The “Two Minute Warning” Might Make Tantrums Worse

It has been said that the “two minute warning” is a good way to help a young child transition from playtime to another (less fun) activity. A study found that the “two minute warning” might actually make tantrums worse for some children – especially if the child was engaged in screen time. Researchers at the University of Washington’s Computing for Health Living & Learning Lab interviewed 27 families about how they manage media and screen time experiences for their toddlers and preschoolers. The answers to those questions informed a diary study that included 28 different families. Each family documented screen … Continue reading →

When Your Child Doesn’t Want to go to Preschool

Your child has been happily attending preschool for a while now. He or she always comes home with a smile and a story about something fun that happened that day. Now, suddenly, your child has started to resist going to preschool. What happened? Here is a quick checklist for parents who are baffled by their child’s declaration of “I don’t want to go to preschool!” Keep in mind that it is totally normal for a child to decided that he or she no longer wants to attend preschool. There are days when you don’t particularly want to go to work, … Continue reading →

What to Look for in a Preschool

Can you tell the difference between a great preschool and one that isn’t so good? What qualities should a good preschool have? Many parents worry that the preschool they select won’t be the best possible choice for their young one’s early education. Here are some things that you should look for in a preschool. Consider this a quick “checklist” of positive traits that every preschool program should have. Is the preschool licensed? Each state has their own rules regarding the licensing of preschool programs. Find out what your state requires. Ask the to see the license that the preschool has. … Continue reading →

The Power of Giving Limited Choices

Preschoolers are at the age where they have the skills, and motivation, to explore the world around them. Your preschooler has developed his or her own preferences and isn’t afraid to let you know about what they are. You can avoid some “meltdowns” and help your child develop independence at the same time with a simple tool. Give your preschooler limited choices. One of the reasons why preschoolers throw tantrums is because they are frustrated by how little control they have over what happens to them. They don’t get to choose if they want to go to preschool, or what … Continue reading →

Is Your Child Ready for Preschool?

Will this be the school year when your child begins attending preschool? That can be a tough decision for many parents. Some feel that preschool is very important in helping a child with social skills and to learn how school “works”. How can you tell if your child is ready for preschool? Here are some signs that indicate that he or she is ready to give preschool a try. Your Child is in Good Health. Preschool can be an exciting and fun growth experience for every child. Unfortunately, being around a lot of other children can expose your child to … Continue reading →

Stories Can Help Kids Prepare for Preschool

Will your little one be attending preschool for the very first time? He or she might be feeling a mix of emotions about going to preschool. These emotions can range from excitement about being a “big kid” who goes to school, to fear about what, exactly, he or she will face in the classroom. One way to calm worries and build confidence is with stories. Little kids often view story books as something fun to read (or have read to them). They don’t realize it, but many are using the stories as a means to help them understand the world … Continue reading →

Should I get my preschooler a pet?

Pets and kids go together like peanut butter and jelly. Most children love animals and enjoy being around them. There comes a time in most children’s lives when they ask their parents for a pet. It could be a puppy, kitty, turtle or fish but at some point they will ask. The decision needs to be made wisely or you could head for disaster and teach your child the opposite of what you thought this beautiful experience would be like. You need to pick the right pet for your family and your lifestyle. You need to have a realistic view … Continue reading →

So Tired of Washing Glasses

I grew so weary of having four kids and 6 to 7 glasses on tables with no one to claim them. The kids could never remember whose glass was whose. The solution was to get another glass. Now, I ask you, why would a family of 6 have 10 glasses to wash at the end of the night? I developed my own solution. I purchased disposable cups. In a moment of weakness, I thought that would solve all the cups around the house. It did cut down on glasses but now I had disposable cups all over the place. Each … Continue reading →

Have Fun this Summer

I never put together a summer bucket list. I saw blogs filled with printables and ideas for a bucket list and just pushed the idea aside. I quietly envied those with the freedom for a bucket list but figured I would never have the time. It was summer and that meant it was my time to get some projects completed and work on building up my graphic design business again. My business partner and I have a list a mile long of how we will run our business and what services we would offer. Most of June has consisted of … Continue reading →

Cedar Point and Your Preschooler

Cedar Point, located in Sandusky, Ohio, is normally associated with heart pumping rides and the thrill of going upside down at 70 miles an hour only to endure a drop that makes the hair on your arms stand on end. That is hardly the experience you want your preschooler to endure. It may surprise you to learn that Cedar Point is not only fun for adults and older kids but for preschoolers as well. It is one of the best family fun parks around! Top Seven Things to Love About Cedar Point for Preschoolers My mini thrill seeker spent her … Continue reading →