Choosing a child care center is one of the most important decisions that parents have to make. The experiences a child has at the center will have long-term effects on his growth and development. In a paper titled, ‘Who’s caring for our youngest children?’ authors Deborah Phillips and Gina Adams write: “One of the most consistent findings in developmental research links the quality of care that young children receive to their well-being, developing skills and subsequent adjustment
There has been a recent controversy regarding whether it is a good idea to put your child into extracurricular activities at an early age. Research proves time and time again that any type of additional activity for your child, that he/she shows a clear interest in, will provide many developmental enhancements. After school activities can promote everything from healthy-living habits, to leadership skills, good time-management, and better social or academic performance. The benefits from th
The school aged years are usually marked by steady growth and development. Making sure to offer children ample opportunities to move their bodies and stay physically active during this developmental phase will help ensure they strengthen the fundamental skills they need to live a healthy lifestyle as they continue to grow into adulthood.
Many parents that I speak with often tell me how much child development knowledge they lacked during their child’s first few years. At that time, most parents are too busy simply adapting to their new life style caring for a human other than themselves. This process takes time, as we all know, but what a lot of parents don’t know is the unrealistic expectations that are too commonly being put on these children at extremely young ages.