02/12/2022
A top researcher says it's time to rethink our entire approach to preschool
A long-term study of a statewide preschool program tracked students through the sixth grade and found those who attended prekindergarten falling behind.
11/26/2020
Gosh, yes. I can relate to this message from Erica of Happy as a Mother, particularly this time of year. 😬 Let's all give ourselves a break, shall we? ❤️
11/18/2020
Do whatever you need to do to calm your storm so you can help them calm theirs.
05/25/2020
Stressed? Your children look to you for guidance and comfort. Check out this handout on soothing and comforting from our friends at
https://www.sesamestreet.org/sites/default/files/media_folders/Images/PDF3V3.pdf
02/14/2020
Girls' Confidence Plummets Starting at Age 8: Here's How to Keep Her Confidence Strong
The authors of the bestselling confidence guide for girls share advice for parents on how to stop the steep drop in confidence common among tween girls.
02/10/2020
Touch is an essential human need. It affects brain development. 🧠 🖐 🤚 ❤️
No matter who is responsible for the child, touch needs to be considered as importantly and prominently as healthy nutrition or education. 😍
Touch is important because it can help soothe a child, teach that the world is safe, and that they can trust others to ask for help.❤️
Not touching, or not hugging a child for instance, while they are young, can instill a fear of the world. Or, it can cause them to devalue themselves and their needs.😢
It is clear in our own experiences, even as adults, that affectionate touch is enjoyable. 😍
Touch can communicate feelings of love, safety and comfort. 🤗
Some people don’t like to be touched, and that’s fine. But the understanding of touch as a human need, especially in childhood, is important . ❤️🤗
❤️Science confirms that hugs, for instance, release oxytocin in our bodies.
This is the hormone that allows us to feel a sense of bonding and the ‘goodie feeling’ we get from a hug.
Hug your children.😍 – their touch can do you some good too! ❤️
01/16/2020
instagram.com/kidfriendly.meals
Did you know that all of these count as EXPOSURE? 💥
In my stories last night, I shared how C refused to eat his 🥦, and I got a TON of questions about how I deal with this. So I thought I'd reshare this post!
➡️ Even when the food gets ignored, simply seeing it takes the newness out. The next time they see it, they’ll go, “ooh! I know you!” Now, it may continue to get ignored for awhile, but if you stop offering, then you’ll miss that chance of when they do decide to give it a try⠀
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➡️Playing - touching, smelling, tearing it apart, crushing, throwing…you get the idea. So frustrating to see as parents (don’t let them sense this!) but this is actually really great stuff! Let them explore till their hearts’ content!⠀
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➡️ Tasting - kissing, licking, putting on the tongue, spitting it out…the tongue has the tastebuds so even though food doesn’t get eaten, your child still got exposure to the flavor. That’s HUGE! 🙌 Repeated flavor experiences help promote the willingness to eat a variety of foods⠀
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➡️ Eating - involves chewing and actually swallowing. Hallelujah! the food finally makes it into the belly. For those of you who are just beginning their journey, C didn't eat much of anything until about 2.5 weeks into starting. And this is quite normal and to be expected. But he was doing a lot of tasting! So don’t be too concerned and continue to provide plenty of opportunities for them to explore food!⠀
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❤️To sum, yes the end goal is for the child to actually eat the food but don’t rush the process! Food left on the plate is NOT wasted. All of these scenarios count as exposure, and you’re WINNING with every.single.one of them. Would you tag a mom who might find this helpful?⠀
For support in your gentle parenting journey pick up your copy of The Natural Parent Magazine 🌷NEW SPRING ISSUE 36🌷 from supermarkets throughout NZ and newsagents throughout Australia!
NOTE: All NZ bought copies and subscriptions receive a copy of "This too shall pass valued at $15.95!!
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🌿New Zealand http://bit.ly/2TNHdcK
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01/16/2020
This sounds like a great opportunity!
Happily Family Online Conference
Free Conference - Mindful Parenting for High Needs Kids - How to Raise Resilient, Connected Kids in an Anxious Time – Get Expert Support