Early education and childhood would benefit from focusing more on play, books, and visual media that are based on real life. Young children—especially those aged over three years—usually prefer these things to pretend play that involves fictional characters, cartoons, and fantasy. Play that’s based on what adults do can enhance early child development. West Emphasises Fictional, Pretend … [Read more...]
Fueling Positive Emotions and Well-Being in Families
Historically, psychologists have tended to focus on negative aspects of human behavior. For years, the focus of psychologists investigating emotions was primarily on negative emotions, such as anxiety, anger, and depression. One question that was unanswered was what good positive emotions are. The article, 'Broaden and Build Theory of Positive Emotions', argues that positive … [Read more...]
20 Practical, Powerful Ideas about Building Resilient Kids
There is no single gene responsible for happiness, success, or exceptionalism; rather, every child has the potential to excel in different ways. While challenges and obstacles are inevitable, it is possible to equip children with the skills to overcome them. By building resilience, we can help them thrive in the face of adversity. Resilience allows people to recover from difficult … [Read more...]
7 Ways to Instill A Love of Learning in Children
What will your child’s future be? This is a thought that may keep you up at night as a parent. A large amount of our lives are spent on our children and helping them achieve a joyful and prosperous future. It's typical to be anxious about the future because it's something that we feel like we can't control. Although it may not seem like it, you have a lot of control when it comes to your … [Read more...]
Tips to Get Kids to Read Good Books
You might have noticed that your child is different from other children or even your friends in terms of learning. Perhaps your preschooler is intensely interested in subject areas that seem advanced or impressive for his age. Maybe your child seems to possess thinking skills that far outpace her biological age. Or maybe your child is picking up on sight words without you ever teaching them to … [Read more...]
Does Pre-K Really Hurt Kids? One Study Thinks it Might…
Although Dale Farran has been studying early childhood education for 50 years, her most recent scientific publication has caused her to question all of her previously-held beliefs. "It has required a lot of soul-searching, a lot of reading of the literature to try to think of what were plausible reasons that might account for this." In other words, the study lasted for over ten years and … [Read more...]
Teaching Kids Independance Step by Step
While they were waiting for their older brother Logan to pick them up in his four-wheeler, Jamie Moffitt's kids would play a game where they would stand in designated spots in the yard, pay a fake fare, and head off on imaginary journeys. Even though the girls are getting older, they still enjoy doing childhood activities together like walks and bike rides. In their town of Grantsville, it's … [Read more...]
Teaching Children Empathy By Starting With Yourself
Empathy is the ability to understand and feel what others are feeling or would be expected to feel. There are two main types of empathy: cognitive empathy and emotional empathy. Cognitive empathy is the ability to understand another person's perspective and feel their pain. It is also called role-taking. This kind of empathy allows you to immerse yourself in the experience of another person … [Read more...]
Exploring the Parts of a Flower: A Science Project for Kids
Some of the first signs of spring are the colorful blossoms of tulips and daffodils. These early pops of springtime color bring delight to our souls. As the tulips and daffodils bravely poke their leaves up through the soil, send out stems and buds, and then finally bloom, they remind us that winter will not last forever. And while they’re beautiful to admire and look at, they’re also a … [Read more...]
Create a Unique Family Motto Checklist with these 6 Value Types
The family values that you have define how you want to live your family life and are often passed down from previous generations. They can help you define your behavior in various situations, help you make good choices, and solidify the bond you have with your family. If you don't have these values in place, know that it is never too late to establish them. Types of Values Different … [Read more...]