Through physical play outdoors, your child develops confidence in herself as she sees her physical skills grow. This self-confidence can translate into social confidence: Children who feel good about their physical abilities tend to view themselves more positively in general. Â Your baby probably invites you to play by making sounds, looking intently at you […]
 Integrate these simple routines and help build baby’s vocabulary.  1. Include movement and stay close. Your baby will be engaged if you are right there and communicating with your whole body. Look into his eyes and use your hands to tell him you are talking just to him. 2. Slow down and add […]
 1 white glove (I bought a pair for $1 at Michaels; I’ve also seen sets of 2 pairs for $1 in the junior section of Target) Black felt Craft glue  Cut ten small black circles and five slightly larger black ovals out of black felt. The circles will be the ghosts’ eyes, and […]
Literacy begins at birth. The early reading and writing experiences children have help prepare them for later success in school. That’s why rich and varied language and literacy experiences at home and at preschool are so important. Children who have been read to, who know nursery rhymes and chants, who hear a great deal of […]
Babies thrive on routine. Knowing what to expect next is reassuring, and you can help baby associate daily rituals with song cues. Playing a favorite selection each time you bathe at night, for example, will signal to baby that it’s time to wind down and transition into getting ready for bed.  Pour through your cd […]
How do I go about choosing a babysitter? Get a trusted friend or family member if possible. Get recommendations from friends. Trade childcare with friends who have kids. Do not hire a sitter under age 12. Watch your child’s reaction when you tell them a sitter they know is coming, and listen to what your […]
 Use materials with interesting textures to make a fun book for your baby or toddler. Scraps of materials with interesting textures. (textured *papers, fabric, household items, etc.) Spiral-bound book with blank pages. (I used a watercolor pad because the pages were nice and heavy.) Exacto knife Glue (Bookbinding glue will work really nicely.) Glue […]
Little babies are not big fans of change. In fact, they often have trouble dealing with transitions like going from being warmly and snuggly dressed to being half naked for a diaper change. Singing rhyming songs can help your baby tolerate and even learn to anticipate transitions. Â Diaper changes aren’t the only events that […]
