Reading to your child can benefit their future. But how? We all know that reading can play a huge part in your child’s development, but it can also benefit them for years to come – from school to university and life in general. Here at My Cubby House, we have studied hard and have created a list of the benefits associated with reading to your child. Improvement in literacy Literacy development is important in children especially early on as it is the foundation for life. The way your child’s literacy develops can have an impact on doing well at school, being able to socialise comfortably, working, saving money and developing independence. By reading to your child, you are helping them develop an understanding of words as well as sounds. A few good ways for improving literacy include: Looking at the pictures in the book and discussing what the pictures are about Letting your child sound the words out – this can be a massive benefit later in life, especially with spelling and being able to break the word up in to syllables. Language Development By reading to your child early on in their life, it can help to introduce more complex words. This can play a greater role in improving and strengthening their oral and comprehension skills especially for when they are ready to start at school. A few ways to improve language development include: Getting them to read the book to you – this can improve their pronunciation for words. Spell out the word – this can help with their grammar and doing assignments at school. Improves Brain Function We do like running or yoga to stay fit, but how does the brain stay in top shape? By reading with your child, you are basically doing a brain workout. This workout helps to improve the neurobiological attention that is required to remain focused and improve intelligence. Both concentration and attention of the brain can also benefit from reading. These are two of the most important skills as they lay the foundation in life. It can also reduce the chances of Dementia and Alzheimer’s from occurring as reading helps to engage the brain and prevent it from losing any power. Improves Knowledge Books are the main source of your knowledge. These days, books can cover anything from science, geography through to self-help. The more books you read, the more you improve and expand your knowledge. Reading to your child can be a major part of their development and can help them in the future with work, completing assignments and even studying. Early Learning at My Cubby House If you are wanting more information about how reading can benefit the development of your child or looking to begin the early learning path, feel free to contact us and we are happy to discuss this in more details. Why is reading to your child important? By reading to your child, it is helping to improve their literacy as well as brain function and knowledge. All these things can help them in their future development, especially schooling. I currently read to my child, but what are some good techniques for improving their language development? These two techniques should help you: Get them to read the book with you – can help to improve pronunciation of words Spell the word out – This is super important as it can dramatically improve their ability with grammar and spelling when they start going to school. How can reading improve my child’s knowledge? Through reading, your child is expanding their knowledge and also keeping up to date with major topics like science, geography as well as the English language. Don’t forget to share this via Twitter, Google+, Pinterest, LinkedIn, Buffer, Digg, Tumblr, Reddit, StumbleUpon, Delicious, WhatsApp, Line and Naver.
7 healthy snacks for your child Growing children get hungry between meals and it can sometimes be difficult to avoid refined flour, added sugar and artificial ingredients. Snack time is the best time to sneak some extra nutrients into your child’s diet. Instead of highly processed snacks, here are some whole foods that will provide energy and nutrition when your child’s tummy begins to rumble. Fresh fruit Fresh fruit is an ideal snack because it is colourful, enjoyable and nutritious, providing a multitude of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that are vital to healthy growth and development. There is a multitude of ways that fruit can be served to make it interesting and exciting every single time. Do be sure to cut the fruit into smaller pieces, particularly for kids between 0 – 5 years old as they are more likely to choke on food because of their narrower airways. Apple slices combined with a peanut butter dip are a delicious fibre-filled option Fresh fruit is easy on the go. Cut it up into smaller pieces and store it in a container for convenience Try peanut butter and a banana quesadilla for a healthy snack A fruit smoothie is a great way to pack a lot of nutrients in but try to add vegetables as well because fruits are high in natural sugars For the summer months, a frozen fruit popsicle made at home offers less sugar and preservatives than the store-bought kind Dried Fruit Dried fruit such as sultanas, raisins and apricots are recommended in smaller amounts. It’s important to know that the nutrition value of dried fruit does change, usually with an increase in sugar. Dried fruits also pose a choking hazard as kids may find them hard to chew and swallow. Dried fruit is obviously convenient to carry around in a handbag and can be stored in sealed bags for far longer than fresh fruit. Raisins are packed with fibre, potassium and various health-promoting plant compounds Prunes are natural laxatives and are rich in fibre, potassium, Vitamin A and K Dates are rich in antioxidants and have a low glycaemic index which means that they won’t cause major spikes in blood sugar. Yoghurt Yoghurt is a perfect snack that is full of protein and calcium which is especially important for your child’s developing bones. There are some yoghurts that contain probiotics which are beneficial to the digestive system. But remember to opt for plain, full-fat yoghurt and sweeten it with fresh fruit or a drizzle of honey rather than the kid’s yoghurts which are much higher in sugar. Do also remember to avoid giving honey to infants under 12 months as they are at risk of botulism. Popcorn Many people view popcorn as junk food as it is commonly slathered in butter and other unhealthy toppings, when in fact it is a really nutritious whole grain. Try to air-pop your own and drizzle it with a little butter and salt or grated parmesan cheese on top. Do watch out for little ones eating popcorn though as it can be a choking hazard. Nuts Nuts contain healthy fats, fibre and antioxidants. In the past doctors recommended withholding nuts from children because of the risk of an allergic reaction but more recent evidence indicates that introducing them at a lower age reduces this risk. They can also pose a potential choking hazard so do ensure that your little one is able to manage the texture before you give them nuts as a snack. Hard-boiled eggs Eggs are a highly nutritious snack for kids that provide high-quality protein along with a multitude of vitamins and minerals. They also contain two carotenoids that are beneficial for eye health as well as choline which is a vitamin necessary for proper brain development. Keep hard-boiled eggs in the fridge for a quick, high-protein snack. Olives Olives are great because they are rich in healthy fats and are packed with powerful antioxidants that help to protect your body from damaging molecules known as free radicals. Olives make for easy snacking though it would be a good idea to buy the pitted variety to make serving easier. Each olive variety does have its own unique flavour so start out with the mild-flavoured black olives first if your little one hasn’t had them before. Whatever your little one’s tastes and preferences, there are a number of healthier options for you to choose from. How can I help my child eat better? A healthy diet is imperative in your child’s development and as their parent, you are responsible for what they eat. Consider some of these tips when planning meals: Use less fat, salt, and sugar Cook with fewer solid fats. Use olive or canola oil instead of butter or margarine. Bake or roast instead of frying. You can get a crunchy texture with oven-frying recipes or using an air-fryer which uses little or no oil. Choose and prepare foods with less salt. Keep the salt off the table. Have fruits and vegetables on hand for snacks instead of salty snacks like chips. Limit the amount of sugar your child eats. Choose cereals with low sugar or with dried fruits as the source of sugar Make half of what is on your child’s plate fruits and vegetables Avoid oversized portions. How does physical activity help my child? Physical activity is just as important in adults as it is in kids. Like adults, children should be physically active most, if not all, days of the week. Experts suggest at least 60 minutes of moderate physical activity daily for most children. Activities can include fast walking, riding a bicycle, skipping, playing basketball, soccer, or hopscotch as great ways for children to be active. Parents play a big role in helping kids to get up and get moving so you will need to set an example yourself by performing the regular physical activity as well as encouraging them and even joining them while they play. Do family dinners have any
Even the best kids misbehave, so it’s important to have strategies in places to deal with challenging behaviour. At My Cubby House Early Learning we believe that all children are wonderful, even if their behaviour is less than perfect at times. As parents, you may have different ideas about the difference between good and challenging behaviour and what you view as negative may be accepted as perfectly normal behaviour to other families. The way that parents tackle a child’s behaviour can also be vastly different where some are extremely strict, others may be more relaxed or have more patience in certain situations. There is no perfect black and white way to deal with temper tantrums and meltdowns but if it does become a reoccurring issue then it may be possible that there are behavioural issues that you need to address. Why is my child misbehaving? Children can be sensitive to their environment and whatever is happening around them, possibly causing them to act out or behave badly. There are a number of potential causes behind why your child is being difficult. Certain changes in a child’s life can cause a major upheaval resulting in behavioural problems. Things such as moving house, introducing a new sibling and even starting new childcare are just some changes that may cause a dramatic change in your child’s behaviour It is also possible that the way a particular problem was dealt with in the past, may be causing issues in the present Using chocolates or sweets as a way to placate your keep your child quiet may instil in them the belief that these treats will be given each time they go out or if they misbehave Tantrums may also be a way of getting attention, whether good or bad There may be other reasons for your child acting out such as hunger, tiredness, being over-excited or even simply boredom 10 helpful positive behavioural tips It’s true that children often mimic their parent’s behaviour so you will need to set an example by acting the way you want them to behave. Children are always watching and learning for you, so take the time to be a role model and use your behaviour to model theirs. Let your children know how their actions make you feel. Engage with them and explain that their behaviour hurts your feelings or makes you sad. Begin your sentences with the word “I” to try to get them to see things from your perspective. Be lavish with praise when your child is well behaved. This positive reinforcement can instil in them the understanding that good behaviour makes you proud and is desirable. Make eye contact by getting down on their level and communicating with them in a positive manner. This will allow them to be fully focused on exactly what you are saying. Say exactly what you mean and do what you have said you will do. Children learn from early on if you do not follow through with your words whether it is good or bad. Some sage advice is to learn to pick your battles. Consider the consequences and weight of your response along with what they are asking. Before you simply respond with no, ask yourself if it really matters if they want their cereal out of a cup or if they want to wear socks in the bath. Responsibility and the weight of consequences are important for older children. As your child gets older, give them more responsibility and teach them that with responsibility comes consequences. For example, if they were supposed to bring their water bottle home from school but forget, then they will not have one the next day. It is up to them to remember to bring it home. Make your point and move on. It is not necessary to keep pushing a point that will only make them feel worse. Make your child feel like their voice and opinion matters too. Whether they are young enough to be starting childcare or going into high school, their say should matter as well. Making light of a situation can also be helpful. Joke and laugh if it calls for it but be careful not to poke fun at your child. A joke is where two people are laughing. It is vital for your child to attend an early childhood education service when good behaviour is encouraged from day one. At My Cubby House Early Learning, our carers play an important role in guiding your child’s behaviour in an environment that is positive and supportive. We ensure that rules are kept simple and easy to understand so that they are easy to abide by. For any further advice, please feel free to speak to one of our experienced educators for support and guidance. What is a helicopter parent? A helicopter parent is a disapproving term for parents who believe their child is extremely vulnerable to injury, to teasing, to disease and disappointment that they hover (like a helicopter) over the child, ready to swoop in if when needed or if anything remotely negative happens. They try to oversee ever aspect of their child’s life and pay extremely close attention to a child’s or children’s experiences and problems, particularly at educational institutions. Although the term is most often applied to parents of high school or college-aged students who do tasks the child is capable of doing alone, helicopter parenting can apply at any age. During toddlerhood, a helicopter parent might constantly watch over the child, always playing with and directing his behaviour, allowing him zero alone time. Why do children bite? Some children bite out of instinct because they don’t yet have self-control. Some of the other reasons why children may bite include: Relieving pain from teething Exploring cause and effect: what happens when I bite? To satisfy oral-motor stimulation To imitate other children or adults To feel strong and in control To get attention To act in self-defense To communicate needs such as hunger or
My Cubby House Early Learning How to toilet train your toddler Generally speaking, toddlers begin entering the phase to start potty training anywhere from 18 months to 3 years old. How quickly they are able to do so is entirely dependent on your child. It is possible that they may be toilet trained and out of nappies by age 2 or only beginning to comprehend using the toilet by three, the important thing is that there is no set time. When will I know if my child is ready to potty train? The key to potty training is to not force it. If your little one is not ready, then you will not be able to force them to use it until they are. Eventually, however, they will be swayed to using one once they see other kids going to the potty or toilet on their own at child care or preschool. How to know when your child is ready to use the potty As soon as your child becomes aware of their own in-nappy toileting, then you may want to consider introducing them to the potty. Be sure to look out for the following: They are aware of their nappy being wet or dry They are aware of when they are going to the toilet in the nappy They indicate the need to urinate by fidgeting or hiding They are becoming more independent in completing tasks They become interested in watching others use the toilet Their nappy is dry for up to two hours (indicating the ability to store urine in their bladder) They indicate with words or gestures when going to the toilet in their nappy They begin to dislike wearing a nappy, often tugging at it when wet or soiled They have regular, soft formed bowel movements They can pull their pants up and down It is important to know that not all of these signs need to be present for your child to be ready to potty train. Preparing for potty training In order to get your child ready to potty train, it is a good idea to start talking about it when you are changing their nappy so that they can become accustomed to the idea. And when they follow you to the bathroom (as they commonly do) speak to them about what you are doing, indicating that they too will be using the big toilet in time. Try to leave the potty out in plain sight where they will not only be able to see it but may also play and sit on it. If they have older siblings, then encourage them to sit on the potty and pretend they are using it. And you can even try using your little one’s toys to pretend that they need to use the potty as well. These are all small actions that will begin to perpetuate the idea of using the potty in your toddler’s mind. How do I begin potty training? If you feel that your toddler might be ready to begin using the potty, then be prepared to spend a week at home giving them your full attention while they wear no nappy at all. Other actions you may want to implement: Encourage your child to sit on the potty after meals Watch them closely for their potty use and continue to ask them if they would like to use the potty Ask them to sit on the potty while the two of you play a game Ask them to sit on the potty as soon as they know they need to go to the toilet Teach them words for their different bodily functions along with the phrase “I need to go” Ensure that your child’s diet consists of enough fibre and water to prevent constipation which will make toilet training far more difficult What equipment do I need for potty training? If your child is using the toilet, then you will need to ensure that you have a step for them to stand on. You will also need a smaller seat to securely fit inside the toilet seat as many kids are afraid of falling in. It is also recommended that before you begin potty training, you ensure that there are not big changes coming up. These can include starting day care, moving to a new house, bringing home a newborn baby or even going on holiday. What if my child has an accident while using the potty? If your child does not make it to the potty or misses it, do not make a fuss. Simply clean it up and wait for the next time. Making a fuss will only result in anxiety and worry about their next potty trip. It will not be perfect for a while but as soon as they succeed, that victory will be one that remains with them for the rest of their lives. All you need is one successful potty usage for them to fully grasp the concept. At My Cubby House Early Learning, your child’s home routine will always be considered to create a consistent environment where your little one will feel safe and thrive. If you would like to enrol your child then be sure to visit our website where you can enrol online. Don’t forget to share this via Twitter, Google+, Pinterest, LinkedIn, Buffer, Digg, Tumblr, Reddit, StumbleUpon, Delicious, WhatsApp, Line and Naver.
From birth to age five, a child’s brain develops more than at any other time in their life. This early brain development has a long-lasting impact on a child’s ability to learn and succeed both academically and socially. The quality of a child’s experiences in the first few years of life, both positive or negative, helps to shape how their brain develops. While the field of neuroscience is continuously developing, we already have a lot of good information that can help us understand our children’s early brain development. Brain development in children The brain is essentially the command centre for the body. Early in your child’s life, they will start to form synapses or neural connections in the brain at a faster rate than at any other time of life. At least one million new neural connections are made every second! They’re actually producing many more than they need, and not all of them will make it to adulthood. This allows them to learn things more quickly than adults do. When your little one arrives, a lot of work and growth has already been done in the womb. But, there’s still a lot more growing to do. At birth, your child already has almost all of the neurons they’ll need for the rest of their lives even though their brain is generally only a quarter of the size of the average adult brain. Most people are familiar with the “soft spot” on a baby’s head. These soft spots are called fontanelles and exist because your child’s skull is not fully fused at birth. This serves the dual purpose of helping the head fit through the birth canal and allowing room for the brain to grow quickly during early childhood. Amazingly, the brain will double in size in just the first year. It will keep growing to about 80% of adult size by age 3 and 90%, nearly full grown – by age 5. What are the different areas of the brain used for? Different areas of the brain are responsible for different abilities, like movement, language and emotion. These different areas also develop at different rates. Brain development builds on itself, as connections eventually link with each other in more complex ways enabling your child to move and speak and think in more multifaceted ways. The brain is divided into three sections, the cerebrum, brainstem, and cerebellum: The cerebrum (front of brain) is composed of the right and left hemispheres. The functions of the cerebrum include: movement, coordination, temperature, touch, vision, hearing, speech and language, judgment, reasoning, problem solving, emotions, and learning. This section (middle of brain) includes the midbrain, the pons, and the medulla. The functions of this area include: movement of the eyes and mouth, relaying sensory messages (hot, pain, loud), hunger, respirations, consciousness, cardiac function, body temperature, involuntary muscle movements, sneezing, coughing, vomiting, and swallowing. The cerebellum (back of brain) is located at the back of the head. Its primary functions are to coordinate voluntary muscle movements and to maintain posture, balance and equilibrium. These early years are the best opportunity for your child’s brain to develop the connections they need to be healthy, skilful and successful adults. The connections needed for many important, higher-level abilities like motivation, self-regulation, problem solving, and communication are formed in these early years. It’s much harder for these essential brain connections to be formed later in life. Early learning from childcare Whether or not you enrol your child in a pre-school program can often be a tough decision for many parents. While it’s a very personal choice and there are many factors that go into the decision, research compiled by Urban Child Institute in Memphis, Tennessee shows that children enrolled in pre-kindergarten classes have improved cognitive skills, decreased risk of developmental delays, and improved kindergarten readiness. Why not come in and experience our centre on a tour and meet our team and see for yourself why My Cubby House is a great choice for your family! We welcome children aged six weeks through to six years and offer purpose-designed environments and varied learning opportunities for each age group. Don’t forget to share this via Twitter, Google+, Pinterest, LinkedIn, Buffer, Digg, Tumblr, Reddit, StumbleUpon, Delicious, WhatsApp, Line and Naver.
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