An environment that encourages exploration and physical development is important for children of all ages. Be sure to allow your baby plenty of space for rolling, scooting and, eventually, crawling. Babies like to grasp and manipulate objects, so be sure you have rattles and other safe toys within easy reach. Make it a habit to […]
 It takes a lot of patience combined with good judgment and warm, nurturing relationships to raise emotionally healthy, comfortable and cheerful children. But no matter what you do, your children are still going to feel sad, afraid, anxious, and angry from time to time. Your challenge, as a parent, is to learn how to […]
 Childhood is a time for children to learn about the world-and that includes learning how to get along with others. Parents play a crucial role in helping children figure out how to form satisfying relationships and develop into socially competent people. Social competence allows children to be cooperative and generous, express their feelings, and […]
Every parent hopes that their children are developing a positive sense of self-worth. How your children feel about themselves is one of your greatest responsibilities and biggest challenges. People who have a positive sense of self feel like they have something worthwhile to contribute and a sense of internal worth. They are able to venture […]
 We have lots of fun designing outfits for Barbie. She looks great in just about anything, including an old sock. We make use of the basket of single socks (the ones that have survived the washing machine), most of which are small with nice designs and colors. We cut off the foot of the […]
 Each summer my children build a city by painting and cutting and pasting empty cereal and shoe boxes. We have also used empty plastic containers and the centers from paper towel rolls. The kids work on it as the mood strikes them. The people and animals are made from clothespins, small plastic bottles, or […]
 By setting limits for children, you help them learn self-regulation, that is, how to set limits for themselves. The process of learning self-regulation and self-control begins in infancy, as babies begin to develop a sense of self. You can help by noticing your baby’s cues and signals, providing responsive care, and making sure she […]
Make a driveway city! With some sidewalk chalk, draw roads, train tracks, houses, farms, a zoo, shops, and anything else you want included in your city. Add some toy cars, trains, boats, and doll people, and you have hours of fun for the whole neighborhood. One “city” of ours circled the whole cul-de-sac.
