Spring time is here and flowers are in bloom. One of my favorite things to do in spring has always been to plant a flower garden with children. As part of my educational curriculum I had the children in my child care bring home a pot of flower seeds they planted. I encouraged parents to transplant the pot of flower seeds as they began to grow in their yard and watch the flowers grow with their children! Take time through the seasons to count with your child how many flowers bloomed - teaching child hands-on math lessons. My favorite flowers to plant were morning glories because they … [Read more...]
Ouch He Bit Me!
Dear Dr. Day Care, I have 2 toddler sons - 18 months and 2 ½ years old. They are always together. At least three times a day (some days it seems like a lot more!) my 18-month-old bites his brother. What can we do to stop this behavior? Signed, Ouch He Bit Me! Dear Ouch, Biting is one of the most frequent questions I have received in my career! Over the course of my 47 years working in child development, I have found that parents often have the most concerns about biting, sleeping, or eating. Fortunately, biting is a stage. I understand that it is a … [Read more...]
Temper Tantrums – Ask Dr. Day Care
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 … [Read more...]
