Ah, the high school years. That brief window of four years that every pre-teen anxiously waits for and every parent dreads. A recent, fascinating article about the power of the high school experience for teens published in New York Magazine online combines much of what we know (and don’t know) about how adolescent brain development, […]
Relationships
Giving After Getting
It seems to be a lost art to send or give a Thank you note. When was the last time you received one? However, after all the gifts this time of year we can give back to others by thanking them for their gift, time, company, and/or help. A thank you can be a gift […]
Talking to Your Children about Violence and Tragedy
Tragedies like the shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, CT evoke many emotions—sadness, helplessness, anger, confusion, and anxiety. Children may wonder if their home, school, and community are safe, although they may not necessarily verbalize their concerns. Parents and caregivers can help children understand these concerns by allowing them to ask questions and […]
Make Your Holiday a Special Time
Amidst the holiday decorations, music, special events and the “to do” list I trust that you are savoring some time for yourself to look for the good things and absorb the special moments with your children. It might be a good time to take a look at the things on the list and evaluate the […]
Top 10 Toys for Infants and Young Children
In the spirit of the upcoming holidays, here is a top 10 list for Infants and Young Children from the blog of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), found here. Here’s My Top 10 Toy Ideas for Infants! 1. Measuring cups and spoons to shake, rattle, and roll 2. Plastic containers to stack, […]
Helping Young Children Through Stressful Times
Authored by Pat Holmes, Family & Consumer Sciences Educator, Ohio State University Extension Educator Causes of stress for children come from both positive and negative experiences in their lives such as starting school or day care, a birthday party, birth of a new sibling, camping out for the first time, separation/divorce of a parent, change […]