https://www.texastribune.org/2017/11/27/texas-child-care-centers-storm/
Thursday, November 30, 2017
Wednesday, November 29, 2017
Friday, November 24, 2017
Thursday, November 23, 2017
Wednesday, November 22, 2017
Tuesday, November 21, 2017
Sunday, November 19, 2017
World Children's Day
http://www.oikoumene.org/en/press-centre/news/wcc-invites-heartfelt-participation-in-world-childrens-day
Saturday, November 18, 2017
Friday, November 17, 2017
Put Kids Back in the Picture
For many years, I have spent time working with both educators and families of young children. After reading this article, my fire was reignited! It reminded me of my attempts to encourage educators to focus on educating each child individually, regardless of demands by parents that pushed for their children to 'perform' non-age appropriate behaviors. Forcing inappropriate age concepts with young children does not somehow 'create' a smart child, it could damage the learning process for children. Hence, put kids back in the picture. Focus on their individual creativity, and accept the learning process as a unique experience for each child. Take a look.
https://www.sunshinecoastdaily.com.au/news/put-kids-back-in-the-picture/3253340/Wednesday, November 15, 2017
Tuesday, November 14, 2017
Monday, November 13, 2017
Smacking Children in Today's Time
In the US, physical punishment is different depending upon the state a child resides. Some states in the south have allowed physical/corporal punishment to remain in law.
https://www.theguardian.com/society/2017/oct/19/smacking-children-to-be-banned-in-scotlandDid you Hear About This?: Foster Care Children Deaths
My daily research into practices related to young children leads me to many shocking revelations. This report is indeed a shocking! I believe that all children deserve to be protected by any means necessary. The attached article needs to be circulated and actions must be put in place to protect our children of the foster care system.
https://theintercept.com/2017/10/18/foster-care-children-deaths-mentor-network/Study: Racial Bias in Young Children
Children are not born racist, but it does not mean that they don't have racial biases. This study is in an infancy stage, but worth the read and thought.
https://education.good.is/articles/fight-racial-biasResearch: Children Harmed by Seeing Parents Drunk
The findings in this article are very interesting. It is an encouragement to parents, to be discrete in our goings and comings, and beverage choices. \
Schools Blaming Children for Sexual Abuse
In today's time, I would think that 'everyone' knows that the defenseless (regardless of age), deserve defending. This article completely took my breath away. This little 'court tactic' used by some school systems should be an outlawed practice, and ALL children Must receive not only a high-quality education, and the utmost level of respect while away from their parents.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/education/fl-palm-beach-schools-abuse-history-20171013-story.htmlMcSweeney's: Your Children's Bedtime Routine Fantasy vs. Reality
My children's bedtime routine is unreal. I love McSweeney's list (take a peek). I wouldn't make my own bedtime if it weren't for my oldest child, who is REQUIRED to complete the routine for the little ones every single night. No one tucks like her. I learned about two years ago, my tucks were being retucked, at the request of Lexington Reign. I no longer tuck, I hug, kiss, and call her in to complete the routine.
https://www.mcsweeneys.net/articles/your-childrens-bedtime-routine-fantasy-vs-realitySunday, November 12, 2017
Should Children be Sent to Daycare?
Every family must make the best decision for themselves regarding sending their children to a child care program. Taking the opportunity to provide children high-quality child care.
Saturday, November 11, 2017
Early Childhood Education in Nigeria: Issues and Problems
Private ECE care for children is similar in most countries. When I reviewed this article, it reminded me of the issues that we see in the US, and specifically in my state of North Carolina. There doesn't appear to be a perfect measure of quality early childhood education, despite the efforts to change the face of the industry. Very high quality, universal early childhood education practices are necessary.
https://www.naija.ng/1128157-early-childhood-education-nigeria-issues-problems.html#1128157
Thursday, November 9, 2017
Children Using Energy Drinks to Stay up and Play Video Games
I could not imagine my children consuming energy drinks for any purpose. They have so much energy!
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-4955404/Children-using-energy-drinks-play-video-games.html
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-4955404/Children-using-energy-drinks-play-video-games.html
Council Failed its Children
The care that young children receive is serious business! Serious, in the sense that children around the 'world' deserve their lives to be taken care of as gently as is possible. When that does not happen, 'someone' failed. When families choose an early childhood education community for their children, the most important feature of any program is the program's ability to protect children, anticipate their needs, and provide/communicate the needs of each child individually. Take a peek.
https://www.theguardian.com/society/2017/oct/04/gloucestershire-tory-council-failed-children
https://www.theguardian.com/society/2017/oct/04/gloucestershire-tory-council-failed-children
Wednesday, November 8, 2017
Can Preschool Narrow Achievement Gap
Statistically, there are many educational and achievement gaps. In fact, so many exist, understanding them can be a little confusing. Take a look at this article about preschools, and the achievement gap that exists.
http://blogs.edweek.org/edweek/inside-school-research/2017/10/can_preschool_narrow_achievement_gap.html
http://blogs.edweek.org/edweek/inside-school-research/2017/10/can_preschool_narrow_achievement_gap.html
Tuesday, November 7, 2017
Psychopathy: Children at Risk Respond Differently to Laughter
Over the years, anticipating a child's needs is one of the core values that we adhere to every single day. The attached article discusses children's responses to certain scenarios. Laughter is one of the universal languages that many of us think 'all people laugh.' In fact, that's not exactly true. Take a look.
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/319560.php
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/319560.php
Monday, November 6, 2017
Dogging and Side Boobs
Adult topics addressed in children's books often force chuckles during story time. This article gets to the bottom of it!
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2017/sep/29/childrens-books-filth-author-biff-chip-kipper-pugwash-poohArtificial Coloring Given to Children
The more that we learn how to assess the foods that we purchase and consume, the more likely we are to make good health sources. I am not exactly the 'food police' mom, but I certainly read every single label to ensure that our foods are tasty and good for us. The attached article explores this topic. Take a look. You may be surprised!
https://foodbabe.com/2017/09/28/marketing-artificial-color-children-illegal-amazing-story/Setting Up a Child Daycare Centre in the 1960s
Many ECE programs today are set up to for the primary purpose of investments. I found inspiration in reviewing the attached article. Investment: Redefined.
https://www.stuff.co.nz/life-style/well-good/inspire-me/97043031/lino-name-tags-and-plenty-of-backlash-setting-up-a-child-daycare-centre-in-the-1960s
Parenting: Teaching Children About Gender Equality
In a house where all except one gender is female, I realized that limiting them to 'girly' activities was simply unfair. I rather enjoy watching everyone share activities regardless of what the activities are. This article addresses ways that families could verbalize gender equality. Take a peek.
http://www.cnn.com/2017/09/26/health/gender-equality-teaching-children-parenting/index.html
http://www.cnn.com/2017/09/26/health/gender-equality-teaching-children-parenting/index.html
Benefits of ECE and Health Programs May Last Longer than a Lifetime
This article offers thoughts that are promising to the longevity of early childhood education both as an industry and an experience for young children.
https://blogs.wsj.com/economics/2017/09/25/the-benefits-of-early-childhood-education-and-health-programs-may-last-longer-than-a-lifetime/
https://blogs.wsj.com/economics/2017/09/25/the-benefits-of-early-childhood-education-and-health-programs-may-last-longer-than-a-lifetime/
Trombonist Ryan Porter is for the Children
I absolutely love and adore instrumental music. This feature is a true treat, for the kiddos. Take a listen. https://daily.bandcamp.com/2017/09/25/ryan-porter-feature/
Calling all Mice, Cats, and Cockroaches
When I was growing up, there were certain pests that my siblings and I were familiar with. I do remember however, my mother being very insistent on ensuring that every small crumb was removed, all traces of water, and absolutely positively nothing left in the kitchen sink overnight. Our parents were trying to prevent and have control over small pests. A couple decades later, a study suggests that some access to those pests won't hurt us, in fact quite contrary. Take a look.
http://www.nydailynews.com/life-style/health/mice-cat-cockroach-allergens-lessen-childhood-asthma-article-1.3519785
http://www.nydailynews.com/life-style/health/mice-cat-cockroach-allergens-lessen-childhood-asthma-article-1.3519785
How do we Help Children Cope with Fear of Nuclear War
While it may be difficult to explain nuclear war to children, some experts have an idea about how it should be done. Take a look.
http://www.latimes.com/opinion/op-ed/la-oe-linn-children-nuclear-fear-20170926-story.html
http://www.latimes.com/opinion/op-ed/la-oe-linn-children-nuclear-fear-20170926-story.html
Waving from the Hawkeyes Stadium
In the name of the children,
https://www.snopes.com/hawkeyes-childrens-hospital/
https://www.snopes.com/hawkeyes-childrens-hospital/
Saturday, November 4, 2017
Mamello Daycare Centre Enjoys Spring
I enjoy researching early childhood education, in the US and beyond. These children are adorable!
https://tembisan.co.za/64697/mamello-daycare-centre-enjoys-spring/
Transitional Kindergarten Could be a Great Equalizer, or Drive Inequality
Have a 3-5 year old? Chances are, regardless of where you live, you've heard the term TK or transitional kindergarten. In many states, TK programs are offered by the state's subsidy or universal pre-k program. Having grown up in rural South Carolina, I was quite clueless about TK when my children were younger. Take a peek and see what the buzz is all about...
https://www.voiceofsandiego.org/topics/commentary/transitional-kindergarten-could-be-a-great-equalizer-in-its-current-form-it-drives-inequality/
When Black Children Are Targeted for Punishment
Many school districts around the country have worked diligently to establish a love of diversity, where all students are treated similarly, yet individually. This article gently brushes this topic, and poses stats related. Take a peek.
https://www.nytimes.com/2017/09/25/opinion/black-students-little-rock-punishment.html?module=ArrowsNav&contentCollection=Opinion&action=keypress®ion=FixedLeft&pgtype=article
Thursday, November 2, 2017
Reduce Drop off Tears with a Goodbye Ritual
Young children are often looking out the window (sometimes in tears), laying on the floor, and even being peeled from their parents' arms. I encourage families to create a ritual. Take a peek at the attached article for ideas.
https://offspring.lifehacker.com/reduce-day-care-drop-off-tears-with-a-goodbye-ritual-1818620846
https://offspring.lifehacker.com/reduce-day-care-drop-off-tears-with-a-goodbye-ritual-1818620846
Wednesday, November 1, 2017
Brain Expert says Children Should Not Play Tackle Football
Thinking about allowing your little one play tackle football? Think once more. Take a look at the attached article, to see what the experts are saying.
http://www.espn.com/espnw/sports/article/20751923/in-wake-new-research-brain-expert-says-think-children-play-tackle-footballDomestic Abuse: Focus more on Children
Children need support to survive a situation of domestic violence. The suggestions in this article are compelling. Stability and consistency are beneficial to children, and more importantly, children deserve all of the love they can get from both parents. Take a peek.
http://www.bbc.com/news/education-41319515Kids Praised for Being Smart More Likely to Cheat, Study Finds
Children will perform, give them more by focusing on 'All' the things that they do, just don't 'overdo' praise. Setting high expectations for children to perform is more beneficial for children. When they exceed your expectations, move on to the next lesson.
https://www.consumeraffairs.com/news/kids-praised-for-being-smart-more-likely-to-cheat-study-finds-091917.html23 Children are Shot Every Day in America
The number 23 is etched in my mind. It makes me so sad to think that children are offended, injured, and/or shot everyday. To learn that 23 children are shot daily in the US, creates the need for additional advocacy on behalf of children and their families. Take a look at the attached article, and consider community-based advocacy in your area.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/twenty-three-children-are-shot-every-day-in-america/2017/09/18/9852b0e0-9ca3-11e7-9c8d-cf053ff30921_story.html?utm_term=.27dcca67c1a9
https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/twenty-three-children-are-shot-every-day-in-america/2017/09/18/9852b0e0-9ca3-11e7-9c8d-cf053ff30921_story.html?utm_term=.27dcca67c1a9
3 Things you Should Never Share with your Children
Parents must decide every day how much of themselves they should share with their children. All aspects of life should be addressed, at least to some extent before children walk into the world on their own. Regardless of the books read, articles reviewed, and parenting groups that we may participate in, what works for your household is what works for your family. Fortunately, there isn't a perfect mix to creating and raising a family. Instead, it's people from all walks of life that will have the greatest impact. The most important thing to do as a parent is really pretty simple: LOVE. Love encompasses all of the other factors.
http://metro.co.uk/2017/09/16/3-things-you-should-never-share-with-your-children-6929182/