Resources Tagged With: article

creative play42

How Creative Play Builds Critical Reading Comprehension Skills

creative playMore and more parents understand the importance of reading to young children to promote literacy. Yet many parents are so eager to advance their child’s reading fluency that they neglect the importance of imaginative play in developing critical comprehension skills. So before you start to pack up the picture books and encourage your young child to read Harry Potter, make sure he’s getting plenty of opportunity to play.

Why is play important and what kind of play develops the foundation for literacy skills? Read more ›

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Fidgeting to Help Your Child

misbehaving siblings“She won’t sit still at the dinner table.” “He pulls his sister’s hair and provokes her when I’m driving.” “He wants to crash into everything.”

Wiggly, squiggly kids are challenged to conform to standards that are socially acceptable and keep them safe. Yet fidgeting for them is purposeful. In fact, we all must fidget a little bit to keep ourselves alert. Without movement, our arousal system goes down. Think about sitting perfectly still for 30 minutes without some kind of shifting. You’ll likely be challenged.

For children with sensory challenges, simply saying, “Stop fidgeting!” or “Keep your hands to yourself” is unlikely to help. Your child needs movement. The question is: How can you allow your child to move and behave in a socially acceptable manner? Read more ›

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Managing Holiday Stress

Family With Grandparents Enjoying Thanksgiving Meal At Table

Grandma lovingly says, “Just let her have a cookie!” Uncle Ted disapprovingly says, “You need to let him do things; you’re smothering him.” Aunt Rosa wonders why the kids are allowed to stay up so late, when “everyone” knows children need ten hours of sleep.

Getting together with relatives can be exciting and yet traveling, preparation and criticism about your parenting can cause stress. You and your kids might look forward to a break from homework and schedules, but the loss of routine can also be disruptive.

Taking care of yourself and managing holiday stress can be the biggest gift you give your family. Read more ›

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Parenting a Child Who Feels Entitled

teen in carYour six-year-old says she needs a cell phone-just like her friend. Your sixteen-year-old son complains that his car is not as nice as everyone else’s (but shouldn’t he just be happy with a car? Should he even have a car?) Even if you could afford these things, you wonder: Am I just trying to keep up with the Joneses? Does my child need these things? Is my child entitled to these things just because others have them?

Trying to raise a child in Silicon Valley can be tough-not only because of the academic pressures and the current economy, but because of the wide diversity of social pressures. Read more ›

Helping Your Child Deal with Traumatic Events

How are your children affected by stressful or traumatic events? What can you do to minimize their fears? How can you help a child who has experienced a traumatic event? Read more ›

7 Tips for Getting a Positive Start to the School Year

by Cindy Lopez, Educator and Director of Community Engagement, and Joan Baran, PhD, Licensed Psychologist

The first day of school can produce conflicting and confusing emotions for kids and parents. While some children or teens are excited for school to start, others feel anxiety or dread. School jitters range from anticipating the unknown to wondering about new friends, teachers, rules, classrooms and routines. At any age, help your child get a strong start with these tips. Read more ›

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