Toddler (1.5-3)
- Creative Play Resolutions: Imagine That!
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The New Year is approaching fast, and I’m hearing through the grapevine that many parents are finally ready for a fresh new start regarding the way their kids play. Whatever your motivation, the simple fact is this: Creative, imaginative play is important. It stimulates the brain. It helps develop important life skills. And it creates enthusiasm. What’s not to like about it!
- O ‘Family’ Tree, O ‘Family’ Tree, How Lovely are Your Branches
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Now that you have your beautiful ornaments, you need somewhere to hang them. Here are a few suggestions:
- Storytelling Props
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On one of my recent holiday shopping sprees, I noticed a great child’s toy. It was simple in nature. In fact, it was something you and I could create on our own — a tiny pouch filled with 10 to 15 tiny trinkets. The instructions were for the child to select five trinkets out of the pouch and create a story around these items. So, if you have created an “I SPY” holiday wreath, either as a game or for your holiday card this year, consider having your children use the items from the wreath to create their own year-in-review story.
- Gift Receiving Etiquette: How to put more ‘appreciate’ into appreciation – Part 2 of 2
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Teaching children proper gift receiving etiquette and gratitude is really so incredibly important — especially in these days of self-entitlement, instant gratification, and impersonal communication. To help your own kids learn how to graciously receive and acknowledge a gift, here are a few tips to pass on to them.
- Gift-Giving Etiquette: How to put more ‘thought’ into thoughtfulness – Part 1 of 2
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I invite you — nay, challenge you! — to help your child step back for a moment . . . realize what’s really important . . . and focus on the true spirit of the holiday season: giving to others in a genuinely thoughtful way.
- Gratitude: Teaching kids to appreciate what they have!
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Teaching gratitude to children is not easy. Depending on what stage they’re going through, your child may feel very entitled and self-centered at the moment. (If not, you’re lucky.) But if so, no need to fret. There are a few tricks I’ve learned over the years that will show you just how to teach kids to be grateful.
- Creative Moments with Toys
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Toys. They sometimes look simple in nature, but it’s the power of your child’s imagination that makes them run.
- Part 2 of 2: Teaching Kids to Respect Others’ Property
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Most kids find things that others have to be much more attractive than what they have themselves — no matter what it is. Learn how to teach them responsibility when it comes to respecting others’ property.
- Helping Children Manage Their Fears at Halloween
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Halloween is fast approaching and for some youngsters this holiday is more frightful than fun. Learn seven ways to help manage these fears.
- How to Make a “Unique” Store-Bought Halloween Costume
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Here are some simple ideas to make your child’s Halloween store-bought costume “pop.”