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4 Surprising Things You Should Expect When Your Child Starts Pre-School

by Guest Contributor
written by Guest Contributor

As parents, naturally you’re going to want your children to have the strongest starts in life. Pre-school forms a foundation for your children’s future in school, and it’s natural to be worried about whether or not they are going to fit in or are ready for the transition. Pre-school helps young children develop important social and educational skills. It’s a huge step, but you have to remember that it’s also completely normal—every parent goes through the same worries as you.

But no matter how much you prepare your little one for the turbulence of pre-school, there are some things that you just cannot get ready for. So to put your mind at ease, here are 4 surprising things that you should expect when your child takes their first steps into pre-school.

Image by klimkin from Pixabay

1. New-Found Independence

On the first day, you may find that on drop-off, your little one is clinging to your leg asking you not to go. It’s a scene to tug at the heartstrings of many a parent and teacher, and it’s also something to be expected. You’re the person who has been there at every hurdle so far, and the fact they now have to go it alone at school can be a tricky situation for kiddos. But at the same time, children learn from their successes and their failures. It’s important that you don’t rush in to save them from every challenging situation they face.

Children learn from their parents, so it’s important not to make a fuss or give in to their demands at this crucial stage of starting pre-school. Instead, try to prepare them for independence by teaching them hand washing, changing shoes, zipping up their coat, and using their lunchbox. These simple steps will provide them with all they need for the first few days until they begin to pick things up from their teachers and peers.

2. You’ll Need to Focus On The Basics

Before even starting pre-school, it is important for your child to know their full name, parents/carers names and home address. Encourage your child to remember these so that if they are needed, they can recite them back. It is vital that if your child has an allergy, special health need or illness, they can clearly say what it is. It may be worth purchasing an information note card or bracelet that they can show they’re having trouble remembering.

3. Your Child Will Get Illnesses

With your little one heading off to preschool, you must get ready for the potential onslaught of childhood illnesses. Children are yet to build up their immunity to illnesses and catch catch up to 8 colds a year. Thanks to grubby hands, snotty noses, and coughs, children are bound to catch illnesses from one another in a classroom. Here are some common illnesses you can start preparing for:

Common Cold and Ear Infections

The clue is in the name, but colds and ear infections are extremely normal in children. Look out for sore throats, high temperatures, and earaches. If symptoms present themselves, give your sick little one painkillers, keep them home from pre-school, and keep them hydrated.

Image by Pexels from Pixabay

Tummy Bugs

Seeing children suffer through tummy bugs can be hard, especially when dealing with sickness, nausea, diarrhea, and cramps. It can take anything from 24 hours to a week to clear up, and rest and comfort are typically the only cures. Keep children hydrated, as dehydration may lead to more serious problems.

Croup

Croup is extremely common in children under 5 and is a viral infection. It is unpreventable and often starts out as a normal cold. Over a few days, symptoms begin to worsen and develop into an inflamed throat. This then results in noisy breathing, a hoarse voice, and loud coughing fits which get worse in the evenings. Usually, most bouts of croup only last a few days, and rest, painkillers, and fluids are recommended. Croup can also become more serious, and some children struggle to breathe. If your child struggles to settle, has a fever, or can’t quite catch their breath, see a doctor immediately.

Image by Pexels from Pixabay

4. Extreme Tiredness

Children of a pre-school age typically require around 11-12 hours of sleep each night. But when they start pre-school, the whole experience can mean they become much more tired and cranky than usual. There are many things you can do to combat this during the day, such as giving them a balanced breakfast, a healthy packed lunch, and encouraging them to get outside during break time. But when they get home, it is important that you don’t let their tiredness rule over them.

Set a clear bedtime routine involving a bath, consistent meal, play times, and even a story before they go to sleep. Having a clear routine helps them identify that sleep is near and prevents them from nodding off as soon as they get home. You can also give them child-friendly vitamins, such as fish oil capsules, multivitamins, and plenty of vitamin C from fresh fruit and vegetables.

Author Bio

Natalie Wilson is a freelance wellness and lifestyle writer. She loves researching and writing about new wellness trends and topics, as well as keeping up to date with the latest news. When not writing, you can find her taking long walks in the countryside with her dog or browsing her nearest bookstore. You can connect with her on Twitter @NatWilson976.

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KidsLittle Kid

Ways to Beat the “I’m Bored” Blues This Summer

by Jennifer Landis
written by Jennifer Landis

They’re two words every parent dreads— “I’m bored.” They tend to ring out in the midst of summer when kids have nothing but time to kill. The worst part is, they’ll most often look to you—the mom— to solve their boredom. And every parent knows entertaining a bored kid is harder than it sounds.

That’s where we come in. We want to help you banish those boredom blues without any hesitation on your part. If you have an arsenal of go-to boredom busters, you might make it through the summer unscathed. The next time your kids say those two dreaded words, try out one of these eight ideas to keep them excited and entertained. 

Image by Krzysztof Walas from Pixabay

1. Take Lunch Outside

Something as simple as a change of scenery can make your child perk up again. Instead of serving up sandwiches in the kitchen, grab a blanket and a basket — you can even get creative with the menu if you have enough time to plan a true picnic. Head outside and eat lunch in the backyard or in a nearby park or green space. As soon as the fresh air hits, all that boredom will blow away in the breeze.

2. Make a Sales Pitch

Use boredom as an opportunity to hone your kiddo’s entrepreneurial spirit. Another great summer to-do is to open up a lemonade stand. Help your kids mix up a pitcher of the sweet stuff and set up a table at the end of the driveway. Even if they don’t get a lot of sales, the excitement of selling something — and making a bit of cash — will seriously enthuse them.

3. Bake Together

Perhaps you’re home for the day without any responsibilities of your own. If so, take time to partake in a boredom-busting activity with your little one(s). They’ll love helping you measure out and pour ingredients into a mixing bowl, and they’ll enjoy taste testing even more. You’ll get bonus points if the baked good allows for a bit of decoration — kids can spend hours icing and pouring sprinkles onto cookies and cakes.

4. Guide a Nature Walk

Some say that boredom is a bad sign — and that quenching one’s curiosity is one way to relieve such a sentiment. As such, you can teach your children something new by taking them on a walk through a local park or nature preserve. If you’re not well-versed in the local flora or fauna, a park ranger can probably outfit you with a bit of information about the trail that you can relay to your brood. Better yet, they’ll get to walk around and explore the wilderness, scoping out birds, bugs and blossoms. Even without a lot of answers to their questions, they’re sure to be engaged and inquisitive.

Image by Luidmila Kot from Pixabay

5. Build a Village

Rainy weather often brings on the “I’m bored” announcements in the summer, so it’s especially important to have some indoor activities on your list of to-dos. If your child has lots of blocks, Legos, or any other kind of kid-friendly building material, then suggest they round them all up and start building. You can piece together an entire village with these materials, and your child’s imagination will run wild. Older kids might love to build something bigger, such as a blanket fort. Once it’s built, they’ll be liable to hang out there for the rest of the day. Not too shabby.

6. Go on a Photo Safari

A lot of today’s photography takes place on a phone, but you probably have an old digital camera somewhere in the house. If you can dig it up and also happen to have batteries that fit, you can use it to help staunch that summer boredom. First, teach your kids the basics of how to use the camera — zooming, taking the picture, and perhaps framing shots if they’re older and willing to learn. Once they have the basics down (and have probably taken over 100 pictures of the dog) go somewhere with lots to see and shoot. Botanical gardens and museums are good places to start. Your kids will love being the ones taking pictures for a change, and they’ll be even more excited to print them out to view their work.

Photo by Đàm Tướng Quân from Pexels

7. Stock the Craft Box

Having a well-stocked craft box can be the difference between boredom and entertainment for kids of all ages. Along with that, you might want to have a few ideas in your arsenal, too — guiding your kids through a simple, summer-themed craft can get them out of their funk. Imagine they make something useful, like a bird feeder for the backyard. Not only will they love to create it and decorate it, but they can spend some time watching as winged ones sneak in for a snack.

8. Plan a Staycation

Finally, you can take time this summer to explore all that your hometown has to offer. Get online and start looking for the best entertainment options. And if your kid is old enough, they can do the research. Perhaps you’ll uncover local museums, theater productions, famous eateries… whatever it is, you can easily engage your child by showing them something new.

Image by Michelle Maria from Pixabay

Say “Bye” to Boredom

All you want is for your kids to have a fun, memorable, and active summer. Keep these exciting activities on the back burner until you hear those two little words — “I’m bored.” You’ll know just how to respond, and when you do, the activity you choose will be a memorable one for both you and your child. And we think that’s what summer is all about.

 

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InspirationalKidsLittle KidMotherhoodPre-TeenTeenager

3 Things Parents Must Tell Their Children When They Take Up A Musical Instrument

by Guest Contributor
written by Guest Contributor

All parents of musical children secretly twiddle their thumbs in hope they’ll become proud parents of a prodigy musician, playing in some well-respected conservatory. Of course, most of the parents end up with well-educated, strong-willed and in all ways promising children, but the expectations sometimes overpower reason and not rarely do we encounter young players frustrated and pressured to become something they’re not. This is why it is very important teaching fun, but also realistic and more serious sides of playing a musical instrument.

In the world of brutal competing and the survival of the fittest, it’s hard sometimes standing aside and letting things take their natural course, but for the sake of our children gaining healthy and positive associations to music, every parent must think twice when advising their kids once they’ve taken the road of music playing.

IT’S NOT ALWAYS GOING TO BE FUN AND GAMES

Children should learn to play music regardless of their talent and chances for professional success, since it brings amazing advantages to building healthy habits, improving social skills and self-esteem, boosting cognitive ability and much more. In fact, learning to play an instrument in any case requires a lot of dedication, regular practice, discipline and patience. These soft skills are valuable for building strong and independent personalities, but children being children have a hard time understanding this on their own.

It’s fun to learn new music. It’s fun to play in a group. It’s fun to perform and get standing ovations from an audience. But until it gets this fun and effortless, a lot of hard work and persistence need to be applied. Children are usually impulsive by nature and act in accordance with what they feel and experience at the moment. If your child likes their instrument and doesn’t really like to practice – you are in good company! It doesn’t mean they don’t want to play their instrument. Practice is a discipline that students learn little by little, by trial and error, and with feedback from their teacher. It’s a skill to be developed regardless of playing itself.

Explain to your child that even though it may seem hard and complicated in the beginning, in time they’ll be able to see the results of their hard work and gain a sense of achievement. Help your kid by staying determined and undoubtful about their practicing routine and soon they’ll get used to the tempo and feel the need to do it on their own. Make sure not to strain your child if you notice that the problem is not mere childish impatience, but real aversion to playing.  You have a chance to help your child understand and visualize the fruits of their hard work in the future and that it all eventually pays off.

FAILURE IS INEVITABLE AND IT TEACHES YOU VALUABLE LESSONS

With every long-term goal, a lot of work and motivation is required. With every true work, failure is a must and everyone experiences it from time to time. It’s very important letting your child understand that failure can be a good thing if it’s embraced and reexamined. The only way one can learn is through making mistakes and understanding what’s been done wrong. Nobody is perfect and should not strive to be. Telling your little instrument player that they’ll struggle sometimes and that it’s perfectly fine will make them more motivated, single-minded and feel supported in their journey.

There are no red pen marks for missed notes in music the way there are on tests — there is nothing to feel bad about when you play something “wrong” in music.  To become skilled at a musical instrument one needs to know what it’s like to sound off key.  They need to sound bad before they sound good; they need to work on things just beyond what they are capable of in order to get better and smarter, and that means they need to make mistakes.

HARD WORK BEATS TALENT EVERY TIME

With playing an instrument, as in other areas of life, there’s always going to be someone more talented, more naturally predisposed who’ll go through the process much faster and more effortlessly than your child. This, by all means, doesn’t mean that your kid is not cut for it or that it should be discouraged. In fact, this disadvantage may turn into a positive commitment, a driving force to fight the odds and excel.

Practicing a skill over and over, the right way, fires circuits in our brains that solidify that skill.  Sure, some people find some skills easier at first than others, but the people who practice that skill daily in order to carve it into their brain will always far surpass people who don’t practice enough.  Practicing a musical instrument helps children learn the universal truth that hard work trumps talent.

When feeling down and discouraged, tell your child that success depends on the amount of invested work. This will be a valuable life lesson in general. Furthermore, it’s useful to zone out and don’t think about other people’s performance at all. Playing for the sake of your own pleasure and sense of accomplishment will teach your  child to appreciate their work even more and enjoy it regardless of how they would be ranked or judged.

There are not many subjects taught in school that have the potential to give our children the life skills they need to be successful beyond their school lives. We as parents are obliged to guide them through misfortunes and help them learn as much as they can from what life throws at them. Our children can learn how to have grit, motivation, problem-solving skills, flexibility, and character by tackling the obstacles and challenges music playing inevitably carries.

About the Author

Simon Dupree has discovered he has a passion for music from a very young age. Ever since then, music has been an essential part of his life. When he is not practicing, he’s probably behind the keyboard writing for Music Groupies.

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BabyKidsLittle KidToddler

5 Tips to Help Kids Sleep Through the Night

by Guest Contributor
written by Guest Contributor

Sleeping through the night can feel like such a milestone, especially if you’ve been getting fragmented sleep for months on end. Unfortunately, night waking doesn’t always disappear with infancy. Instead, sleep patterns and behaviors respond to routines, schedules, and healthy sleep habits, which gives you, as the parent, some ability to influence your child’s ability to sleep through the night. Keep reading to get our top five sleep improvement tips.

1. Consistency is Your Friend

The human body relies on predictable patterns of behavior to time the sleep cycle. A consistent bedtime uses that fact to your advantage. The key is that those patterns have to be repeated every day, sometimes for weeks, before the brain fully adjusts and responds. The consistency of a bedtime can translate to less nighttime wakings because it means your child’s sleep hormone levels are where they should be both at the start, middle, and end of the night.

2. Schedules Save Bedtime

To fully support that bedtime, you absolutely need a bedtime routine. Many children have a hard time transitioning from an alert state to asleep. A routine gives them a chance to bring their energy levels down in preparation for sleep. That process also provides time for their sleep hormone levels to regulate and release at the same time every day. The routine can be simple, like changing into pajamas, brushing teeth, and listening to a story. It can also be more complex with picking up toys and taking a warm bath before crawling into bed. You have the flexibility to decide what works for you and your child’s schedule.

3. Kids Need Comfort

Now that you’re past the falling asleep part, you have to decide what to do during nighttime wake-ups. Putting yourself back to sleep at night is a learned skill, and some children struggle with it. One way to help is to address physical and emotional comfort issues.

The easiest issues to take on are physical. Check the mattress to make sure it’s supportive. Children, with their low body weights, can sometimes be uncomfortable on a mattress that’s too firm, or your child could be waking because she’s getting poked by a mattress tag or sticker all night long. The room should also be cool, somewhere between 60 to 68 degrees usually does the trick, and try to make it as dark as possible. Night lights are fine, but opt for a motion-activated model that won’t wake your child during the night.

4. Remove Screens from the Bedroom

Televisions, tablets, or phones in the bedroom can disrupt your child’s sleep in two ways. First of all, electronic devices emit light on the blue spectrum which can suppress sleep hormones. Using any of these devices before bed can delay the start of the sleep cycle. Second, having these devices in the bedroom can not only be a source of blue spectrum light, but also cause a temptation that can be hard to ignore. Your child may be too young to turn on the television, but it’s still a distraction that can lead to wakefulness.

5. Teach Them to Fall Asleep on Their Own

You can start to teach your child to fall asleep on her own while she’s still in infancy. Lay your baby down when she’s almost asleep rather than fully asleep. Or lay her down in her crib while you sing softly or read a book to her until her eyelids close. If she can learn to quiet herself at bedtime, she can learn to self soothe herself back to sleep during the night too.

For older children, this can be a bit trickier. If your child comes out of her room, quietly take her back without making a fuss. Keep nighttime wakings quiet and boring. It’s not playtime or special cuddle time because who wants to go to sleep when that’s the reward? Every time your child comes out of her room, take her back. Don’t give in, or you’ll be going through the whole process over and over again.

Conclusion

Sleeping through the night is more of a challenge for some children than others. But with consistency in effort and technique, you can help your child learn to handle nighttime waking in a stride. Before you know it, you’ll all be getting better sleep.

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FamilyKidsLittle KidPre-TeenTeenager

10 Creative Ways to Make Moving With Kids Easier

by Guest Post
written by Guest Post

Moving is tough on your nerves and your budget, but the process becomes more complicated when you add kids into the mix. Your children may grieve for the memories of the old house and neighborhood and may not know how to handle relocation. Don’t let your kids feel left out. Make moving with kids a fun adventure for all with these 10 creative ways to simplify the process.

moving with kids

1. Make a Song and Dance

Kids love to sing and dance, so host the most fun packing party with your kids. Order pizza and make your own show happen. Recreate the lyrics to “Let It Go” or another favorite song.

2. Riddle Them

Don’t leave out your littlest ones, and hide surprises for your munchkins to find while they help with the move. Create riddles to solve or make a maze.

3. Box Decoration Duty

Once boxes get sealed, task older kids with appropriate labeling and box decorating duty. Give them colorful markers and stickers. Your little ones can help with the stickers.

Ask the in-home estimator for a quote on coloring book moving boxes to keep things structured and fun if you’re afraid the doodles may get out of hand. It makes the packing process more exciting with storytelling and a pop of color.

4. Cardboard Imaginative Play

Many people overdo it with the box foraging, so save some for your kids to play in for breaks and distractions. They can build a fort and have something to play with while you pack away their toys.

5. Moving Playlist Music

Let your kids create the ultimate moving road trip playlist. Keep up the family morale with feel-good tunes. Teens will love being in charge of this idea, but it may help your resolve to remind your teen that all family members get at least two of their own picks on the list.

6. Games for the Road

Playing Monopoly on the road could prove dangerous. Instead, make a list of simple games you and your family can play on the road together to pass the time, such as 20 Questions or I Spy, which is great for kids ages 2 and older. You only need two people. With a notebook, you can also play Hangman and Tic-Tac-Toe.

7. Camp Indoors

You’ve arrived, but don’t rush to set up bedrooms yet. Camping indoors lets your family have extra bonding time and dream about the potential for your new space. You may have ideas you never expected come up overnight. Pitch a tent indoors and start dreaming.

8. Trust Kids to Set up Their Rooms

While you don’t want your toddler setting up their room, trust older kids to organize their space. When kids place their toys in the areas they prefer, they may take more pride in keeping things in order,

Letting your 11-year-old decorate their own room develops their autonomy and expression because eventually, they move out into the world on their own. Let your kids have a say in their space and also the ones you share.

9. Make Decorating Collaborative

You all have to stare at the same four walls, so get the whole family involved in the decorating process. Make a sign with the family name to hang on the door, or paint it on the mailbox. Why not make signs for each other’s rooms?

10. Repurposed Cardboard Crafts

You want to teach your kids the value of recycling and repurposing, so don’t let that cardboard go to waste. Flatten and cut out cardboard squares for the kids to release their inner artist, or make two forts to play a game of sock war.

Moving gets tough quickly for the whole family as you deal with multiple feelings about the process, from sadness and excitement to not busting your budget. Your kids need your support in the form of a big hug and things to do, but these ideas prove that moving doesn’t have to happen without fun or creativity.

Adjustments during and after the move will take time. Show your kids photos of the new location, and involve them collaboratively in the moving process to get them excited about their new home.

 

Author Bio:

Jennifer Landis is a 29-year-old healthy living blogger who loves yoga, running, and dancing it out with her toddler! You can find more from Jennifer at her blog, Mindfulness Mama, or by following her on Twitter: @jenniferelandis.

 

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KidsLittle KidPre-TeenTeenager

4 Self-Care Habits That Will Boost Your Child’s Mental Health

by Guest Post
written by Guest Post

Self-care is something we do intentionally to sustain our physical, mental or emotional well-being, and as parents it can be hard to find time to do. As it turns out, learning to take care of ourselves from an early age can set the precedent for making it a priority in adulthood. Learning self-care in our childhood isn’t just to set ourselves up for healthy habits, it’s also to manage developmental stressors that can affect mental health throughout life.

Whether your child is 8 or 18, regular acts of self-care will promote a productive environment of positive strategies for good health. Here are 4 self-care ideas that can be easily integrated into everyday life to improve your child’s mental health.

self-care habits

1. Encourage Openness

It’s important for children to not only be comfortable with sharing their emotions, but to know how to as well. Start the conversation with your child by letting them know that you are someone who cares and will listen without judgement if they want to share their thoughts and feelings. If your child is reserved by nature and likewise has difficulty openly discussing touchy topics such as mental health, provide accessible mental health resources that illustrate other’s experiences with regulating their mental state. It’s great for children to grow awareness of their sense of self and well-being on a relatable scale.

2. Form Healthy Habits

Teaching children how to tweak small details in their daily routine is a great way to concurrently improve their physical health as well as their mental health. Research shows physical exercise is essential to mental health. Burning off some of that negative energy can be beneficial in overall mood improvement by relieving stress and increasing energy and mental alertness. The same research recommends exercising three or more times per week for at least 45 minutes. This can easily be broken down to fit your children’s schedule by going for a bike ride after school and then maybe a walk together after dinner. Even better if you can find a local sports league that your child expresses an interest in, like soccer or softball!

3. Make Time For Fun

Your child should make it a priority to do something enjoyable every single day, whether it’s on their own or with someone else. More importantly, it’s important to find ways to make daily activities more enjoyable if they’re something your child doesn’t typically look forward to doing. For example, if your child enjoys music, allow them to set aside some time to listen to their favorite band, dance to some tunes, or play music on an instrument. Likewise, if guitar practice for instance, isn’t something that your child particularly enjoys but knows is a must for school, they can incorporate ways to make it more enjoyable by learning how to play a favorite song of theirs.

4. Support Creativity

When words fail, sometimes we can relieve our tension and express our emotions through creative outlets. Mindful activities like coloring or journaling are great avenues for your child to explore when learning to work through stress and complicated feelings. Consider a therapeutic coloring book, for any age, that can can sooth negative emotions, improve mood and increase focus on the present moment. Your child might even find a sense of pride in their work, ultimately boosting their self-esteem.

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5 Of The Best “I’m Bored” Activities On Pinterest

by Karly Wood
written by Karly Wood

Ahh, summer. The season of freedom and creativity, where the days are open to imagination. As true as that is, our kids also run out of steam and it’s not long before we start hearing the dreaded “I’m bored!” Instead of telling the kids to go paint the house, like my grandmother told me, whip out of one of these “I’m bored” activities and they’ll be out of your hair and back to having fun in no time.

I'm bored

Source: HomeSchoolOn.com

1. The Bored Jar

When the inevitable “I’m bored” graces your ears, hand over the Bored Jar! Packed with tons of boredom busters and an equal assortment of imaginative play suggestions and chores makes every grab into the jar exciting. Kids don’t like what they pulled out? Finish the suggestion and then try again!

Snag the free printable and make you own when you visit HomeSchoolOn.com.

i'm bored

Source: ModernParentsMessyKids.com

2. I’m Bored Printable

Turn being bored into an activity itself, with this simple and helpful printable found at ModernParentsMessyKids.com. Using “bored” as an anagram, kids have five options to banish boredom for the day by building, being outside, reading, earning money and doing something for others. Easy peasy!

i'm bored

Source: Childhood101.com

3. Fun From A to Z

Go back to basics and let the alphabet tell you what to do when you’re bored! This printable chart from Childhood 101 is a breeze- it lists one activity for every letter of the alphabet! If you get through all 26, there’s no way you’re still bored.

Head to Childhood101.com to get the free printable version!

i'm bored

Source: VickyBarone.com

4. I’m Bored Popsicle Sticks

This is a two-part boredom buster that takes a little prep work for mom, but it’s totally worth it. Coordinate painted popsicle sticks to colored strips of paper, so kiddos pull out a color, and then find a matching stick that has an activity written down. Come up with your own creative ideas like getting outside, being artistic and even chores!

Find all the details and instructions at VickyBarone.com.

i'm bored

Source: MakingLemonadeBlog.com

5. I’m Bored Art Jar

If you having a budding Picasso on your hands, this “I’m bored” art jar is a great solution to keep on hand. Packed with all sorts of mediums and supplies like glue, googly eyes and more, the next time your little artist says they have nothing to do, just hand this jar over.

Check out ideas on what to put in your art jar at MakingLemonadeBlog.com.

 

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Little Kid

9 Important Questions To Ask On A Preschool Tour

by Guest Post
written by Guest Post

Getting prepared to send your little one off to preschool can be difficult for any parent. Not only are you mentally preparing yourself to send your baby off to school for the first time, but trying to find the best preschool that works for your family can be challenging. Once you’ve honed in on the ideal school, what questions should you ask while you’re there?

First, don’t be shy. Ask as many questions as necessary to ensure that you’re 100% comfortable with leaving your child in their care and that the school is a good fit for your family. Don’t be afraid of being viewed as overly concerned or a helicopter parent. Preschool directors want you to be certain that this is the place for you and don’t want you enrolling if they are not the right match. Keep reading for 9 important questions to ask on your upcoming preschool tour.

preschool tour

1. Philosophy

You probably did some research on the school’s philosophy before scheduling your tour (you can read about preschool philosophies here), but there are more questions to ask. Every school will implement the philosophy they follow differently. How does the philosophy shape the curriculum and class size? If they emphasize individual learning, how is cooperation taught? If it emphasizes cooperation does the school do anything to foster leadership and autonomy?

2. Discipline and Conflict Resolution

Preschoolers will inevitably encounter difficulties dealing with others as their brains are still developing and they’re still learning social norms and appropriate behavior. When conflict occurs, how does the school handle it? If a child hits, how is the behavior corrected? At what point is a parent notified of issues and in what way? What is the schools policy on biting? Unfortunately, it happens, and may schools send children home for the day for biting.

What is considered disruptive behavior? How are children taught and encouraged to resolve conflicts independently? Consider how much information you want from the school. Are you the type of parent who wants to be notified of every squabble or do you only feel it’s important when there’s a physical altercation or pattern of disruptive behavior?

3. Teacher Qualifications, Turnover, Staff Development, and Ratio

Consistency is so important in a child’s life. How long have the teachers been there? Do any have plans to leave soon? If the school has separate classrooms for different age children, do the teachers move with the students at the end of the year or will your child have a new teacher next year? What are the teachers’ qualifications? How long have they been teaching? What does the school do to continually develop their staff? Every state has minimums regarding adult to child ratio – does the school meet the minimums?

4. Parental Involvement in the School

If you’re interested in a co-op, you’re committing to a high level of involvement. For other schools, parental involvement will vary. Some want parents to limit their time in the classroom because it can make transitions harder for children. Some welcome parental involvement and ask for it at times. Many schools have fundraisers – what are the fundraising expectations? Are there weekend activities you’re asked to attend? Consider how much time you have to give to a school when listening to these answers.

5. Outdoor Activity

Preschoolers need to spend time outside developing gross motor skills, but studies show that kids aren’t getting physical activity. Pediatricians recommend a minimum of an hour of outdoor time each day. How much time do the children spend outside? What is the school’s policy on inclement weather or high temperatures? What is their sunscreen policy?

6. Screen Time

Technology is ubiquitous in our lives and children should interact with it, but that doesn’t mean that screen time should be used liberally at school. How is it incorporated into lessons? Are children left to watch TV during drop off/pick ups? Is it being used a substitute for something more experiential? There’s evidence that some childcare centers do not follow recommended guidelines on screen time so make sure you’re aware of how the school uses it and comfortable with their approach.

7. Social & Academic Growth, Tailored Learning & Kindergarten Readiness

If you’re evaluating play-based schools, it may be difficult for you envision how academics are taught and what exactly the children are learning. Rest assured, a quality program will teach academics and critical social, motor, and language skills, and experts agree that children learn best through play. Ask how your child’s progress will be measured and reported. Do they set specific social and academic goals based on the level at which each child enters school or are there milestones for the class as a whole? Do they have periodic parent/teacher conferences? What happens if the child isn’t progressing? How is that addressed? Are you notified in advance of a conference if there are issues? Kindergarten, especially academic-based public kindergarten, can be a difficult transition for many children coming from a play-based preschool. What does the school do to prepare your child for it?

8. Open Door Policy & Safety

First and foremost, we all want our children to be safe. What measures does the school have in place to ensure safety? Are there keypad locks? A sign in and out procedure? List of approved people who can pick up? Who manages that and how is it communicated to substitute teachers? What fire/natural disaster plans are in place? In a catastrophic event, how do they communicate with parents? What is their drop-in policy for parents? Can you come at any time or do you need to prearrange early pick up, if needed?

9. References

Ask if you can speak to the some families who are currently enrolled. They’re your best source of information – the good and the bad.

10. Other Questions

Depending on your needs, you might be curious about these topics as well:

  • Vaccination policy
  • Illness policy/will they administer antibiotics
  • What, if any, meals are served and a sample menu
  • How allergies/dietary restrictions are handled
  • Birthday policy – can you bring treats for the class?
  • Are there any extended closures (Spring Break, holidays, etc.)?
  • Late pickup policy
  • Cleaning procedures, especially after an illness hits the school
  • Are enrichment activities offered and are they included in tuition?
  • If transportation is provided, are car seats provided for each child? Are all drivers licensed and insured?
  • Where do most of the children attend kindergarten?
  • Is the school adept at teaching children with special needs?
  • Does the school specifically teach about cultural diversity?
  • Does the school do anything to address gender stereotypes?
  • What are some of the books they love to read to children?

 

You may find that many of these questions are covered during your tour and you may think of others while you’re there. Never be afraid speak up and ask anything that comes to mind!

Search Paper Pinecone to find preschools, daycares, and before/after school care programs that meet your needs. If you have specific questions about finding the right program, send us an email at questions@paperpinecone.com.

 

About the Author

Stacey Grumet is Founder and CEO of Paper Pinecone, the most useful resource for connecting with daycare, preschool, and before/after school programs that meet your needs. She lives in Los Angeles with her perfectly adequate husband and precocious 3-year-old daughter (as of this writing). Every day she strives to be the world’s most ok mom. 

 

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Little Kid

6 Adorable Tooth Fairy Ideas To Make Your Big Kid Feel Special

by Karly Wood
written by Karly Wood

Teeth are getting loose up in our house, and that means it’s time to start expecting a visit from the tooth fairy! It can be scary for littles to start losing teeth (and hard for mom because bye bye, our little babies!) but there are tons of fun ways to make it fun and exciting.

tooth fairy ideas

Source: Etsy.com

1. Tooth Fairy Pillow

Make sure you don’t lose that precious baby tooth before the tooth fairy has a chance to come for a visit! Store your kid’s choppers in an adorable tooth fairy pillow like the one pictured above, complete with a nifty pocket to hold that hard-earned cash! It’s small enough to hang on a hook or doorknob, but large enough so the tooth fairy won’t be able to miss it!

tooth fairy ideas

Source: BritchesNBoots.blogspot.com

2. Tooth Fairy Door

Give the tooth fairy instant access to your child’s room when you install a tiny door! Made from pre-fabbed doors for doll houses, you can paint to match your kiddos room, then find the best spot to hang up. All you have to do now is wait for the tooth fair to visit!

Check out all the steps for this fun DIY over at BritchesNBoots.blogspot.com.

tooth fairy ideas

Source: MamaCheaps.com

3. Glitter Money

The tooth fairy is a special lady, and that’s why she doles out tooth money covered in glitter! Creating your own glitter money is as easy as lightly spraying a bill with spray adhesive and coating in glitter. Shake, dry and give out!

Head to MamaCheaps.com for more ideas on the tooth fairy!

tooth fairy ideas

Source: TheSuburbanMom.com

4. Leave a Tooth Fairy Report Card

There’s always a way to turn losing a tooth into a learning situation! Reward your kiddo for losing a tooth, but also take the time to give their tooth a grade! It will se the stage for a mouth full of healthy adult teeth!

You can download your tooth fairy report card at TheSuburbanMom.com!

tooth fairy ideas

Source: Amazon.com

5. Gift A Book

Celebrate those wiggly teeth by reading a book about it! Whether you reward your child with a book before they actually lose their teeth, or this comes as a gift from the tooth fairy, it’s always a good idea to have a reason to read!

You can find tons of books on loose teeth and the tooth fairy on Amazon!

tooth fairy ideas

Source: PluckyMomo.blogspot.com

6. Deliver A Letter From The Tooth Fairy

Teeny tiny letters are oh so cute and that’s why your little will LOVE receiving one when they turn over a tooth. You can download the font from the photo above for a super sweet look (and not worry about having your kid recognize your handwriting!) from PluckyMomo.blogspot.com.

 

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healthy body image
KidsLittle KidPre-TeenTeenager

6 Easy Ways To Help Your Children Have A Healthy Body Image

by Guest Post
written by Guest Post

Several studies suggest that children can start having body image issues as early as 3 years old. Imagine––that’s even before they completely grasp the concept of spoken language! This is why it’s never too early to start teaching our kids about having a positive body image. Here are seven easy ways to help your kids have a healthy body image.

healthy body image

1. Set a Good Example

As parents, or even just as more knowledgeable adults, we must always be aware of our actions and the things we say around children—whether it is about ourselves, other people, or things. Sometimes we tend to joke about the way our body looks and our kids pick up on it! As difficult as it may be, try and avoid negative thoughts about the way you look in your swimsuit, how you haven’t lost that baby weight or how you don’t look like you did pre-children. Your body is beautiful and that’s what we want our kids to know.

2. Build Up Confidence Through Compliments

Telling your children that they are beautiful contributes to their positive body image, but complimenting them on their talents, good behavior, or unique character, instead of their physical attributes is always a good idea, too. This will help them develop a sense of what’s really important about themselves.

3. Focus on Healthy Bodies- Not “Beautiful” Bodies

As a family, make a commitment to eating healthy and building a healthy lifestyle, instead of discussing the issue of weight by dieting. Make physical activity about having fun, not losing weight! The real goal should be to feel strong and capable, regardless of shape and size.

4. Help Your Children Avoid Body and Sexual Stereotypes

With so many forms of media accessible to kids at such an early age, even the most vigilant parent may find it hard to completely shield their children from unhealthy body stereotypes. Be mindful of characters and shows that do not promote stereotypes (such as girl characters only caring about looking pretty or boys caring too much about being buff) and always have open conversations with your kiddos about healthy expectations.

5. Have Open Communication

A child’s self-esteem—and their level of confidence—is significantly affected by their body image. Have frequent and open discussions with your kids about a positive body image and let them know it’s ok to bring up when they aren’t feeling comfortable in their own skin.

6. Celebrate Differences

Different hair color, eyes, skin color and body shape––no two of us are alike! Use opportunities to celebrate how everyone is unique and beautiful, and it’s because we are different from each other. Yes, our kids perceptions of the body will change over time (especially in the teen years), but an acceptance and understanding that we are all made to be different will go a long way in having a healthy body image.

 

Author Bio:

Melissa Lobo is a young and energetic writer, a mom to a sweet little boy, and a fur-mom to two perfect pooches. Before becoming the Associate Content Director for Project Female, she was a journalist specializing in topics related to women in politics and policy affecting women.

 

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