As a parent, you're capable of boosting your child's speech development, and it can actually be fun for both of you. "Provide a lot of opportunities for the child to be exposed to language and experience a lot of vocabulary in a rich environment," says Lori Heisler, assistant professor of communicative sciences and disorders at California State University, San Marcos. "Make it fun -- children learn through play."
Category: Magazine Writing
Mother’s Day Activities for Toddlers
Mommy-and-me time with your toddler is special any day of the year, but when Mother’s Day comes around, spruce up those moments with activities to keep you both entertained. From dance parties to story time, make this day one to remember by spending one-on-one quality time with your biggest fan.
Rainy Day Projects for Parents and Toddlers
It’s raining and pouring, and your toddler's not snoring. Don’t let a few raindrops put a crimp in your plans. Instead, use this time to teach your toddler something new and spend some quality time together with a rainy-day project. “Children gain confidence when they can do, or participate in, the things that adults do,” says Lisa Kathleen, Canada–based founder of Full Circle Parenting and former Montessori teacher. “Competence builds confidence.” From home improvement and baking adventures to crafty creations and cleaning projects, deepen the parent-child bond on a dreary day.
Teaching Children to Apologize
It’s bound to happen -- your child acts out, offends another person or refuses to share with others. When your child misbehaves, she may know the behavior is wrong but doesn’t know how to make amends. Therefore, it’s necessary for parents to teach children the importance of apologies. “All we have to do is show kids that they will be happier, healthier and feel better about themselves each time they do something good, and their behavior changes dramatically,” says Sandra Zerner, founder of the It’s Good 2B Good Kids Character Education program in Scottsdale, Arizona. Learning how to get along with others begins at home. Provide your child with the tools she needs to show empathy toward her family and her peers.
Teaching Children Not to Argue
If you constantly hear cries of “she took my toy” and “he pulled my hair” from your children, don’t fret. Disagreements are bound to occur; however, you can teach your children conflict-resolution strategies to avoid constant bickering. “Parents and other adults need to teach children how to get what they need and want responsibly and respectfully without interfering with other people’s ability to get what they need and want,” says Nancy Buck, Denver-based psychologist and author of “Peaceful Parenting.” Help your child discover his wants and needs while appreciating the wants and needs of others, to avoid future arguments.
Games for Taking Turns for Toddlers
It has finally happened -- your toddler is throwing tantrums and refusing to share with his friends and siblings. Though you chalk it up to the terrible twos or threes, it’s not too early to teach him the importance of give and take. “It is essential to teach children how to take turns because it’s a skill they will use for the rest of their lives and in every relationship they share with another person,” says Christina Steinorth, a California-based psychotherapist and author of "Cue Cards for Life." “From the school yard to dating to marriage to the work place, the concept of give and take is a key factor in forming healthy relationships with others.” Make this lesson fun and insightful for your toddler by including games in your daily playtime that teach the fine art of taking turns.
Regaining Trust in Families
It’s natural for families to have disagreements and experience disappointments, but when a breach in trust occurs, it takes more effort and time to restore your faith in each other. As parents, you may lose trust in your child at times, and your child may also question your actions as well. Teaching your child how to regain trust with family members begins with assessing your own behaviors. “You need to help them see how important it is for them to be able to trust you and other people, and that they won’t be able to trust others if they’re not trustworthy,” says Tina Tessina, a psychotherapist in Long Beach, California.
Teaching General Safety Rules to Children
At school, children learn the infamous “Stop, Drop and Roll” and the basics of stranger danger, but as parents, it’s important to teach general safety rules to children at home, too. “My advice to parents is to work hard on your communication with your child,” says Kim Estes, certified prevention educator and founder of Savvy Parents, Safe Kids, in Redmond, Washington. “Keep a consistent conversation going about your values around safety.” Make learning about safety a family affair with games, lists and open communication, so your children are prepared.
Single Mom and Separation Anxiety With an Only Child
It’s common for your toddler to cling to your leg when you leave for work, or a kindergartner to miss mommy while at school. However, separation anxiety can be even more difficult for only children and children raised by a single mom, says Dr. Wendy Rice, a licensed psychologist in Tampa, Florida. “Separation anxiety is a common phase during child development, in part due to innate fears that the parent may disappear if out of the child’s immediate sight,” says Rice. “If fear that the parent will disappear when the child leaves their side dominates, insecurity takes over and separation becomes a frightening and frustrating experience for both parent and child.” As a single mom, it’s important to maintain a close relationship with your child while helping her cope with separation anxiety, using activities and strategies to help her gain independence when mom cannot be right by her side.
The Positives of Toddler Play
It's no secret that toddlers look forward to playdates, outdoor trips to the park and new toys to fill up the floor of their rooms. Beyond making your child grin from ear to ear, though, the positives of toddler play also contribute significantly to your child's development. "Playing is a child's job," says Nancy Buck, developmental psychologist with Peaceful Parenting in Denver, Colo. "On every level—physical, emotional, intellectual or social—a child is learning."
Shannon Philpott-Sanders 