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...]
Science isn’t scary!
Children are scientists from the moment they are born, using their senses to observe and gain knowledge about the world around them. - RIELDS Many adults feel that they aren't "good at" science or that it is too hard. Not true! Children are naturally curious about the world. Anyone who has spent time with a young child has heard the question "Why? Why? Why?" Help foster that curiosity by turning them into scientists. Let children experiment and find out "what happens if...?" Give them room to explore and find the answers. Ask silly questions and do an investigation to find out what … [Read more...]
Child’s Self Portrait
Dear Dr. Day Care, My child just turned three years old and is drawing a picture of himself with his head bigger than his body and his legs and arms are coming out of his head! He didn’t draw any details like fingers or toes. Should I be alarmed at his portrait of himself? Signed, First Time Mom Dear First Time Mom, Actually, it sounds to me that your son is right on target! Most children at his age are drawing the same type of images of themselves. Did you know that children go through stages of drawing just like any other stages of development? … [Read more...]
