Playful Learning & Growing

Self-directed play is an essential part of early childhood. But too often, teachers interfere with children’s joyous, deeply engaged discovery. We point out what we think children should be learning rather than letting them learn from their own experiences. What if we focused on being present and observing? Stepping back and watching how children are engaging with their environment can contribute to strengthened cognitive development. Read more in "Stepping Back to Nurture" in the Fall 2021 issue of Teaching Young Children: NAEYC.org/stepping-back-nurture

This article is available for NAEYC members only. Not a member? Click here to join: NAEYC.org/membership/join

Help children understand they have a choice.

Children learn from our actions.

One way to calm an anxious mind: Notice when you’re doing OK Here’s a simple yet powerful way to build well-being and resources in your brain and your body, says Rick Hanson and his coauthors.

Why we need to end the silence around pregnancy loss Most of us don’t know how to talk to people who’ve experienced a miscarriage or stillbirth, says communication researcher Dr. Lisa Hanasono. Here’s how we can change that — …

When kids experience grief, talking about those big feelings can be difficult. Check out this provider training video to learn more about how to help children through these moments.
https://bit.ly/3En5fBv

When it comes to apologizing, intentionality and accountability matters.

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from https://www.facebook.com/MindShift.KQED/posts/4399223943446824

GenMindful.com | Raising An Emotionally Healthy World

No Bad Kids - Toddler Discipline Without Shame (9 Guidelines) - Janet Lansbury A toddler acting out is not shameful, nor is it behavior that needs punishing. It’s a cry for attention, a shout-out for sleep, or a call to action for firmer, more consistent limits. It is the push-pull of our toddler testing his burgeoning independence. He has the overwhelming impulse to step ou...

1. Telling children to obey authority without an exception. "Listen to your teacher. I don't want to hear you've misbehaved. Do what she says and follow rules."
What if... the teacher says, "Let's go into the computer room together and play a touching game. Your mom said you need to follow my rules?"

Unknowingly the adult has just created an opportunity for increased vulnerability.
Instead, "It's important to follow rules at school UNLESS, your safety is compromised in any way, at which point you have my permission to refuse and tell a trusted adult."

2. Asking children to keep "innocent-like" secrets. "Don't tell your mom we got a speeding ticket today." What are we asking children to do? Keep secrets, protect adults from conflict with each other, and we are putting a burden on children to manage the concerns of adults. These innocent secrets mimic the ones perpetrators use when grooming children. Don't ask kids to keep secrets at all. Of course surprises are ok. If an adult gets a speeding ticket, it's not the child's responsibility to protect that adult.

3. Suggesting, bribing, manipulating or forcing children to kiss and hug relatives (or anyone) to make others feel loved and happy.
"Go kiss your Nana or you will really hurt her feelings and she won't think you love her."
This is not consent. This is asking children to manage the feelings of other people which increases vulnerability to sexual assault. Instead, "How would you like to greet Nana? A fist bump, a wave, it's your choice." Sometimes kids just don't want to greet at all. It doesn't mean they are rude or impolite. This is a key in child sexual assault prevention.

No blame! We've all made these mistakes. Just an opportunity to learn and change behavior for the safety of children.

If you want more practice with, or have questions about these concepts, consider attending the next Parenting Safe Children Workshop on September 18 / 25, done in two parts.
Register at parentingsafechildren.com/calendar.

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9 Best Ways to Stay (Mostly) Unruffled With Toddlers - Janet Lansbury Toddlers are experts at ruffling our feathers, but these tiny people mean no disrespect. Testing our limits (and patience) is impulsive behavior on their part and a developmentally appropriate way to seek answers to important questions like: Am I safe and cared for? Do I have confident leaders? Are....

Experts Agree! Really, Babies Don't Need To Read - Janet Lansbury I received this caring mom’s comment in response to How To Help Your Baby Become A Math Genius (Or Not): I am a mother of a 17 month old girl and I had her do the Baby Can Read program. I did this because I struggled with reading and vocabulary in school. My daughter has … Continued

Raising children with trustful parenting develops resource humans.

Teen on School Trip to China Falls Asleep on Tour Bus, Wakes Up in Dark at Depot, Alone | Let Grow An American student in China gets lost without a cell phone.

Educator Drew Perkins Gives His Daughters a Surprising -- and Transformative -- Homework Assignment | Let Grow Share this with friends: The Let Grow Project, a homework assignment where students choose something new to do on their own, doesn’t just change the kids. After 15 years as a teacher, Drew Perkins is now TeachThought’s Director of Professional […]

As Childhood Overprotection Goes Up, Entrepreneurship is Going Down | Let Grow Share this with friends: The drive to make things happen begins as soon as children start to explore the world. But what happens when they don’t? In today’s USA Today, North Dakota State Business Professor Clay Routledge and I consider […]

How Toxic Stress Affects Us, and What We Can Do About It For those who've experienced toxic stress, just getting through the day can feel tough, let alone being the best parents or caregivers you can be. In this vi...

Not just kids but also adults! ☀️

via .parents

Puddle Parenting: Are You a Puddle Parent? Why This Dad Hopes You'll Practice This Parenting Style | Fatherhood | 30Seconds Dad We have all heard about helicopter parents, lawnmower parents and free-range parenting – all parenting styles that didn’t really fit my own style of parenting. The other day I read an awesome article on Scary Mommy about a new parenting style: the puddle parent. Finally, a parenting style that I...

Parents, Say "Yes" to Kids Climbing Up the Slide: Here Are 7 Reasons Why (Share Your Thoughts) | Opinion | 30Seconds Dad We climb up the slide at the park, and we think you should consider climbing up and allowing your children to climb up the slide, too. Why? Here are my top seven reasons: Climbing up the slide strengthens arms and legs. Children need to be active and exercise. It not easy to climb to the top – it....

How every child can thrive by five "What if I was to tell you that a game of peek-a-boo could change the world?" asks seven-year-old Molly Wright, one of the youngest-ever TED speakers. Breaking down the research-backed ways parents and caregivers can support children's healthy brain development, Wright highlights the benefits of pla...