I have three foster children and the oldest one often has temper tantrums. How can I deal with these in a way that is best for the child but also allows me to keep my sanity? - Tired in Cranston, RI Dear Tired, Temper tantrums could begin before a year old peaking at different ages and stages of development. Usually children will have a temper tantrum due to frustration and feeling not in control. Many parents are embarrassed by their child's behavior, which is a very normal feeling. Temper tantrums could be avoided if parents are educated to notice the signs of temper tantrum … [Read more...]
Purposeful play
Dear Dr. Day Care, I enrolled my four year old daughter in a new day care. During the tour, the administrator of the program suggested I should follow the philosophy of the school - teaching my child through play. What does that mean? I didn’t want to ask at the time for clarification, but now I am doubting myself. Don’t children play all the time? Am I doing it wrong? Signed, Love to Play with my Daughter Dear Love to Play with my Daughter, Many child care centers are embracing the idea of learning through play, sometimes referred to as purposeful play. This simply … [Read more...]
Kindergarten “Baby”
Dear Dr. Day Care, My husband and I have four children- three daughters and our youngest son. Our oldest daughter is eleven and our son is five years old. He is entering kindergarten this year and is refusing to go to school. I asked him why and he said it is because his sisters told him kindergarten is for babies and he isn’t a baby! What should I do? Signed, Baby Boy's Mom Dear Baby Boy's Mom, Explain to your son that kindergarten is not for babies. Let him know that babies are only months old and he is five years old. Reassure him that he will be learning many concepts such as the … [Read more...]
