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Making the leap from pre-school to kindergarten is one of childhood’s most important milestones. It marks significant social and academic growth, as well as an increase in independence that is a big change for both parents and children. Kindergarten is usually a child’s first experience in a traditional classroom setting, and is most cases, it is the first time he or she rides a school bus. The good news is that most children are both ready and excited for this transition. However, it’s still a change in your child’s everyday routine that requires preparation. The tips below will help your preschooler transform to a kindergartener with as little stress as possible.
Encourage independence: Work with your child well before the start of kindergarten to make sure he/she can use the bathroom, wash her hands, and put on his coat, hat, and mittens independently. Although not expected at the kindergarten level, if your child can zip her jacket and tie his shoes, it’s a bonus. Don’t be discouraged if your child struggles with one or all of these things. The goal is progress, not perfection. Keep practicing, but don’t get stressed out. Schedule summer play dates with children who will attend kindergarten with your child: Introduce your child to children who will attend kindergarten with him. It will be less stressful for your child if she knows other children who will ride the same bus or be in her class. It will also be helpful for you to know some of the other parents. Talk about the bus ride: This is likely your child’s initial experience with group transportation. For the first time, he can’t ask the adult in the car for a Kleenex or to turn on the music, etc. Explain the proper way to behave on the bus, and make sure your child has the small things she needs (like Kleenex, hand sanitizer) in her backpack. Drive the bus route with your child a few times before the first day of school so he feels more comfortable with where the bus is going and how long the ride takes. Start the new bedtime schedule a couple of weeks before school starts: Don’t wait until the start of school to implement a new nighttime routine. If you begin a couple of weeks ahead of time, the new routine will be old hat by the first day of school. In addition to making the process easier, it will be one less new thing for your family to deal with as kindergarten begins. Don’t add too much at once: The start of kindergarten will bring many new opportunities for your child. After school activities like Daisy’s and Cub Scouts all offer new friends and experiences that will enrich both your child and your family. In the beginning, take it slow, only adding in a little at a time. Your child is sure to be tired as she attends a new school, makes new friends, and gets used to a much longer day. Give her time to adjust before filling up her schedule too much. You will soon learn how much activity you and your child can handle; it’s different for each child and for each family. Most of all, enjoy this journey with your child, take lots of pictures, and have the cookies and milk ready to celebrate the first day of school! Kelly McIntire is a children’s author who believes that magic and adventure should begin in childhood and last a lifetime. Her books include Time Twistedand Adventures in Fairy Meadow. Visit her website at www.kellymcintireonline.com for more information, or follow her on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/kellymcintirewriter/?ref=bookmarks
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Amidst the outbreak of COVID 19, the resulting school cancellations, and the need to distance ourselves from others, comes the obvious question of most parents, “What in the world are we going to do for the next couple of weeks?” For many older children, increased screen time during school shutdowns will be a necessity to keep up with classroom instruction, and it’s also a way for them to interact with friends whom they won’t get to spend as much time with. Given that we are facing a pandemic, these alternatives are the next best thing to being there, and probably a safer bet.
However, what works for older kids isn’t always best for preschoolers. The American Academy of Pediatrics advises that children between the ages of 2 to 5 only have one hour of screen time each day. This might present a challenge to parents who unexpectedly have kids at home, and still have to get their own work done. Here are a few suggestions to keep the little ones occupied without overdoing on screen time. Have your child help you work: Set up a makeshift desk for your child next to where you work, and give him an assignment. Ask him to practice writing his name, the alphabet or numbers, or simply draw a picture. Get creative with your assignments and you might get a chunk of time to get your own work done. Books on tape or podcasts: Instead of allowing your child to watch their favorite show over and over, have her listen to a book on tape or a podcast. I SPY with a magazine: Give your child a magazine and ask her to circle specific objects, colors, or even letters or numbers. Make a fort: When all else fails, a blanket over the table over a group of chairs is a reliable “go to.” Put some of your child’s favorite toys in the fort and you’re sure to at least get through your emails. In the end, if your preschooler has a little more screen time during the pandemic, it isn’t the end of the world. We all need to be a little kinder to each other and ourselves right now, and there are worse things than a few extra episodes of Daniel Tiger or Sesame Street. Best wishes to all during this time. Kelly McIntire is a children’s author who believes that magic and adventure should begin in childhood and last a lifetime. Her books include Time Twistedand Adventures in Fairy Meadow. Visit her website at www.kellymcintireonline.com for more information, or follow her on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/kellymcintirewriter/?ref=bookmarks It’s finally March and the first day of spring is almost here! We’re enjoying more hours of sunlight, the birds are providing morning serenades, and daylight savings time is on the horizon. And although these small changes are most welcome, the outside temperature hasn’t quite caught up. If cabin fever is setting in as the winter winds down, try planting some seeds indoors to give your family a small taste of a spring activity and the assurance that better weather is on its way.
Developmentally, this is a perfect activity for preschoolers. Planting doesn’t require too many fine motor skills, and even three year olds can understand that living things need water and nurturing to thrive. Additionally, it’s awe-inspiring at any age to see something grow from a seed. You can find supplies at your local hardware store or box store. You will need potting soil, seeds of your choice, a large bowl or container, a scoop or small shovel, scissors or a knife, a water mister, seed planters in which to plant the seeds (egg cartons, Dixie cups, or bio-degradable seed planters), and a cookie sheet or planting tray to put your seed planters on. Pour some potting soil into the large bowl and add enough water so the soil in well watered; mix well with the shovel. Pierce a small drainage hole in each of your seed planters using scissors or a knife. Scoop the watered potting soil into each seed planter. Add one or two seeds to each planter; read directions on the seed packet to learn how many seeds are recommended per planter and if the seeds should be slightly covered with soil or just remain on top. Place each planter on the planting tray and mist each one with water. Place the tray in a sunny spot. Water as needed, making sure the soil remains damp but not wet. Soon, your seeds will be spouting into small plants that can be transplanted into a flowerpot for you and your family to enjoy, giving your child the satisfaction of watching something he/she planted thrive. And it will remind all of you that warmer weather is on the horizon! Kelly McIntire is a children’s author who believes that magic and adventure should begin in childhood and last a lifetime. Her books include Time Twistedand Adventures in Fairy Meadow. Visit her website at www.kellymcintireonline.com for more information, or follow her on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/kellymcintirewriter/?ref=bookmarks Remember to always consult your health care professional with any questions you have about your child’s diet and/or overall health.
Nutrition is a consistently confusing topic for parents. It seems as if guidelines are always changing, and with so many gluten free and dairy free options now available, discerning the best choices for your family can be difficult. Couple that with the fact that eating habits formed in childhood strongly influence adult diets, and it’s enough to make any parent want to run screaming out of the grocery store. But, don’t push the grocery cart over the cliff just yet! Hopefully the following tips can shed some light on this dilema. Gluten free and dairy free don’t always equal healthy: Those with gluten or dairy allergies/sensitivities need to eat gluten free or dairy free food, and it’s wonderful that there are so many options available for anyone who has to deal with these issues. However, just because something is gluten free or dairy free, doesn’t mean that it’s a better option for someone who doesn’t have allergies or sensitivities. Don’t be lulled into a false sense of security that all “free” foods are healthy. Like anything else, you need to read the labels to make sure that there isn’t too much sugar or too many chemicals. Additionally, gluten free and low carb aren’t the same thing. There are still carbohydrates in many gluten free foods. High protein, low carb, keto, paleo…: Diet trends are literally everywhere. It’s hard to keep track of which one is “in” and which ones are “out.” However, when it comes to healthy kids, a balanced diet is important. Kids need protein, complex carbohydrates, fiber, calcium, and healthy fats, as well as a myriad of vitamins and minerals in their diets. So skip the trendy and stick to the balanced. Natural is better: Natural whole foods are the best choices for all of us. Barring allergies and other dietary restrictions, fruits, vegetables, eggs, beans, whole grains, nuts, fish, low fat meats, low fat milk, and water are the best food choices, and should make up the bulk of your child’s diet. But… Everyone deserves a treat now and then: As long as there isn’t a medical, religious, or philosophical reason that your child shouldn’t eat something, forbidding certain foods usually doesn’t work in the long run. Children (and adults too) are often drawn to foods they aren’t supposed to eat. Teaching children to eat sugary, fatty foods in moderation will help set them up for a lifetime of healthy eating habits. If your schedule allows it, bring your children to the grocery store and allow them to choose the fruits and vegetables your family will enjoy during the week. Or, involve them in meal planning and cooking. These are all teachable moments where your kids can learn the how and why of healthy eating. Most importantly, discuss nutrition with your pediatrician. Your medical professionals are the best source of advice for your children’s health. Kelly McIntire is a children’s author who believes that magic and adventure should begin in childhood and last a lifetime. Her books include Time Twistedand Adventures in Fairy Meadow. Visit her website at www.kellymcintireonline.com for more information, or follow her on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/kellymcintirewriter/?ref=bookmarks As parents and teachers already know, Valentine’s Day is not just for romance; it’s also a fun day for kids. Giving and receiving Valentines, plenty of candy and other treats, and classroom parties have become part of our culture, and a day that children of all ages look forward to. I still remember the special Valentine cake that my mother made for our family every year, along with the treats that my classmates’ moms would send in for our annual classroom party. My parents would give my brother and me candy and other little gifts. It was a fun day all around, but much of it centered on eating.
I’m not advocating eliminating treats for kids (or adults) on Valentine’s Day or any other holiday; I believe that learning to enjoy candy and desserts in moderation is a life skill. However, Valentine’s Day offers us a unique opportunity to teach our children about heart health through nutrition and exercise in a fun way. After all, the heart is already the star of Valentine’s Day! Let’s teach our kids that it’s possible to enjoy food, have fun, and be healthy all at the same time. Below are a few suggestions on how you can incorporate heart health education into your Valentine’s Day celebration. Talk to your children about balancing treats with healthier choices and offer both at school parties and at home. Some fun yet healthy options include the following. Valentine’s Day fruit and veggies: Apples, strawberries, raspberries, pomegranate seeds, watermelon, tomatoes, and peppers all meet the qualifications for a healthy Valentine themed fruit and vegetable tray. Squeeze it in between the cookies and cupcakes on a Valentine tray and there are sure to be a few takers. Chocolate dipped fruit: Even just a small dip or drizzle of chocolate on fruit makes it a special Valentine Day treat. You can do the same with pretzels. Your kids will think it’s decadent, but you’ll know it’s a healthy option. Heart shaped cheese tray: Reduced fat deli cheese offers calcium and protein without as much fat as regular cheese. Buy slices of American, provolone, or cheddar and use a heart shaped cookie cutter to make “cheese hearts.” Educate kids about the importance of exercise for a healthy heart, and offer some extra playtime as a treat on Valentine’s Day. Here in New Hampshire it isn’t always easy to get outside to play in February, but some indoor aerobic activities are listed below.
With a little imagination, you can enjoy a delicious, fun, and healthy Valentine’s Day! Kelly McIntire is a children’s author who believes that magic and adventure should begin in childhood and last a lifetime. Her books include Time Twistedand Adventures in Fairy Meadow. Visit her website at www.kellymcintireonline.com for more information, or follow her on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/kellymcintirewriter/?ref=bookmarks We’ve all heard the famous clichés: “If you quit now, you’ll be a quitter for the rest of your life.” Or, “You made a commitment, you have to keep it.” As parents, a big part of our job description is teaching integrity and instilling a strong work ethic in our offspring. Often times, this means being the bad guy when our children want to give up on an activity they originally begged to sign up for.
But, is making a child continue with something they dislike always necessary? As with most things, I think there is a lot of gray area in making decisions like this. Although there are times when your child should certainly “stick it out,” there are other times when discontinuing an activity might be the right thing to do. Below are a few things to consider when deciding if your child should quit or not: Determine why your child wants to walk away: Does he truly not enjoy the activity, or is something else going on? Is someone being mean? Is your child having difficulty mastering something or is she frustrated? Figuring out the reason your child wants to give up on something is an important factor in deciding if you should allow her to walk away. Sometimes she might just need a little extra help in getting over a hurdle; or maybe it’s time for some adult intervention to settle a dispute among kids. Often, simply addressing an issue will bring the joy back to an activity. Will your child’s exit cause a problem for the rest of the group? If so, this might be the perfect time to teach your child a lesson about commitment. If quitting only affects your child, it isn’t as big of a deal as when it affects others. Is the activity short term or long term? If you’ve signed up for a month long activity, it might make more sense to stick with it than if it’s a commitment that lasts for several months. Even the most committed adults don’t want to attend an activity they dislike every week for an entire year. The bottom line is knowing your child and his patterns. If he often gives up on what he starts, perhaps you should try to understand why this occurs and address the issue. But, if she most often sticks with an activity until the end, and she just doesn’t like something new, there probably isn’t any harm in simply walking away. Parenting can be difficult at times. Your child’s pediatrician and teachers are great resources who can offer valuable insight to situations like this. Don’t be afraid to reach out to them. Kelly McIntire is a children’s author who believes that magic and adventure should begin in childhood and last a lifetime. Her books include Time Twistedand Adventures in Fairy Meadow. Visit her website at www.kellymcintireonline.com for more information, or follow her on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/kellymcintirewriter/?ref=bookmarks. By the time many of you get around to reading this, you might have already broken your New Year’s Resolutions at least once or twice. That isn’t meant as a negative dig; most of us make and break resolutions without even thinking about the reasons why. Usually, resolutions aren’t decisions that come from our hearts. Instead, they are something we do out of tradition or even obligation. They are what we think we “should” do instead of what we actually want to do. Well, I suggest that we turn that backward way of thinking around! Ringing in the New Year is supposed to be a celebration, so instead of beginning anew with drudgery, let’s focus on a resolution that will bring joy and togetherness to you and your family. This year, I propose that you resolve to laugh more. As Americans, stress has become a way of life for many of us. A recent global poll by Gallup found that adults in the US are among the most stressed in the world. https://time.com/5577626/americans-stressed-out-gallup-poll/ We all know that the effects of stress are detrimental to our physical and psychological health, and this impacts how we live our lives and how we interact with our families. However, we can’t just pretend that stress doesn’t exist either; it’s part of life. Luckily, it seems that the best antidote for stress is laughter! A 2019 article in HelpGuide.org claims that laughter really is the best medicine. https://www.helpguide.org/articles/mental-health/laughter-is-the-best-medicine.htm In addition to relaxing your muscles, it releases endorphins, boosts your immune system, burns calories, and helps protect your heart. And although there doesn’t seem to be a study or poll on this, I think we can also agree that laughing brings a family together like almost nothing else. So, instead of getting caught up in all the things that you think you “should” do to improve your health, your waistline, and your family, why not resolve to do the one simple and fun thing that will accomplish all of them? This year, laugh more. As you ring in 2020, I wish you happiness, peace, and of course, laughter. Kelly McIntire is a children’s author who believes that magic and adventure should begin in childhood and last a lifetime. Her books include Time Twistedand Adventures in Fairy Meadow. Visit her website at www.kellymcintireonline.com for more information, or follow her on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/kellymcintirewriter/?ref=bookmarks. After the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, the quiet days between Christmas and the New Year are a perfect time to have some fun with your little ones. Below are a few suggestions that will help make the most of your holiday time together.
Snow Painting: Snow is the perfect canvas! Fill a few plastic spray bottles (smaller ones are available at most drug stores, and larger one can be found at hardware stores) with water and add a few drops of food coloring to each one to form your color palette. You and your children can create quite a mural by spraying the different colors on the snow. If you want to be specific in your artwork, use a ruler or a yardstick to draw outlines in the snow, and then spray the colored water to paint it. Smiley faces and flowers will decorate your snow covered yard, reminding everyone that spring is only a few weeks away! Family Beach Party: If the weather cooperates, a December or January trip to the beach can be a novel and fun family activity. Looking for seashells or playing paddleball or Frisbee on the sand in the winter might seem silly, but that’s exactly what little ones love about it. If the beach in winter doesn’t float your boat, have a beach party at home. Break out the lawn chairs, bathing suits, and beach towels and set up right in your family room. Have a cookout with all the fixings, and eat it on your beach blanket. You can even pick up a bag of seashells at a local craft store and hide them around your house. Give you kids pails and let them go on a shell search. Make a Scrapbook of 2019: As the current year draws to a close and we prepare to welcome 2020, create a recap of your family’s year. You can do this digitally in a slide show, or you can make a hard copy. As a family, look through your calendar and photos. Write down important events and print special photos. Have your kids draw pictures or write about things that were special to them. This can be as elaborate or as simple as you choose. The point is to reflect on what the year meant to your family and serve as a reminder of the special times you had together. Enjoy this time with your children and Happy New Year! Kelly McIntire is a children’s author who believes that magic and adventure should begin in childhood and last a lifetime. Her books include Time Twistedand Adventures in Fairy Meadow. Visit her website at www.kellymcintireonline.com for more information, or follow her on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/kellymcintirewriter/?ref=bookmarks. One of the best parts of the holiday season is finding that special gift for each of the important people in our lives. It is truly joyful to present those closest to us with gifts that are meaningful. Gifts from children to grandparents, aunts and uncles, and caregivers are some of the most important, and memorable, exchanged during the holidays. Below you’ll find a few great homemade gift ideas that are unique, have meaning, and won’t break the bank.
Original artwork from your little Picasso or Monet: Grandparents will surely treasure a framed drawing or a painting from your child. Set your child up with an 8 by 10 inch piece of paper (you will likely need to cut or fold the paper to these dimensions), and either crayons or paint, and let the creativity begin. Once the masterpiece is complete, place it in a larger sized frame that includes a matte. These are available at either Walmart or Target at very reasonable prices. Your child can write a short message, or simply sign his/her name, on the matte. A poem or story: Children are naturals at telling stories. Have your child dictate a story or poem to you as you either write or type it (no editing allowed). Leave room for illustrations if desired. Help your little one design a cover, then place his/her work in a presentation binder or clear report cover. If something craftier is a better fit, simply punch holes on the left side of the creation, and tie it all together with yarn. Your child’s first published piece will be a big treat for a special friend or family member. A recording of your child reading or singing: It’s hard to believe that you could ever forget your child’s “little voice,” but soon enough the baby talk, mispronounced words and consonants, and misused expressions will be a thing of the past. Record your child singing, reading, or just talking and share it with family members during the holiday season. Although this isn’t a gift that can be easily wrapped and presented in a conventional way, a text recording of it sent during the holiday busyness can be a great stress reliever. Personalized gifts from the heart are always the favorites! Best wishes for a beautiful holiday season with your family and friends! Kelly McIntire is a children’s author who believes that magic and adventure should begin in childhood and last a lifetime. Her books include Time Twistedand Adventures in Fairy Meadow. Visit her website at www.kellymcintireonline.com for more information, or follow her on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/kellymcintirewriter/?ref=bookmarks. The holiday season is fun-filled and magical, but it can also be hectic and stressful, especially when you have young children. Social events, preparing your home, and keeping holiday traditions are fun, but they can fill up your calendar and “to do” list quickly. And the other not-so-fun stuff, like meeting everyone’s expectations, staying within the family budget, and making sure that you don’t gain 20 lbs. can make you feel as if you might actually lose your mind. Below are a few tips to help you and your family enjoy the holiday season and stay sane and healthy in the process.
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March 2020
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