For Parents

Here are some articles geared toward parents. Some are more "Montessori" than others.

10 Fun Rainy Day Activities for the Family: Have Fun Without Being Glued to the Tube

For children who like to play outside, rainy days can seem like the most boring things, ever. But with a little creativity, you can have lots of fun inside. Click here to read more.

Author Lori Lite Teaches Children How to Relax

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Become Reconnected as a Parent in Just 15 Minutes a Day

Parenting is the most difficult job that any of us will ever have. You are on duty twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. There is no such thing as a vacation or lunch break. You can't just quit and seek out a new career when times get tough. But, you are entitled to give yourself mini-breaks to make the job easier. Click here to read more.

Best Parent Resources for Sensory Processing Disorder

With more and more children being diagnosed with Sensory Processing Disorder, and other disorders that have sensory issues, people are seeking out the best information available. The following are some of the best books available. Click here to read more. {These books will soon be available in the shopping section.}

Discipline Strategy: The Reverse Time-Out

Many people are familiar with the discipline strategy of a time-out. The child who is having difficulty must go sit in a pre-designated area, such as his bedroom, or a time-out chair. The general rule of thumb for the length of the time-out is one minute per year in the child's age (e.g. a four year-old sits for four minutes). Time can be added for any further infractions. But what can you do if the time-out doesn't seem to be working? Click here to read more.

Grocery Store Etiquette

Grocery shopping is meant to be a relaxing experience. You are purchasing nourishment for you and your loved ones. I have fond memories of family grocery shopping trips to the local market when I was a kid, and it just didn't seem stressful. Alas, times have changed, and a review of grocery shopping etiquette appears to be in order! Click here to read more.

Grow a Salad Garden with Your Children

Children are notorious for not wanting to eat their vegetables. They are also notorious for wanting to have some responsibility. Use these traits to your advantage by having your kids grow salad ingredients in your garden. Click here to read more.

"Help! My Child is a Control Freak!": Help for the Parent of the Controlling Child

Young children, especially preschool-aged, have a tendency to want to control everything. It's a phase that can make parents absolutely crazy. With a little understanding and some clever manipulation, you both will make it through this trying time. Click here to read more.

How to Keep Your Child's Mind Actively Engaged This Summer

Studies have shown that over the summer, children tend to lose a lot of what they learned during the school year. The first several weeks back at school turn into long review sessions. You can easily keep your child's mind active this summer so that less review is necessary. Click here to read more.

How to Prepare Your Kitchen for Child-Friendly Cooking

With a little creativity and reorganization you can easily create a child-friendly cooking atmosphere in your kitchen. Click here to read more.

Interview with Literacy Expert Diane W. Frankenstein

Diane W. Frankenstein is an expert in the field of childhood literacy. She recently shared her expertise in a book for parents and teachers called Reading Together: Everything You Need to Know to Raise a Child Who Loves to Read. I received a complimentary copy of this book for reviewing purposes, then contacted Ms. Frankenstein to answer questions about literacy, parenting, and education.
Click here to read more.
{This book will soon be available for purchase in the shopping section.}

Is Your Child a Picky Eater?

"My child won't eat anything but chicken nuggets and fries!" It's a complaint I've heard numerous times from my friends who are parents, as well as from the parents of my students. They think it is their child's fault for being stubborn.Wrong!Picky eaters tend to be somewhat stubborn, but often the fault lies with the parent, not the child. Picky eaters are bred, not born. Click here to read more.

National Wildlife Federation's Be Out There Campaign - Resources for Fun Family Outdoor Activities

Americans are getting bigger. Kids are lacking in Vitamin D and can't concentrate on learning. Parents are over-worked and constantly rushed. Families just don't spend enough time relaxing and playing outdoors anymore. The National Wildlife Federation is encouraging families, starting in 2010, to "Be Out There," a new pledge for outdoor family fun.
Click here to read more.

Partnering with Your Child's Teacher for Language

Sure, your child goes to school to learn how to read and write. But reading and writing skills also must be practiced at home. By partnering with your child's teacher, you can work together to give your child the best learning experiences.
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Prepping Your Kindergartner for a School Routine

Summer is winding down and the kids are getting ready to go back to school. Perhaps you have a young one getting ready to start kindergarten in the fall. How can you help your little one prepare for this new routine in life? Click here to read more.

Simple Ways to Include Your Young Child in Gardening Activities

Many of us take great pride in our yards and gardens. Children are always eager to help and are capable of doing so without being a distraction or burden, as long as you are patient. Here are five ways in which your darlings can help you outside and develop a love for nature.
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A Successful Parent-Teacher Conference Begins at the Start of the School Year

Parent-teacher conferences can be a nerve-wracking experience on both sides of the table, but they don't have to be. Starting with the very first day of school, parents and teachers can work together to make the conversation more productive. Click here to read more.

Teach Your Child How to Pick His Nose: Introducing the Ghost Finger

Young children (and some adults, for that matter) are notorious for sticking their fingers up their noses to pick at whatever may be drying within. It is a disgusting habit that quickly spreads nasty germs. But in all of my years as an educator, I've yet to successfully prevent the insertion of the digits up into the nostrils. Instead, I've had to subscribe to the adage of "If you can't beat 'em....." Hence, the development of the "Ghost Finger". Click here to read more.

What Doing Laundry Teaches Your Child: There's More Going on Than Just Clean Clothes

Young children are always eager to help their parents, especially in the laundry area. Beyond being a great time for one-on-one bonding with your young child, doing laundry can teach your child many practical skills. Click here to read more.