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3 New Tips for Tween School Success
by Lori Sciame February 6th, 2023 | School, Tweens
Being born smart certainly helps a tween to succeed in a learning environment, and so does being curious about the world around him or her. It's a given that an engaged student, one who loves learning, will be more apt to do well in school; however, many other factors determine school success. Everything from identifying a child's learning style, to understanding that mastery comes from
Too Much Screen Time?
by Joe Lawrence January 30th, 2023 | Elementary, Entertainment
“Kids today are on these electronic devices too much,” said most parents. However, few parents are doing much to change this.
The average child is behind a screen of some sort for two to three hours per day. This equates to a full year before they reach the age of seven. Admittedly, I am not one to shy away from letting the kids enjoy a show or play around on the iPad. Although, my wife and I have been limiting their time on electronic devices this past year, we still let them play.
I am a huge fan of electronic devices like
The average child is behind a screen of some sort for two to three hours per day. This equates to a full year before they reach the age of seven. Admittedly, I am not one to shy away from letting the kids enjoy a show or play around on the iPad. Although, my wife and I have been limiting their time on electronic devices this past year, we still let them play.
I am a huge fan of electronic devices like
Four-Step Reflection Tool for Preschoolers
by Joe Lawrence January 23rd, 2023 | Preschool, School
I am a huge fan of challenging what I am taught. I truly believe that there is more than one way to skin a cat. This was a thought I carried all through school, college, and into my professional life. It is something I want to pass on to my children, but how do you that for a preschooler?
Nothing frustrated more in school than the teacher telling me I got the answer correct, but the process was wrong. I never understood this or liked it and often rebelled. I do not want to turn my five-year old princess into
Nothing frustrated more in school than the teacher telling me I got the answer correct, but the process was wrong. I never understood this or liked it and often rebelled. I do not want to turn my five-year old princess into
How to Teach Toddlers About Winter
by Tania Cowling January 16th, 2023 | Infants/Toddlers, Seasonal
To young children, there is no big difference between reality and fantasy. Toddlers believe everything they see, touch, and hear. They basically learn by their senses and experience. So, how do you teach toddlers about the winter season?
The first snowfall of the season deserves to be celebrated. For many children, this is the first snow in their memory. So, make time to take your little one outdoors to experience the snow (if it isn’t too cold), or get a front row seat by a large window if the conditions are bad. Think of activities that help toddlers explore the
The first snowfall of the season deserves to be celebrated. For many children, this is the first snow in their memory. So, make time to take your little one outdoors to experience the snow (if it isn’t too cold), or get a front row seat by a large window if the conditions are bad. Think of activities that help toddlers explore the
Teen’s Perspective on Starting the New Year Right
by Sam P. January 9th, 2023 | School, Teens
Now everyone has their own New Year's resolutions, but a great one is to focus on your studies. Set a reasonable goal, like doing better in your classes than you did last semester, even if your first semester hasn't ended. Don't make it anything ridiculous; if you got three C's last semester and four B's, try to bring it up to one C and six B's. You don't have to set some crazy goal like a perfect GPA, just try your best and accomplish a few mini-goals.
A great way to improve your grades with this New Year is to be
A great way to improve your grades with this New Year is to be
Tweens and Hectic Schedules
by Kimberly Hays January 2nd, 2023 | Seasonal, Tweens
Tweens can have hectic schedules with school, sports, and other extracurricular activities. They can become totally exhausted, not to mention you, too. Keeping up with our adult work and family is tough enough, but we have to find a balance that works, so that everyone isn’t frazzled and stressed. Follow some of these tips to be sure that everyone is able to follow their schedule, and there is also time for friends and family.
Stick to a Schedule and Make Sure Everyone Understands
The first rule is that everyone will need some quiet time to do specific tasks, like homework for your
Stick to a Schedule and Make Sure Everyone Understands
The first rule is that everyone will need some quiet time to do specific tasks, like homework for your
How to Keep Greed Under Control
by Lori Sciame December 26th, 2022 | Elementary
The holidays are a time of joy and giving, a time for love and family. Unfortunately, however, for elementary age children, the holidays can also be a time of greed. If parents are not careful, children this age can succumb to the mantra, "I want more!" We've all seen
Choosing the Best Tradition for Your Family
by Joe Lawrence December 19th, 2022 | Preschool, Seasonal
Handling the holidays is always full of excitement. Most of the time it is filled with fun things to do and meaningful traditions; however, when you have a preschooler there is no telling what will come next. The real excitement is surviving the season sometimes.
My wife is a very creative woman and always coming up with some new thing to do each year. The kids almost always enjoy this new event; we do not always enjoy the prep work that goes into them. Where do you draw the line?
We fall back to our parental priorities. We want our children
My wife is a very creative woman and always coming up with some new thing to do each year. The kids almost always enjoy this new event; we do not always enjoy the prep work that goes into them. Where do you draw the line?
We fall back to our parental priorities. We want our children
Holiday Survival Guide for Parents of Infants
by Marnie Bii December 12th, 2022 | Infants/Toddlers, Seasonal
Despite wanting to share your bundle of joy with family and friends, the arrival of your infant may tempt you to find an excuse to stay home for the holidays. Traveling and visiting with an infant in tow is a whole lot of work, after all. Thankfully, you can take a few measures that will make your holiday visits stress free. That way, everyone can bond with your sweet new baby while you take some much-needed time for rest and relaxation. Here's how to keep your holiday travels enjoyable for all.
Keep Schedules Calm
For the bulk of the trip, you
Keep Schedules Calm
For the bulk of the trip, you
How to Tell Someone You Want to Exchange a Gift
by Sam P. December 5th, 2022 | Communication, Teen Perspective, Teens
Christmas is a wonderful time of family gatherings and gift giving, but what do you do when the present your dear grandmother gave you is a sweater you can never imagine yourself wearing? You don't want to hurt her feelings, but you also don't want to have the sweater go to waste and just sit in your closet for a year until you finally "outgrow it" and tell your mom to give it to charity. This scenario happens all the time during the Christmas season, and the best thing to do is just tell dear old granny the truth.
There
There
Not Too Early to Think About College
by Lori Sciame November 28th, 2022 | School, Tweens
As an advisor at a college, I encounter some students who tackle the transition from high school to college with relative ease, as well as those who suffer a multitude of issues, from social to academic.
Reasons for a student's success or lack thereof vary; however, I can state with assurance that those who succeed have most likely had parents/guardians that promote the value of education. In fact, since they were young children, the successful students have been exposed to valuable educational experiences.
This post, then, outlines several ways a child, even as young as 11 or 12, can be exposed
Reasons for a student's success or lack thereof vary; however, I can state with assurance that those who succeed have most likely had parents/guardians that promote the value of education. In fact, since they were young children, the successful students have been exposed to valuable educational experiences.
This post, then, outlines several ways a child, even as young as 11 or 12, can be exposed
Questions, Questions
by Ronald A. Rowe November 21st, 2022 | Elementary, School
My family and I recently moved to a new part of the country, and with that, there have been many changes. One of the most crucial ones was choosing a new school for our eight year old son. There were many things we were looking for since he came from such a great STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) School, and wanted to make sure that there was continuity. After going through the process which
3 Ways to Bring Children into the Kitchen
by Joe Lawrence November 14th, 2022 | Preschool, Seasonal
Thanksgiving is right around the corner and Christmas is not too far behind. We place so much thought into the gifts we purchase; we lose track of the most important aspect of the holidays…family. One great way to spend time with family is to cook together.
When it comes to
When it comes to
4 Types of Exercise Even Toddlers Can Enjoy
by Marnie Bii November 7th, 2022 | Entertainment, Infants/Toddlers
As a parent of young kids, you may feel like you never have enough time for a proper workout. Exercise sessions are more important than ever at this time in your life, however, due to their ability to mitigate stress and keep you healthy. You can adopt new exercise strategies that integrate your toddler's needs and interests to facilitate an acceptable exercise schedule. Here are four exercises your toddler will even enjoy.
Neighborhood Jog
Strap your baby in the jogging stroller and go for a run around the neighborhood to get your blood pumping while keeping your tot entertained. Kids love
Neighborhood Jog
Strap your baby in the jogging stroller and go for a run around the neighborhood to get your blood pumping while keeping your tot entertained. Kids love
Teen’s Perspective on Fall Entertainment
by Sam P. October 31st, 2022 | Teen Perspective, Teens
Apple picking! I love apple picking. Not only is it cheap and fun, but it is exciting for all groups and ages. It is great for all sorts of things, from a fun date to a group activity; everyone will love it.
The first thing to you should do is look up places near you. I have a few local farms that I swear by and always go to, but it is always fun to switch it up an try some place new. Look for places with lots of variety and a large place to pick. It is not as
The first thing to you should do is look up places near you. I have a few local farms that I swear by and always go to, but it is always fun to switch it up an try some place new. Look for places with lots of variety and a large place to pick. It is not as
Playdates for Tweens?
by YPI Editors October 24th, 2022 | Social, Tweens
First of all, we need to start with a quick parenting update- your tween will not want to use the word playdate. Playdates are for little kids. However, don't let terminology confuse you. Your tween very much wants to hang with friends. She just doesn't want you to call it a playdate.
As much as they were in the elementary years, playdates/afternoons spent with friends are crucial in the tween years. This gives your tween time to express himself in the comfort and privacy of a
As much as they were in the elementary years, playdates/afternoons spent with friends are crucial in the tween years. This gives your tween time to express himself in the comfort and privacy of a
Elementary Playdates- A Vital Activity
by YPI Editors October 17th, 2022 | Elementary, Social
The term playdate is a modern term. Even just thirty years ago, children just played with the other children in their neighborhood. Walk down the street, knock on the door, go outside and play, repeat. Sure, it still happens, but more likely than not, playing with a friend involves some scheduling between parents. Blame it on the sprawl of suburbia, changes in family structure, or whatever you want, but playing with friends is no longer as simple as it used to be.
Looking at today's kids,
Looking at today's kids,
Preschool Playdates- Let the Fun Begin
by YPI Editors October 10th, 2022 | Preschool, Social
More than likely, by the age of three or four, your child is attending preschool during the week. This time at school is one way that your child can begin socializing with other children her age. However, preschool on its own may not be enough for your child. She may
Playdates for Toddlers- Maybe
by YPI Editors October 3rd, 2022 | Infants/Toddlers, Social
In modern society there seems to be much done to ensure that our children are socialized. While our parents and grandparents may state that they never did anything as silly as this, we need to remember that families were bigger a couple generations ago. When you have four siblings, there probably is less need to get together with other kids; you had a household of them at your disposal. Even if you have a bigger family, you still may want to introduce your child to friends outside of their siblings. There's nothing wrong with that.
So, when do you start to
So, when do you start to
Morning Routines: Teens Are Hands Off
YPI Editors September 26th, 2022 | Seasonal, Teens
Ok, the title of this article may not be 100% accurate. Young teens may need some guidance in their morning routines, especially when they start high school and have to learn new times for their routine. However, your goal should be for morning routines to become completely teen-owned.
As you read in Tuesday's article, even tweens should be responsible for their morning schedule. Obviously teens need to
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As you read in Tuesday's article, even tweens should be responsible for their morning schedule. Obviously teens need to