Nurturing Speech

So cute! Another great song to sing with the toddlers!

Sweetheart is loving this baby song 💕🥰 Credit: @ms_terrilyn

Babies and imitation! Modeling and wait time. 💗

This is one of those activities that really is a bit mind-blowing 🤯 Place a piece of foil in a tray or baking dish and raise the edges. Use a dry erase marker (chisel tip works best) and write thick letters on the foil. Take a glass of warm water and pour it on top of the foil. Watch the letters raise up and float! Then carefully take chopsticks and you can manipulate the letters to make words! #stemactivitiesforkids #scienceismagic #kidsscienceexperiments #cvcwords #kidsliteracy

Ha ha! This is pretty much my work every day. 😊
So cute and fun!!

It’s hard because kids this age are usually saying one and two syllable words and o e or two word utterances.

When we add a third syllable, their ability to sequence the sounds/syllables breaks down and it all turns to mush!

This is normal brain development we see here.

What to do? Laugh and enjoy it. And stick to two syllable words for a bit until the brain and mouth develop a little more. That third syllable will come in its own time. 💗

#funnybaby #funnyanimals #foryou #babysiftiktok #jealous #toddlersoftiktok #kidsoftiktok

On transitioning to a new childcare setting…

The “rip the bandaid off” approach, aka the “drop and run” or the “short and sharp goodbye” isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach. While many adjust quickly to new settings, others need a slower, more gradual transition. Some kids need their caregivers around a bit longer to feel secure before they can thrive in a new setting.

But won’t this create dependency or anxiety? Let’s break it down:

1️⃣ They won’t always expect you there – Once they feel safe, kids can gradually adjust to you leaving. It just takes time.
2️⃣ Caregivers help ease the transition – Many kids feel more comfortable building new relationships with educators when their trusted adults are nearby.
3️⃣ Anxiety decreases, not increases – Kids feel more secure with their caregivers present, especially in new, unfamiliar environments.

This approach might be needed especially for sensitive, shy, and neurodivergent kids, but all kids are different—what works for one may not work for another.

What helps kids build confidence in new settings?

1️⃣ Strong connections with one or two adults – Children need to know that in their caregivers’ absence, someone else will look out for them. They need a secure base that they can venture away from, and return to as needed.
2️⃣ Physical safety – Self-explanatory
3️⃣ Emotional safety – The freedom to express feelings with co-regulation support.
4️⃣ Sensory safety – Knowing they can get support with uncomfortable sensory input and seek the sensory input they need to stay regulated and engaged.
5️⃣ Having fun!

“Ripping the bandaid off” can result in a child who needs their caregivers far more and for far longer. A gradual transition can help a child develop the sense of safety and security they need to explore and grow at their own pace.

More in my stories too.

Graphic credit: Parenting in Process

"The BEST sensory course on the internet! My daughter has sensory challenges, so I know the importance of understanding sensory processing. Yet, everywhere I looked I couldn’t find straight to the point information and the books where too heavy in information for me. This course was perfect for me, they explain everything in a way that is very easy to digest. I really recommend all parents of neurodivergent kids to take it." - Jennifer L.H. | Parent of Sensory Kiddo

"The Importance of Being Little" by Erika Christakis argues for a shift in how we approach early childhood. The book champions fostering a child's natural curiosity and love of learning through play, exploration, and strong relationships rather than the current focus on academics in early childhood education. This is a must-read for parents, educators, and anyone interested in fostering a nurturing and stimulating environment for young children. Here are some key takeaways:

1. Embrace the Journey: Many parents view childhood as a race to get children "ready" for kindergarten or beyond. The Importance of Being Little reminds us that childhood is a valuable journey in itself. Don't pressure your child to achieve specific academic goals at a young age. Focus on creating an environment that sparks their curiosity and allows them to learn and explore at their own pace.

2. Motivation Matters More Than Rewards: Traditional methods often rely on rewards (stickers, praise) and punishments (time-outs) for behavior management. Christakis argues that these extrinsic motivators can undermine a child's intrinsic motivation – the natural desire to learn and explore. Instead, focus on open communication and positive reinforcement. Help them understand the impact of their actions and the natural consequences.

3. The Power of Play: Play is not just about fun and games; it's essential for a child's development. Through open-ended play (think building blocks, dress-up, imaginative scenarios), children explore their creativity, problem-solve, develop social skills, and learn about the world around them.

4. Building the Foundation: Feeling loved and accepted unconditionally is crucial for a child's well-being. The Importance of Being Little emphasizes the importance of strong, secure relationships with caregivers. This sense of security allows children to feel safe to take risks, explore their environment, and learn new things.

5. Conversations, Stories, and Songs: Formal lessons aren't the only way to help your child develop language skills. Everyday interactions like conversations, storytelling, and singing are filled with rich opportunities for language learning. Engage your child, ask open-ended questions, and listen attentively.

6. Emotional Intelligence: The Importance of Being Little goes beyond academics. Helping children understand and manage their emotions is vital. Validate their feelings, teach healthy coping mechanisms, and model emotional intelligence yourself.

7. Unstructured Time: Freedom to Explore, Freedom to Learn: Children learn best by doing and exploring. Provide unstructured time for them to follow their interests and curiosity at their own pace. This allows them to develop a love of learning, independence, and a sense of self-discovery.

8. Boundaries Provide Security, Not Stifle Growth: While The Importance of Being Little advocates for freedom and exploration, it doesn't mean a lack of boundaries. Clear and consistent limits create a safe and secure environment for children. Set age-appropriate expectations and provide guidance in a loving and respectful way.

9. Beyond Peers: The Irreplaceable Role of Adults: While peer interaction is important for social development, Christakis reminds us that children still crave adult connection. Spend quality time with your child, engaging in activities they enjoy, talking, and building a strong bond.

10. Lifelong Learners and Responsible Individuals: By prioritizing exploration, play, and positive relationships, you nurture your child's natural curiosity and love of learning. This, in turn, lays the foundation for them to become confident, responsible, and lifelong learners who are intrinsically motivated to explore the world and reach their full potential.

BOOK: https://amzn.to/3WCbuOb

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A course on Sensory Diets!!

"The BEST sensory course on the internet! My daughter has sensory challenges, so I know the importance of understanding sensory processing. Yet, everywhere I looked I couldn’t find straight to the point information and the books where too heavy in information for me. This course was perfect for me, they explain everything in a way that is very easy to digest. I really recommend all parents of neurodivergent kids to take it." - Jennifer L.H. | Parent of Sensory Kiddo

When a child struggles to regulate incoming sensory input, here's what may happen...https://ilslearningcorner.com/2016-11-sensory-modulation-childs-extreme-emotional-reaction-unwanted-sensory-information/