Dan Wuori’s Post

As we steamroll into the season of giving abundantly, consider giving with intention. Also, can we look at some ECE “best practice” through this lens and consider play environments today? So many learning centers, so many toys, so much on the walls. So little space, so little time, so little grass-on-the-feet and wind-in-the-hair. Is the abundance good for kiddos? Or good for teachers? Does it mask lack of engagement on both parts? Are we simply trying to make up for missing connection with stuff? I’m not suggesting I have cracked the code; but I do think that some of our widely-accepted quality standards could be considered again, and differently.

Ever buy your toddler a gift only to find they’re more interested in the box than its contents? This week I’ve been demystifying toddler behavior by introducing play schemas - 9 common behavioral patterns common to young children. The better you understand them, the easier your toddler’s behaviors become to interpret and manage. Which brings us to this little cutie, who is engaged in the enclosure schema. As its name implies, enclosure play involves containing things (putting one item into another) - or placing borders around objects or themselves. It’s all about marking physical boundaries - which can contribute to a sense of security. And what could be better for the enclosure schema than a box? So don’t despair, gift givers! Box play is neither a cause for alarm, nor an indication that your child doesn’t like their actual gifts. It’s just that they’re very drawn to enclosure play. And, in some cases, more developmentally drawn to boxes than to the toys inside - which is one of several reasons I’m an advocate for limiting the number of toys you purchase and make available at any given time. Your toddler doesn’t need dozens of choices. In fact, research suggests that children play longer and more meaningfully when provided fewer toy options. To be clear, I’m not advocating against age-appropriate toys. They’re essential. But you don’t need piles and piles of them. In this case less can be more. And before you go rushing to the recycling bin, keep an eye out for boxes you might let your toddler explore safely. This enclosed little one was shared to TT by tianajess. #earlychildhood #earlyyears #eyfs #parenting

Giving children a choice is powerful.

Thinking inside the box. 📦 Yesterday I shared some holiday gift giving advice, one piece of which resonated with many of you. It was a note that your toddler may be just as interested in the box a toy comes in as the toy itself. And it’s true. Toddlers are particularly drawn to boxes. Today I thought I’d take a moment to talk about why. Young children’s behaviors can sometimes seem difficult to interpret, but - as I’ve shared before - often follow common patterns or “play schemas.” Researchers have identified 9 of them. And the more you understand them, the easier your toddler’s behaviors become to interpret. Which brings us to this little cutie, who is engaged in one: ENCLOSURE. As its name implies, enclosure play involves containing things (putting one item into another) - or placing borders around objects or themselves. It’s all about marking physical boundaries - which can contribute to a sense of security. And what could be better for the enclosure schema than a box? Depending on the play in question, boxes may also be associated with a related schema: ENVELOPING, which involves covering themselves or objects up entirely. (Imagine our hero attempting to hide herself completely within the box, closing it at the top.) Anyway, box play is neither a cause for alarm, nor an indication that your child doesn’t like their actual gifts. It’s just that they’re very drawn to enclosure play, developmentally. So before you go rushing to the recycling bin, keep an eye out for boxes you might let your toddler explore safely (whether the contents were originally intended for your little one or not). This sweet little adventurer was shared to TT by jillianpagefo. #earlychildhood #earlyyears #eyfs #parenting

Does your toddler love to line up their toys? Yesterday I introduced play schemas, 9 common patterns observed in toddler play. Here is another: the positioning schema. Positioning involves lining objects up, placing them in a preferred sequence, and - as your toddler’s cognitive and motor skills grow more and more sophisticated - stacking them and/or sorting them by a particular attribute (grouping all the red objects, for example). At its heart, positioning play is your little one working to create a sense of order. And it’s not just with toys. Toddlers exploring position may develop strong feelings about the presentation of their food (a preference to keep items separate on a plate) for example, or even express opinions as to who is to sit where on the couch or at the dinner table. Understanding these common patterns can go a long way toward helping parents (and teachers) to demystify toddler behaviors. I particularly love this video - shared to IG by sienna.hollen - as it combines the positioning schema with an early form of dramatic play (as this little one reenacts the same caregiving routines she herself has experienced within her family.) #earlychildhood #earlyyears #eyfs #parenting

So when parents tell me their children are on the phone and they only use it for reading .. I laugh!!!!! Listen in to this video ….. Just because your child is spending hours on a phone app, even if it’s Bible App , doesn’t mean they aren’t watching Po3n … don't assume they're engaged in meaningful learning. This mother's experience is a good example that being on an app doesn't guarantee educational value. As a parent, you must be aware, be informed, and be involved in your child's digital activities to ensure they're using their time wisely. Remember I say that there is no S..ex Conversation without Tech conversations. When you leave the job of s3x educating your child to other people or other sources, that’s where you begin to go wrong, because you expose them to different forms of danger as they grow . Are you struggling with starting and giving the right S..ex Conversation to your child ? We can help you .. see comment for all the details to register. If your child is on screen most times ! Something else is keeping him there . Be Intentional. ©️Wendy Ologe Africas Number One Parent Coach #wendyologe #africasnumberoneparentcoach #theintentionalparent #parentingtips #parenting #motherhood #childhood #fatherhood

Are you looking for the perfect gift for your special child? Just landed on this deftly curated guide on 'Best Gifts for Kids with Special Needs'. While the gift hunting process can seem challenging, this resourceful blog makes it a breeze, taking into consideration the unique needs and interests of children with special needs. What I truly appreciate is the diversity and thoughtfulness behind the gift suggestions. From sensory toys that invigoratingly stimulate different senses to developmental tools aimed at increasing motor and cognitive skills in a fun and engaging way, the selected range has a delightful mix of everything. Better still, each item is more than just a toy – it's a tool for learning, development, and therapeutic interaction. Current statistics reveal that about 1 in 6 children in the U.S. have one or more developmental disabilities or other special needs. Amid such wide prevalence, this gift guide is a promising initiative, reinforcing the importance of inclusivity in every sphere. By providing a tailored selection of gifts designed to cater to different abilities, this guide sends a powerful message – each child, despite their special needs, deserves to revel in the magic of joyous moments. Parents of ours kids aged between 8-18, I urge you to dive into this guide and consider these gifts for your child. Remember, every gift is a token of appreciation for their resilience, an instigator of their strength, and a celebration of their unmatched beauty. Let's work together to illuminate the world of our children with special needs. Let's make them smile, successful, and most importantly, included. Let the magic of gifting add to their learning journey, while bringing a sparkle in their eyes. In this spirit, I encourage you to share your own experiences with similar gifts or tools. What did your child love the most? What kind of developmental progress have you observed? Let’s get the conversation rolling and inspire each other, because every child deserves to be celebrated. #SpecialNeeds #Inclusivity #JoyOfGifting #Parenting #ChildDevelopment #SensoryToys Read the full post on https://lnkd.in/da9t6FTi.

Exploring the Emotional Spectrum: Cry Babies Coloring Pages In the dynamic world of children's content, the "Cry Babies" series of coloring pages offers a unique way for kids to explore and express a wide range of emotions 🎨👶. From joy to sadness, these pages present various scenes and scenarios relatable to young children. Child psychologists and educators emphasize the importance of emotional literacy from an early age. "Cry Babies" coloring pages serve as an effective tool for helping children identify, name, and process their feelings. Many kids will encounter moments of frustration, joy, and friendship, making these scenes familiar and comforting to color. Each coloring page, whether depicting a naptime meltdown or the joy of discovering a lost toy, encourages kids to connect with their emotions. For example, scenes like "Baby Tears Scene" or "Crying Over Toys" may help children feel less isolated in their own experiences of distress 😢. On the other hand, joyful pages like "New Toy Joy" or "Baby Friendship" can enhance feelings of happiness and camaraderie among young users. The coloring pages also provide an interactive platform for parents and guardians to discuss emotions with their children. This can foster stronger emotional bonds and improve the child's ability to articulate their feelings. Using these pages can be a form of art therapy, a method known for its ability to improve emotional and mental well-being. Moreover, the series includes comforting elements such as "Baby Toy Comfort" or "Blanket Comfort", presenting coping mechanisms that children can understand and adopt 🧸. Engaging with these scenes can reinforce positive behaviors like seeking comfort in familiar objects or reaching out to friends for support. In summary, "Cry Babies" coloring pages offer more than just an artistic outlet; they are valuable tools for emotional development and literacy. Encouraging children to engage with these coloring sheets can provide a foundation for a healthy emotional life, preparing them for the multifaceted experiences of growing up. For parents, educators, and anyone invested in a child's emotional health, incorporating "Cry Babies" coloring pages into daily activities can be a step toward fostering a well-rounded emotional intelligence from the ground up 🌟. #ChildDevelopment #EmotionalIntelligence #ParentingTips #CryBabies #ColoringPages #ArtTherapy #EarlyChildhoodEducation 🎨👶🧸🖍️

Here are some ways parents can be vigilant and can monitor your kids online activities without looking like a "Helicopter Parent" **For Preschoolers (Ages 2-5):** 📺 **Monitor Screen Time:** Limit screen time and supervise what your child watches. Choose age-appropriate programs and apps. 🔒 **Parental Controls:** Set up parental controls on devices and streaming services to filter content. 👀 **Watch Together:** Watch cartoons and videos with your child. This allows you to monitor content and discuss any questions or concerns that arise. 🔍 **Preview Content:** Preview cartoons and shows before letting your child watch them. **For Mid Schoolers (Ages 6-11):** 🔎 **Stay Informed:** Keep up-to-date with popular shows, games, and trends among children in this age group. 🔒 **Secure Devices:** Password-protect devices and accounts to prevent unauthorized access. 🤝 **Open Communication:** Encourage them to talk to you if they come across anything that makes them uncomfortable or if they have questions about what they see online. 🚫 **Set Boundaries:** Set clear rules and boundaries for screen time and online activities. **For Tweens and Teens (Ages 12-18):** 👩💻 **Supervise Social Media:** If your child uses social media platforms like Instagram, supervise their accounts, and teach them about privacy settings and online etiquette. 👥 **Teach Critical Thinking:** Teach your child to think critically about the content they consume online. *General Tips for All Ages:** 👨👩👧👦 **Family Agreements:** Establish family agreements or contracts regarding screen time, online behavior, and safety rules. Involve your child in creating these agreements to promote buy-in and accountability. 👉 "Want more parenting tips and advice? Comment 'YES' below to join my community ❤️ "Mindful Parenting With Selvi" to stay updated and receive regular insights on raising happy and healthy kids! 💬🌟" #mindfulparentingwithselvi #parentingtips #parentingserieswithselvi #lifecoach #manifestationcoach #eftpractitioner #pranichealer #parentingcoch #personalitydevelopment #childdevelopment #deepparenting #lifecoaching

Hello Parents of Tweens and Teens, As we watch our children growing rapidly from little wide-eyed dreamers to opinionated young adults, the evanescent moments of their tweenhood can seem to pass us by in a blur. While our hearts may attempt to capture each precious moment, our memory is, unfortunately, not as reliable. But what if we could bottle up those distinct expressions of juvenile joy and youthful wisdom? How wonderful would it be to take a trip down memory lane and relive those times with our children when they've crossed the bridge to adulthood? I recently stumbled upon a delightful idea to capture this fleeting phase of our children's lives - a time capsule! This brilliant concept immediately drew me in and had me appreciate the potent power that this seemingly simple idea holds. A time capsule is more than a box or a jar filled with trinkets. It's an artistic creation portraying your child's persona during their tween and teen years - encapsulating their laughable quirks, innocent dreams, memorable adventures, and the very essence of their youth. It's their very own treasure chest of invaluable moments and experiences that when revered in the future, would whisk them back to their golden days. This concept doesn't just end with its ability to immortalize memories. It stretches beyond that, building a fascinating conversation starter for years to come. Imagine opening this time capsule with your grown children and reminiscing about each item's backstory- it's an emotional and heartwarming experience that will bind you together even more. Statistically, the trend of creating time capsules has seen an upswing amongst parents who want to preserve their kids' memories authentically. With families spending more time at home, this also makes for a fantastic family project keeping everyone engaged, entertained, and simultaneously creating precious memories. If you're moved by the enchanting idea of creating a keepsake for your tween or teenager, I encourage each one of you to embark on this beautiful journey. Dive into this inspiring endeavor confidently, eager to uniquely document these magical years. I would love to hear your thoughts on this lovely idea and how you could incorporate this in your parenting journey. What do you think your children would want to add in their time capsule if you were to start one today? Let’s preserve more than just our children’s memories. Let's immortalize their bewitching years of tweenhood and teenagehood. Because after all, our kids deserve their unique treasure chest of golden moments, don't they? #Parenting #MakingMemories #TimeCapsule #Tweenhood #TeenageYears. Read the full post on https://lnkd.in/dvmzVgJy.