and the experiences you have. Early interactions such as talking, singing and reading are all activities that promote brain development in young children.  While learning continues throughout the life cycle, there are “prime times’ for optimal development-periods during which the brain is good at certain types of learning. Proper nutrition, exercise, play and thoughtful interactions all promote brain growth. Play is an important part of young children’s development. Through play children explore their surroundings and learn. Being read to regularly promote later reading success.

Young children may be picky eaters or fussy about food, 70% of your brain is water, children need plenty of fluids, without caffeine and sugar and salt. 50% of a child’s calories go to brain function; a good breakfast with protein enhances learning. As a rule young children should go no longer than 3-4 hours between meals.

Constant stress can have a negative impact on brain development. Also exposure to certain drugs and chemicals during fetal development, like alcohol and second hand smoke, are harmful to baby’s brain.

More Tree House

Tree House Indoor playground: A place to get in out of the cold

Routines and other things

This photo goes out to all the parents in 49 states

that have had snow!

After big snow and ice events in the Southeast, Plains, and Midwest last week, 49 out of the 50 states currently have snow on the ground –  yes, even Hawaii, where snow falls in Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea all winter.  Here in the Copper Country we cheer for our Tree House Indoor playground!

Last night during a parenting class I was reminded about how important routines are for toddlers. While I preach this as one of the hallmarks of good parenting. It is important to remember and review why are they so important  and the value that they hold.
First of all, toddlers crave them. Also, routines help young children organize their brain, help them anticipate what will happen next and  routines help create a sense of predictability and safety. And lastly, routines help parents out, it gives you a structure to help you stay the course. This is especially useful when you are tired, stressed and feeling frustrated.

Routines at bedtime, mealtime, and in the morning can be very effective.A Hello and Goodby routine can help with transitions.  If you have any special rountines to share that works well with your children please feel free to post them here.

Watch out world here I come

I was given a great article from Dan Hodgins. If you don't know Dan  he has done some wonderful presentations on Raising Boys.He is the coordinator of the Child Development program at Mott Community College. I heard  him speak here in the Copper Country on the Topic: Boys -Boys -Boys and while he was right on with the info he had us all rolling out of our seats in laughter.

He writes when asked about toddlers.  ...
Toddler Thinking:
 "If you are in my way I will simply move you." It means that toddlers are not mean or cruel just very egocentric.
More Toddler thinking
"I often think I am physically attaced to people I care about."
"Falling is common and it seeems to bother adults more than me."

He continues with "Toddlers are my favorite age groups. They Braille the world. They move, touch, taste everything. "
We should be so interesting.
For Information on Dan's presentation :What About Boys

visit: http://www.ocslha.com/WhatAbout.htm