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STEAM in the Kitchen

Posted on June 25, 2021 - 5:50 pm by Early Childhood Hub

Cooking and baking alongside your toddler and young child results in so much more than just a tasty meal or snack! When we cook with our child, we provide opportunities for learning science, technology, engineering, art, and math (STEAM). STEAM is a way of looking at learning that explores many subjects within the same activity—and your kitchen is the perfect place to explore these ideas and have fun doing so! Cooking, by nature, is all about scientific reactions—the way cornstarch thickens soup, or yeast helps bread dough rise. But it can also be about making food art, or engineering the tallest sandwich tower! When you do a cooking project, ask your child to guess what they think might happen. Then observe how it turned out. Becoming a master of anything begins with curiosity, and cooking is all about experimenting with flavors, textures and colors. Measuring, pouring, stirring and watching food grow and change are all about math and science, but also spark creativity and artistry. And don’t we want learning to be fun?Here are some ideas for teaching STEAM using food:

Watermelon Volcano Experiment:

Just in time for summer, turn a watermelon rind into an exploding volcano (after you save the red, ripe delicious insides for a snack, of course)! Supplies:

Small watermelon

Baking soda

Vinegar

Dish soap

Steps: Carve your watermelon like you would a pumpkin, cutting a small hole in the top (just big enough so that you can get your hand into it. Then, scoop out the watermelon insides so the watermelon is hollow—save your watermelon for snacks later! Then, pour ½ cup baking soda into the watermelon, followed by a few drops of dish soap. The fun really begins when you pour in the vinegar and your watermelon volcano “explodes”!

Ice Cream In A Bag:

Making your own ice cream is a great way to get the whole family moving and shaking—and cool off during hot summer days. Supplies:

1 tablespoon sugar

½ cup Half & Half

¼ teaspoon Vanilla Extract

½ cup table salt

4 cups of ice cubes

Small, sealable sandwich bags

Gallon-sized freezer bags

Oven mitts

Steps: In a small sealable bag, add 1 tablespoon of sugar, ½ cup of Half & Half, and ¼ teaspoon Vanilla Extract. Set aside.In a gallon size sealable bag, add 4 cups of ice cubes and ½ cup of salt. While still sealed shut, place your small bag of sugar and milk into the large bag of salt and ice. Seal the bag.Wearing oven mitts, shake the bags for 5 minutes. Then, the ice cream is ready to eat!

Fruit Rainbow:

Fruits and vegetables are full of beautiful colors—and taste good too! Have a fun, and yummy time with your kiddos making a fruit rainbow. Supplies:

Strawberries (Red)

Oranges or golden raspberries (Orange)

Pineapple (Yellow)

Green grapes (Green)

Blueberries (Blue)

Purple grapes (Indigo and Violet)

Plain yogurt

Prepare your fruit by washing it and cutting the strawberries, oranges, pineapple, and grapes into ¼ size bites. Assemble your rainbow by following the sequencing of rainbow colors “ROYGBIV”: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo and violet. At the ends of your rainbow, add a few dollops of plain yogurt for clouds. Enjoy!

Fun in the kitchen

“Some people like to paint pictures, or do gardening, or build a boat in the basement. Other people get a tremendous pleasure out of the kitchen, because cooking is just as creative and imaginative an activity as drawing, or wood carving, or music.” — Julia Child

There are so many ways to look at cooking through a STEAM lens. And whether your child is a toddler or a tween, there are lots of age-appropriate activities for using STEAM in the kitchen. Enjoying time doing a STEAM learning activity with your child builds lifelong memories and sparks their passion for learning through fun and creativity.

This article is brought to you by Parenting Now Parenting Educators and authors Amanda Bedortha, Claire Davis and Lynne Swartz, and consultant Jay Thompson. Parenting Now offers parenting groups and drop-in programs for families with children 0-8, and is passionate about happy, healthy families. For more information about Parenting Now, please visit their website or contact us at info@parentingnow.org.

Triple P – Positive Parenting Program

Are you interested in receiving more parenting advice? Triple P Online – Positive Parenting Program could be for you! This online parenting program allows you to take a parenting class in the comfort of your own home!

If you live in Lane County, you can get Triple P Online for free by filling out the form on the Triple P page. A staff person from Parenting Now will send you an access code within 24 hours and you’ll be able to start using the program right away! For more information about the program and to sign up visit the Triple P page.

Backyard Pool Safety

Posted on June 14, 2021 - 10:51 pm by Early Childhood Hub

Summer weather is upon us and parents and kids alike are chomping at the bit to get out the goggles and cannonball into the swimming pool. But with COVID-19 restrictions still in place, more families are opting for a backyard, above ground swimming pool or wading pool.Swimming and water play bring endless joy to kids and is a great source of exercise. However, when you have a body of water in your backyard, even if it’s only 1 foot deep, you need to be extra mindful of your children when they are swimming or playing near the pool. Here are some tips for keeping your kids safe this summer around the water.

Wise to Water Safety

First, the scary part: According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), drowning is the second leading cause of death in children ages 1-4. Even just 1 inch of water is enough to drown an infant or toddler. Now, the good news: With precautions in place and your eagle eye while on lifeguard duty, you and your kiddos can have a splashing good time this summer.

Precautions

If you have a backyard pool or wading pool, there are some precautions you may want to consider before diving in:

Set some rules: Talk to your children about the “rules of the pool,” such as “no one in the pool unless a parent is outside with you,” “no climbing on the ladder,” “a grownup must always be present when you play in the backyard,” “never swim alone,” and “no horseplay.”

Designate a “Water Watcher.” When family and friends are over for a summer BBQ, it’s easy to assume that someone—Grandpa? Mom? Aunt Maggie?—has their eyes on the children. However, more adults present doesn’t always equal better supervision. Designate a person to stay with the kids while they play in or near the water. Rotate out the job, just like lifeguards do.

Install fencing around your pool so the kids can’t climb in when you are not with them. The AAP recommends that backyard swimming pools, (including large, inflatable above-ground pools), be surrounded with a fence at least 54 inches high with a self-closing latch.

Motion sensors and alarms are also available for purchase that alert you to when a child has jumped or fallen in the pool. Even motion sensor lights provide some protection at night.

Before your child gets in the pool, bring everything you will need with you including a towel, change of clothes, snacks, water, and sunscreen. In the seconds it takes to run inside and grab a towel, drowning can happen.

Be honest with your kids about the dangers of swimming pools. Talk about it and work through how your children can be safe in and around the pool.

In the Pool

One of the most important rules of water safety is constant, vigilant supervision. If you have a backyard swimming pool, you will need to be near your kids while they swim—that means eyes up, book and phone down. The AAP recommends using “touch supervision” while kids are in the water, meaning that you stay within arms reach of your young child or non-swimmer when they are in or around water.Water wings or floating toys do not prevent your child from drowning, and even may make them more daring by providing a false sense of security. A proper flotation could include the use of personal flotation devices or lifejackets while in the pool.According to the USA Swimming Foundation, one month of formal swimming lessons reduces the risk of drowning in children by 88%. If possible, sign your child up for swim lessons to learn the basics of swimming, including rolling from front to back and floating. In addition, consider getting your CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) certification. American Red Cross, Oregon CPR, Lane County CPR, and CPR & First Aid Training Center offer classes regularly in adult and pediatric CPR and First Aid. Contact your preferred center to schedule a class.Here’s to a safe and splashing good summer!

Triple P – Positive Parenting Program

Waking in the Night and Ways To Prevent It

Posted on June 3, 2021 - 11:54 pm by Early Childhood Hub

As an exhausted parent of an infant, you may have dreamed of the day that you would finally get a full night’s sleep again—only to find that your toddler is still waking up in the middle of the night! Parenting is about learning along the way and adjusting expectations for your particular child and their developmental stage.You’re not alone. One in three children under the age of 5 has sleep and bedtime challenges, including waking up in the middle of the night.While there are a number of factors that can cause night wakings, there are also a number of things you can do to help your toddler gently fall—and stay—in a deep slumber.

What’s going on with your toddler?

While most sleep patterns are established in infancy, even the best sleepers can go through sleep challenges during toddlerhood. Here are some common reasons:

Changes to sleep schedules: According to kidshealth.org, between the ages 1 and 2, most toddlers need about 11-14 hours of sleep per day, including naps. Somewhere between the ages of 1 and 2, your child will transition from 2 naps to 1 nap and this can have an affect on their sleep at night. Some parents find having them nap earlier in the day can help them be more ready for bed at night.

Teething: Toddlers might wake in the night because of teething pain. Molars start coming in anytime between 13 and 19 months of age. Molars are large and have double edges—ouch! Other signs that indicate your toddler’s wakefulness is from teething are excess drool, chewing, biting, and crankiness.

Bad Dreams: At this age, dreams and nightmares start popping up and it’s hard for toddlers to tell the difference between reality and a bad dream. You can talk about dreams being “pictures in your mind” and provide needed comfort. Anxiety can come from multiple sources, and gets worked through in dreams, so you might think about what is going on for them to try to mitigate and help them work through the emotions while awake.

Separation anxiety: Your child wants to be with you and if they fall asleep with you by their side, they will want you there to help them fall back asleep. While they are developmentally working on their independence, they still have a need for your comfort, and to know you are there for them when they are having a hard time. You might try playing “hide and seek” during the day with them, so they can experience you always being there, even though they don’t see you for a while.

New milestones: During the toddler years, your child is meeting many new milestones. A disruption in sleep might indicate that your toddler is on the verge of mastering a new skill, such as jumping, throwing a ball, speaking in sentences. Sleep is essential to complete their learning of these new skills, and they may wake themselves up when they move around in their dreams.

Ways you can help

Keep your house quiet at night. Some toddlers are sensitive to TV noise or loud talking, and it can be distracting to their sleep. Although some toddlers respond to soft music or white noise, just like when they were infants, keep noise to a minimum and of the droning variety. Avoid giving your toddler a screen or tablet or putting a tv in their room.

Limit sugary food or drinks after dinner.

For nightmares: Limit screen time before bed and monitor what your child watches. If your child does see a disturbing image, talk it through with them and validate their feelings. Assure them you will keep them safe.

For separation anxiety: Snuggle on the couch with your pet if you have one, and if not, with a favorite stuffie. Investing in this close connection time will help build their tolerance for being alone in their bed.

Avoid pushing back bedtime: While it can be tempting to put them to sleep later, the more overtired your toddler is, the harder time they will have falling and staying asleep. We have all experienced “overtired” toddlers and that’s hard on everyone!

To make bedtime more appealing, let your toddler pick out their jammies, a stuffy to take to bed, 3 books to read with you either before or after they are in their bed.

Get into a routine

Toddlers thrive on routine and knowing what to expect next. Set an established bedtime that will fit into your family’s schedule. Create a bedtime routine for your toddler to follow. Consistency is key. Do the same things in the same order every evening. For example:

Use the toilet

Brush teeth

Say goodnight to the family (pets, too!)

Read books

Go to bed at a set time

Stay in bed until morning

Triple P – Positive Parenting Program

Teaching Your Child to Become Resilient

Posted on May 20, 2021 - 12:48 am by Early Childhood Hub

Changes and challenges – big and small – are part of life, and all children will face them at some point. While we can’t protect our children from every hurdle or disappointment they face, teaching resiliency skills to our children can help them bounce back from life’s setbacks. In addition, resiliency also has other benefits, including building confidence and the willingness to try new things.What does it mean to be “resilient”?Being resilient is the ability to quickly recover from setbacks, and adapt to change.It’s the ability to keep working at something, even when it’s not easy. For children, they may face big challenges such as starting a new school, bullying, or moving to a new town. They may also face every day challenges like being corrected by a teacher, not being chosen for a team, or falling off their bike.As a parent, you can help your child learn the skills they need to build their resilience through everyday parenting tips.

Let your child be a problem-solver and find solutions to simple problems, such as finding their shoes or getting a cup of water. Children need to learn critical thinking skills and then practice their problem solving. The starting point can be everyday play. Here, they are surrounded with chances to problem solve, whether they’re playing an imaginary game with their toys, building with blocks, or coloring. Giving your child choices is a first step, even for toddlers.

Allow for appropriate risk or age-appropriate freedoms. Life is full of risk—some serious, some mundane. We make decisions every day that involve some level of risk (“Do I buy broccoli instead of peas this week and risk that my child will spit it out in protest?”). With our children, it’s the same. Not every “risk” is obvious. Learning to ride a skateboard or climbing a tree both involve obvious, physical risk. It’s more about taking a step back to evaluate where you can give your child opportunities to challenge themselves. Maybe it’s urging them to climb up one higher branch on a tree (or climb it at all), or allowing them to get a skateboard for their birthday (Don’t forget knee/elbow pads and a helmet!)

Allow your child to make mistakes. Think of mistakes as learning opportunities for your child. Being there for them when they get a failing grade even though they refused to study for a test or allowing them to feel disappointment when they don’t make the softball team—these are opportunities to talk about consequences, and what they could do differently next time. Avoid being judgmental (I told you so). Instead, help your child see that the outcome might have been different if they put in more effort.

Encourage your child to keep trying. If the situation is beyond their skill level, build in any support they might need. A math tutor or even an older child can help them learn the skills needed to be successful or inspire them to keep going. You can share the superpower of the word “yet.” You aren’t hitting the ball “yet,” or you don’t know the words to the song “yet.” “Yet” implies they will be successful at some point, and it sometimes takes the willingness to keep on trying to make that happen.

Talk about emotions openly. Part of being human is feeling a wide range of emotions, from happiness and anger, to sadness and disappointment. Encourage your child to talk about their emotions and allow them to feel what they need to feel in the moment. Life seems unfair sometimes. Validate their difficult feelings and help them frame the situation in terms of what they learned.

Model being resilient for your child. As your child’s primary “life” teacher, use your own mistakes or challenges to show that it’s possible to bounce back from setbacks and overcome challenges. For example, “I also feel disappointed that we can’t visit Grandma this weekend. And we can call her on Saturday and talk about all the fun things we will do when we can all be together again.”

Supporting your child’s coping skillsIt’s natural to want to keep your children safe and to protect their feelings. But you can’t shield them from every hurt and disappointment. What you can do though, is help them learn to cope and build their resiliency skills. Bouncing back from life’s disappointments, big or small, is a life skill you can help your child learn.

Triple P – Positive Parenting Program

Positive Parenting Today for a Brighter Tomorrow

Posted on April 28, 2021 - 1:11 am by Early Childhood Hub

Parenting is important work—but it isn’t always easy. Even though it can be the most rewarding work we do, often it can feel exhausting and demanding. Parents have the important responsibility of raising the next generation. As we walk into this role hopeful and excited, many of us may feel unprepared, learning through trial and error as we go.

We all strive to raise healthy children in a loving, nurturing environment, and Triple P—Positive Parenting Program—supports parents by helping them work through the day-to-day challenges all parents face.

The Triple P approach starts by acknowledging that there is no right or perfect way to parent. It’s up to each of us to decide what values and skills we would like our children to have and how we will teach them. Every family has their own traditions, values, customs, and habits. There isn’t one “right way” to raise your child. You get to decide the values, skills, and actions you want to encourage and discourage and what approaches you want to take.

But while no two families are exactly the same, all families can use some practical tips about what we know through research to be helpful in raising children.

What is positive parenting?

Positive parenting is an approach to parenting that aims to build good relationships with children. It provides strategies for parents to give children encouragement and attention and learn good communication skills. Children who grow up with positive parenting are likely to develop the skills they need in life, feel good about themselves, and contribute to their community. Positive parenting has 5 main cornerstones:

Provide a safe, interesting home environment

Ensure that your home is childproofed so your infant and toddler can safely explore and play. Remember, children develop skills through curiosity and exploration.

Have engaging activities at the ready, such as drawing, painting, and imaginative play items. Interesting things to see, hear, touch and manipulate feed their physical, social and emotional growth.

Keep dangerous or breakable items out of reach from children.

Keep children out of areas that are not safe.

Create a positive learning environment

Be available to your child when they need your attention.

Follow your child’s lead. They will show you new and creative ways to play.

Notice and remark on behavior you want to encourage.

Manage misbehavior in a positive, healthy way

Be consistent in your approach to challenging behavior.

Stay calm, avoid yelling, threats, or name calling.

Say what you want, rather than what you don’t want

When you treat your child with respect, you are teaching them to treat others with respect

Encourage your child to be proud of their own positive behavior to develop their self-regulation

Set realistic expectations for yourself and your child

Keep in mind your child’s developmental age, temperament, learning style, and skills—all children learn and develop at their own pace.

No child will act perfectly all the time. Just like adults, they can have challenging days.

Know that every parent makes mistakes, and we can learn from them.

Make time for yourself as a parent

Parenting is easier and more pleasant when your own needs are met.

Being a good parent does not mean sacrificing what makes you YOU—make time for hobbies, friends, your spouse, or just some quiet time with coffee and a book.

It’s never too late or too soon to employ positive parenting techniques

Think about actions, attitudes or skills you would like to grow in yourself and in your child. For example: your child’s refusals at bedtime, or how you respond to stressful moments. Choose one or two things to work on and set some goals. Keep your goals simple and realistic so you can be successful. Get support. Clear goals help you focus on what you want to change, and help you work towards making those changes. And remember to celebrate when you have succeeded!

Triple P – Positive Parenting Program

Why Kids Steal — and Ways to Prevent It

Posted on April 21, 2021 - 10:06 pm by Early Childhood Hub

It could be as insignificant as a cookie off the counter, or a little more troublesome such as a toy from a friend’s house—either way, many children will experiment with stealing at some point in time. While young children do not always understand what stealing is, or know the difference between borrowing something and taking it without permission, by the time children are in elementary school they are capable of understanding the idea of ownership and what’s right and wrong. With support and guidance, most children do not develop a persistent pattern of stealing. Knowing why kids steal and ways to talk about it with your child is a good first step in tackling the issue.

Understanding their “why”

There are several reasons why a child might steal. These include:

Some children lack self-control. They see something they want, and they want it now! This is especially true of preschoolers. They are still learning the important life skills of self-regulation and self-control.

Some children steal to “fit in” or be like their friends.

Stealing might be a way to get attention from peers.

The excitement of getting away with the crime.

Some children get jealous of something their friend or sibling has.

Discourage stealing habits from an early age

You can prevent stealing habits by teaching empathy at an early age. Empathy is the ability to understand or feel what another person is experiencing. Stealing, whether from a person, someone’s home, or a store, is not a victimless crime. You could say: “Taking money from my wallet without permission is stealing. I feel _________ (disappointed, angry, sad) when you take things without asking.”You can also use the opportunity to turn the tables by asking: “How would you feel if your friend took something that belonged to you? Let’s talk about why it’s not OK for someone to take something from you without your permission.”As your child grows, reinforce these lessons whenever the opportunity presents itself, such as siblings taking toys from each other, or your child taking the cookie off your plate when you didn’t say she could have it: “Remember, that you need to ask before taking something that isn’t yours. This cookie is mine, you already ate yours, and it hurt my feelings when you tried to take mine without asking. How would you feel if I took your cookie without asking?”

How to handle stealing when it happens

If your child is caught stealing something, stay calm and discuss the problem with your child after everyone has had a moment to settle their emotions. Calmly state, “I know this toy doesn’t belong to you.” If you have an experience from your childhood, you could share it with your child. “When I was your age, I stole a candy bar from the corner store. I felt really scared and guilty about it. I had to apologize to the store owner and return the candy bar.”Explain that stealing is wrong, and we want to do the right thing. Then, with your child, make a plan to apologize and return the stolen item, or if it is something they ate or used, to replace it.You are teaching your child that when we make a mistake, we need to make amends. Think of it as “rupture and repair.” Just like when you break something, and you need to fix it or replace it, when we hurt another person by taking something that is theirs, we need to both apologize and return or replace the item.Then, when the time is right, see if you can find out the reason your child stole the item. Listen to their reasons and offer your own reasons why stealing isn’t justified (for example, stealing from a store owner hurts them because running a store costs money; or when you steal a toy from a friend they may lose trust in you and not want to be your friend. This is why it is important to tell that friend the truth and apologize to them.If your child is stealing because of the thrill of “getting away with it,” or because it seemed fun at the time, talk about other ways they can take risks in a safe way to get that same rush. Maybe they want to learn to ride a mountain bike or even do tricks on a skateboard. If they are younger, jumping on a trampoline or playing chase may do the trick. If they like the challenge of stealing, you could try other types of challenges like scavenger hunts or hide and seek.

Build back trust through quality time

If your child is caught stealing, you might worry that they will do it again. It can also bring up trust issues between you and your child. Sometimes stealing can be a cry for help or attention. Spending extra quality time with your child after school and on the weekends, can help build trust, honesty, and support for every member of the family.

Triple P – Positive Parenting Program

Developing An Interest In Sports

Posted on April 9, 2021 - 10:05 pm by Early Childhood Hub

Children are born movers and shakers. Starting in infancy, babies wiggle and squirm in an effort to move their bodies through space, grab onto things, and explore the world. Giving your baby lots of opportunities to manipulate and explore encourages a curiosity and mastery that lays a strong foundation for love of learning and moving. Pillow obstacle courses, tunnels, and blanket “forts” are all challenging and fun for little ones.In toddlerhood, children discover the joys of kicking or throwing a ball, or racing mom or dad down the hallway. By elementary school, kids are running around the field, climbing on playground equipment, and enjoying learning about different sports in gym class.While not all of us grow up to be the next Serena Williams or Michael Phelps, there is plenty to be gained from engaging in sporting activities of all kinds. Here are some tips for developing a love of physical activity at an early age.

Start early

Kids need encouragement and a foundation of confidence to play most sports. Start early to develop basic skills like catching and kicking balls, hopping, skipping and jumping. You can help your toddler develop these skills by:

Hopping on one foot, two feet, and jumping over items.

Making and going through obstacle courses.

Helping them learn to use the playground equipment at your local park safely.

Going for walks in your neighborhood and balance on the lines of the sidewalk like a balance beam.

Playing hopscotch at the park.

Playing catch with different kinds of objects – balls, paper airplanes, discs like Frisbee’s or balloons.

Rolling a ball back and forth to one another.

When your child is young, make physical activities fun and simple. Play silly games and get creative with how your child wants to play a game or sport. It’s OK if they don’t “kick” the soccer ball, but instead toss it to you. As long as your toddler or young child is moving their body, it’s OK! Games like “red light, green light” and “mother may I” help them learn impulse control and to follow simple directions as they move their body. Both of these skills are important as they learn a new game or sport.Young children also love to be praised, so keep the compliments and high fives coming as you play together. The joy of spending time moving your bodies when you play together releases those feel good hormones that improve overall mood and reduce stress for both of you. Investing time having fun together builds your relationship with your child, putting “money in the bank” for the stressful times ahead. Your child will be more likely to cooperate with you when you have built up those positive interactions.

Tips for older children

As your child gets older, you can start introducing more challenging physical activities to get the body moving, such as:

Hiking a nearby trail.

Climbing a rock wall at the playground.

Practicing basketball shots at the schoolyard.

Riding a bike.

If you think your child might be ready to learn a sport or participate on a team, ask them about the types of sports they are interested in trying. There are so many options for kids, including soccer, basketball, Tee ball, ice skating, lacrosse, swimming, martial arts, and so on.Find out what your child is interested in, watch a sporting event together, or attend a lesson to get a feel for what learning the sport is like. If you are unsure where to start, connect with KIDSPORTS, Willamalane Park and Recreation District, Eugene Family YMCA for some ideas. In addition, here are some points to consider:

Let your child decide the sport they want to play—rather than push your favorite sport on them. Helping kids make choices for themselves will help them become better decision makers and reduce arguments and power struggles later on.

It’s OK if they want to try lots of sports! Interested in soccer in the spring and softball in the summer? Let them try out their abilities in different ways.

Lead by example

One of the best ways you can encourage your child to engage in a sport or physical activity is through being active yourself. It can be hard to find time for fitness or hobbies when you are caring for little ones, so try to find activities that you can do as a family, such as walking, running, kicking a ball around the field, throwing a Frisbee back and forth. Or you could even learn a new sport together! This fun, physical play supports the whole family healthy ways to reduce stress and reset your moods. Engaging in a sport, regardless of what kind, provides all sorts of learning experiences and promotes healthful, lifelong skills. Encouraging your children to participate can be fun for the whole family!

Triple P – Positive Parenting Program

Tips for Reducing In-Person Learning Anxieties

Posted on March 23, 2021 - 12:46 am by Early Childhood Hub

With COVID-19 restrictions lifting, children are starting to resume some in-person learning at school. Many schools have individualized plans when it comes to hybrid learning, but whether your child is returning for just a few hours per week or is returning to full-time in person learning, it’s likely that many kiddos will experience some level of stress and anxiety. It’s normal for young children to feel anxious during the first couple weeks of school as they adjust to being away from their parents—this is going to be especially true during a pandemic year. Fortunately, there are strategies you can use to help reduce your child’s concerns about returning to in-person school.

Prep talk

It has been a strange year for children—and parents. Many children haven’t been with their friends in person in almost a year, met their teacher face-to-face, or stepped foot in their school. On top of that, students are returning to school in masks with physical distancing protocols in place. Needless to say, this is new territory for everyone.One of the best tools you have is to talk with your kids ahead of time. This may start with a simple conversation:

“Your teachers think it’s safe for students to return to school. You will get to see your classroom, meet your classmates, and say hello to your teacher in-person! How do you feel about that?” Then validate their feelings.

If they express fears or worries, don’t discount them or tell them they shouldn’t feel that way. Express empathy, validate feelings, and tell them you understand and you can continue to check in and talk about it through this change: “Sounds like you are a little nervous about this and that is normal. Let’s talk about it some more.”

“Let’s put a star on the calendar to show us when your first day back to school is. We can start a countdown until we get to March 30. Your teachers are so excited to read books with you and paint pictures. You will make new friends and have lots of fun!” ”

List some of the fun things they can expect to do at school: See friends in person, learn new things, play on the playground.

Once you’ve talked about the basics of returning to school, you can go into some age-appropriate specifics and tactics for managing anxieties around returning to in-person school. New routines are hard at first, and your child may be more tired out after school than you expect. The additional stimulation of interacting with others can feel overwhelming to some kids. Make sure your child gets plenty of rest. Offering a healthy breakfast is important as well, especially if your child is used to snacking through the day during their time learning at home.

Elementary age:

Talk about safety expectations, such as wearing a mask at school, keeping physical distance between friends and teachers, washing hands frequently, etc.

Older children might also benefit from a conversation about the safety protocols their school has in place for reducing the spread of illnesses, such as deep cleaning of workspaces, utilizing outdoor classrooms as much as possible, etc. Knowing this information might help reduce fears around getting sick.

Preschool and Kindergarten:

Let your child know that they will need to wear their mask—let them pick out a new face mask for school—in the classroom. If needed, have them practice wearing it at home for an extended period of time.

Read books about starting school. For some early learners, this may be their first time attending school and being away from home. Scholastic.com, as well as the Eugene Public Library and Springfield Public Library, offer a great list of books about getting ready for the first day of school.

Create a social story. Young children like to know what’s coming next. Creating a daily schedule chart or social story that shows what your child will do at school. Many preschool teachers use a visual schedule at school, which you could ask to replicate. Here is a sample social story.

Once school officially resumes, consider:

Keeping a family photo in your child’s backpack.

Leaving love notes, paper hearts, or stickers in their lunch box.

Create a goodbye ritual like a special handshake or “hug, hug, kiss, kiss, high five, goodbye.”

These small gestures can have a big impact on how your child manages their anxiety at school. It’s going to take time for your child to get used to the new routine and school schedule. Stick with your routine and stay informed of your school’s safety procedures and protocols. Parents and children alike are working through this together.

Triple P – Positive Parenting Program

Single Parenting During a Pandemic

Posted on March 5, 2021 - 1:10 am by Early Childhood Hub

It’s no secret that parents are struggling right now as we approach the 1-year anniversary of the COVID-19 quarantine and associated restrictions. This is especially true for single parents. Managing your job, childcare, homeschooling and being responsible for caring for your children all day every day takes a toll.

You’ve heard this before, especially as a single parent: it’s important that you put on your oxygen mask first so you can best care for others, and there are tips and tricks you can try to help manage some of the stressors you may be currently experiencing. Now is the time to really take this to heart.

Remember the basics

We are busy balancing remote school and work, plus all the care and feeding of our children as we spend more time at home than ever before. It can be easy to forget some of the basics of parenting that just make life a little easier. If things are feeling “off” or maybe you just need a fresh start, it might be a good time to remember the basics.

Routines: Having a routine to your child’s day doesn’t mean that you have to micromanage their entire day, penciling in fun activities every hour just to keep your child entertained. Making a routine is more about having a predictable schedule that your child can count on and feel comforted by. When they can know and expect what is next in their day, they feel safe. To get started, make a nighttime routine for you and your kiddos. Do what works for your family—factoring in work schedules, extracurriculars, bedtimes, etc. Generally, dinner, followed by bath, teeth brushing, story, and lights out works well for many families with young children. Whatever your routine, your child will feel comforted by knowing what comes next.

Set Limits: Children of all ages need limits. Toddlers may need limits when it comes to “helping in the kitchen,” while older children may need limits around how much time they are allowed to play video games. As a single parent, setting consistent limits and sticking to them can help you avoid spending too much of your time explaining and re-explaining rules to your child.

Be Consistent: As a single parent, you are the one always saying “OK, just one more story,” or “no, you can’t eat cookies for breakfast.” Whatever limits you need to set, be consistent and follow through. Your child will form needed habits and you can avoid them feeling disappointed and confusion when you are consistent in your rules. Explaining to your child why yesterday there were three bedtime stories, but tonight only one, can cause possible meltdowns, take away quality time with your child, and is also just confusing for them. Try to find rules that you can follow through on both easy and challenging days.

Remember To Have Fun: When you are responsible for all of your child’s discipline and logistics, it can be hard to find time to play together, or just be together. Take even five minutes to look at the clouds together or let your toddler chase you around the table. Remember, that it’s quality over quantity. Meaning, your child will appreciate even just 10 minutes of your undivided attention before you start making dinner. Special time each day for each child, even if it’s only 10 minutes, may make your child more willing to follow the limits you set later. This will build the relationship you have with each other, including trust and respect.

Let It Go: During this busy and challenging time, it’s OK to adjust your expectations and put off “big” projects. Laundry and dishes don’t have to be put away immediately; the attic can be cleaned out later. Your child is the age she is for a very short time. Embrace opportunities for positive interaction over chores sometimes. Let the laundry sit in the basket for a while. Additionally, you will reduce your stress when you don’t expect perfection from yourself.

Triple P – Positive Parenting Program

The Art of Raising a Humble Winner and Gracious Loser

Posted on February 18, 2021 - 12:13 am by Early Childhood Hub

“Winning is great, sure, but if you are really going to do something in life, the secret is learning how to lose.” — Wilma Rudolph, Olympic champion

We all love to win—whether it’s in a board game, sport, or even a race with your sibling. It can make us feel good and push us to give our best effort, but it can also lead to hurt feelings when we don’t win or, worse, treat the “loser” poorly when we do win.It’s not uncommon for children—and adults—to struggle with their feelings around losing and winning. You might notice your child:

Have a meltdown if her team loses on the ball field.

Unwilling to acknowledge improvements in their skills in the face of losing, or want to give up.

Brag too much if their team won.

Refuse to participate in anything that they don’t think they can win.

If any or all of these are true for your child, they may have what is sometimes known as “sore loser syndrome.”There are steps you can take to prevent your child from being overwhelmed by losing, as well as ways to help them if they do react strongly to the pressure to win.

Start early – As parents, we all let our children win at family games every now and then. But don’t do it every time! It’s okay for your child to lose at Go Fish occasionally. Learning to lose and manage the feelings that come with it will help your child deal with the inevitable losses they will experience throughout their childhood and their lives. You might say something like, “We’re a learning family. We all learn new things. Sometimes we win, and sometimes we lose. We take turns winning and losing. Today, it was your brother’s turn to win. Maybe it will be your turn to win tomorrow.”

Affirm feelings – “In life, winning and losing will both happen. What is never acceptable is quitting.” — Magic Johnson, basketball player

Don’t brush aside your child’s feelings of disappointment or sadness with expressions like “It’s just a game.”

Let them know that how they feel is okay: “You tried hard to hit the ball. It can be frustrating when you try hard and can’t make it work the way you want to.” Focus on what they are learning, and help them notice and acknowledge their improvement.

Give your child support for dealing effectively with feelings: “You drew a picture about feeling sad about not winning today’s game. That is a wonderful way to express your feelings.”

Learning from loss – Sometimes losing can create learning moments for kids. Use the powerful word “yet.” You haven’t won “yet.” Is there something your child could do differently next time? Does the skill need more practice? Did your child try to rush through the game without listening to the instructions? With your child, come up with solutions to help the game go more smoothly.

Emphasize the positive – Let your child know that we all have different skills for different things: “You didn’t hit the ball this game, but you swung at the ball! One thing you did do well was catch the ball twice when you were in the field. You really know how to catch the ball.”Make sure to let your child know you recognize small successes, especially with young children: “You made it to the top of the play structure. Way to go!” “You knew exactly which card to ask for” (when playing Go Fish).

Reframe winning and losing – “It’s not about winning or losing a competition, it’s about beating the doubt from within yourself and knowing at the end of each day you are one step closer to your goals.” — Jonathon Horton, gymnast

Instead of talking about “winning” and “losing” in black and white terms, try focusing on the process. Use words like:

Opportunity
Growth
Learning
Effort
Working Hard
Enjoyment
Fun

If your child is hesitant to participate because they can’t “win” or “be the best,” encourage them to participate in activities they really enjoy.

Give them support for working hard or being willing to participate, even if they are not “the best.”

Emphasize enjoyment: “You sure laughed a lot when we were playing cards.”

Emphasize effort: “I can see how hard you were trying to hit that ball. You were really watching carefully.”

How do you manage your feelings? – How do you deal with loss and disappointment? If you realize you are having a hard time dealing with loss, take the opportunity to make some changes. Not only will you benefit, but your child will also benefit from seeing effective ways to deal with losing. When your child sees you coping with hard feelings, they learn how to cope with their feelings.Walk your child through your process when you are trying something new. When you make a mistake, let them see you deal with it and try again. Learn to do something new together. Let them see you struggle with a new skill or game, and lose gracefully.

At the end of a day, it’s just a game

“Just play. Have fun. Enjoy the game.” — Michael Jordan, basketball player

Start practicing with your child early and they’ll see that losing can be disappointing, but no one wins all the time and that’s OK! If your child is starting to have “sore loser syndrome,” affirm their feelings of disappointment when losing, but also provide them with perspective. Remind them they haven’t won “yet”, they can improve, no one can be the best at everything, and sometimes having fun makes participating worthwhile. And, remember to check in with yourself about how you react to winning and losing too!