Dear Dr. Day Care, My three year old son is very scared of Halloween! When I took him shopping and he sees the costumes and decorations, he cries to go home. I really want him to dress-up in costume and go out trick or treating tonight. What should I do? Signed, Scared Dear Scared: Many children experience a heightened sense of fear at this age- especially fear of the dark and visual fears such as “ghosts and witches.” This stage, and so many others that will come up, will soon pass. However, while your child is going through this stage he is truly and undoubtedly … [Read more...]
Practice kindness
Kindness - defined as the quality of being friendly, generous, and considerate. Kindness needs to be part of our family culture, and it begins by modeling the concept to our children at an early age and continuing throughout our life span. Believe it or not, kindness is observed by children at an early age. Children see acts of kindness in their homes, childcare programs, and their environment. At a very young age they are hearing adult conversations and they are noticing the actions taken toward others. Young children might not understand the words adults use, but can pick … [Read more...]
Dinner time advice
Dear Dr. Day Care, Our 4-year-old son refuses to sit down and eat a meal with his family each evening. We are visiting family over the holidays, and I am worried that he will not cooperate. What can we do? Signed, Stressed Dinner Parents Dear Stressed, Children need to be taught rules about appropriate dinner behavior beginning at an early age. I recommend starting around 7 months old. If your son has not previously been given limits in this area, he probably has made up his own rules and acts the way he chooses. I suggest taking some time with him to re-teach him … [Read more...]
