How many of you still wonder why schools are requiring that children learn to write in cursive when we are advancing so quickly with technology, iPad and computers. Well like anything controversial, there are two sides to every coin so let’s discuss the pro’s and cons of learning cursive. Let’s begin with the pro’s. First and foremost, once we learn to write cursive, we are able to read cursive, and hence able to read historical documents such as the Declaration of Independence. I guess this would be a great skill for those seeking to advance into legal fields. 1. Cursive is believed to be a faster way of writing although I do not think many will agree with this. ... [ Read full post... ]

Sharing a few arts and crafts ideas we implemented with our toddler.  (1) Mom and Me beaded name bracelets, requires plastic beads and elastic string (2) Toddler Art bookmarks - made from toddler's painting cutouts using scallop paper punch (3) Doorway Puppet theater and hand puppets. The theater draws like a curtain. Can be easily sewn at home using 4 yards of fabric. (4) Bongo drums and crayon box made from upcycled snack boxes (5) Teddy Bear Nap Mat, sewn from 4 yards of cotton fabric and polyester batting

According to Kaiser Family Foundation, 2/3 of infants and toddlers watch an average of 2 hours of TV per day. For kids ages 6, it is about the same including the ipad or the iphone. Kids and teens ages 8 t 18 years has become 4 hours a day in addition to what they do at school. According to The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) they recommend that kids under 2 years old not watch any TV and that those older than 2 watch no more than 1 to 2 hours a day of quality programming. The first 2 years of life are considered a critical time for brain development. TV and other electronic media can get in the way of exploring, playing, and interacting with parents and others, which e... [ Read full post... ]

In today’s world of parenting just raising a child with high academic scores is not enough. Soft skills, particularly public speaking and communication have become the core life skills that every child needs to have to be successful in their academic, social, personal and professional life. Most adults wait until after college to try and develop these skills. But let’s face it. The best time to develop confidence and clear expressive communication is when your child begins to talk. Children are born with no inhibitions or opinions about themselves, and what they think of themselves comes directly from the comments and feedback they hear from their parents, family members and ... [ Read full post... ]