The toddler stage is key in the early development of children. Toddlers are between 1 and 3 years old. If parents begin reading to their children at a very young age, it can be helpful for the development of fundamental reading skills and phonemic awareness as well as understanding verbal expression. Positive reinforcement of reading from a young age can also encourage a child to link reading with enjoyment. Learn how to make reading to a toddler a fun and fulfilling experience.
Adults take for granted the ability to extend their limbs across the midlines of their bodies. But Neurologic Music Therapist Kimberly Moore says pediatricians don't expect children to gain this fundamental skill until they reach six months of age. Why do we need to learn to cross the midline? For one, basic reading and writing skills -- and the very ability to learn -- build on a developing child's ability to perform cross-lateral motions. Kindergarten teachers and early child development specialists recommend that parents encourage their children to develop these skills through regular midline crossing activities.
While media such as television and the Internet certainly offer learning opportunities for children, CDs can offer an interactive quality not available on TV or online. Interactive CDs such as audio books, CD-ROM software and children's action song albums all present interactive learning opportunities for your child. They can also encourage bonding and interaction between parent and child as well, so you experience things together.
Teaching your child life lessons is the right and responsibility of parents. Life lessons are enduring truths about ourselves and the world in which we live. They usually are good and positive, and meant to be remembered throughout life. Life lessons can be based on moral responsibility and principles of leadership. These lessons can be learned by anyone, anytime. Teaching these lessons to children changes them and could change the world.
Some people think that public schools are going to take care of all of their child's educational needs. Unfortunately, with the changes in society and the unrealistic demands put on educators, we as parents have to supplement our childrens' educations. Here are a few somewhat easy ideas for supplementing your child's education.
All children learn to speak at some point, but some kids pick up language quicker than others. There are things you can do to help increase a child's vocabulary without spending a lot of time using flash cards.
As a parent of a teenager, it's important that you encourage your teenager to avoid drugs and alcohol. Drugs and alcohol can have far reaching negative effects on your child's life. Encouraging your teen to avoid the temptation and peer pressure associated with drugs and alcohol can be the difference between life and death.