Math Readiness for Littles
Math can be really fun! Pre-math activities are easy to incorporate into your little one’s day, both spontaneously and intentionally. There are seven areas of math readiness to introduce and practice. Through play and everyday activities, children can practice these concepts. Matching with one-to-one correspondence Identifying colors, shapes, and patterns Number sense: identifying numbers, counting…
Read MoreDon’t Solve Your Grandkid’s Problems
Are your grandchildren experiencing life, in real life situations? Do you solve your grandkid’s problems? Are your grands encouraged to fully enter decision-making, problem-solving, conflict-resolving situations? When adults (grandparents included) step in, children don’t have the opportunity to step up, to be responsible and experience the consequences of their decisions. Life is more difficult in…
Read MoreNurturing a Grateful Heart
“Thank you!” Just two little words that make us feel appreciated, respected, and loved. Nurture a grateful heart in your child with your own attitude of gratitude. Children express thankfulness through sharing, taking turns, and being kind to others. Use the tips listed below to enhance gratefulness in your home. Set the expectation bar high…
Read MoreMistakes are Okay
Mistakes are learning opportunities. Use these strategies to assist your kids in making the most of mistakes by learning to problem solve. It’s a great skill to practice! Errors are made all the time. The response to making a mistake ranges from anger and frustration to sadness and self-deprecation, depending on the perceived failure. How…
Read MoreThe Blessing House
What’s your definition of hospitality? Have you ever consider how your home can be used to bless others? Home is where love is expressed. What better love than the love of Jesus? Gail Berger has taken the phrase “home is where the heart is” to a whole new level. She is truly one of the most amazing…
Read MoreMaking Friends
Friends are awesome! They boost our self-esteem and pick us up when we’re knocked down. They are by our side, cheering us on in the happy times and supporting us when life can be difficult. Friendships beneficial for adults and kids. Friends encourage healthy behaviors. There are fewer cardiovascular, immune, and stress related health issues…
Read MoreSocial Emotional Learning
Social emotional learning (SEL) is an essential aspect of development for all ages. Being able to express, control, and re-direct emotions, predicts later academic and social success. Children need time, maturity, instruction, and practice to manage emotional responses and self-regulate. Playtime is the training ground for social emotional learning for littles. When playing, children have…
Read MoreBuilding Character in Your Kids
Character matters! Building strong moral character in our kids is an ongoing process, taught and reinforced daily. Virtues are foundational to character building. Virtues are traits deemed morally good and valued as basic principles of good moral conduct. They include qualities necessary for well-being and happiness. Use these ideas to build a strong moral fabric…
Read MoreTrustworthy and Honest Kids
Trustworthy and honest kids are respectful and reliable. They’re worthy of our trust because they’re truth-tellers. Honesty is a virtue! Most kids are trusting by nature. They typically believe what the people they love tell them. It’s our responsibility as parents to live up to the challenge of being honest and trustworthy with our kids…
Read MoreEtiquette for Dinner at the White House
Polite manners are always in style. Good behavior and etiquette at the dinner table is a win-win for everyone. Guest blogger Carol Olsen shares her insight in helping grandkids to be their best prepares them for future social situations, even dinner at the White House. “Always put your napkin in your lap and keep your…
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