Archive for the ‘Uncategorized’ Category

« Older Entries

Bike Safety Tips

Saturday, July 3rd, 2010

At The Goddard School of Cedar Park, keep in mind the following tips for safe bike riding!  During the summer months, it is important to verify bike readiness by running through this checklist to ensure your children’s safety.

    Bike helmet
    Image via Wikipedia
  • Make sure their helmet still fits properly. If the helmet is too small or has previously been involved in a crash or has been damaged, replace it.
  • Clean off all the dust on the bike and check for loose parts, this includes the seat and handlebars.
  • Check and inflate the tires. Also, check for tire wear and dry rot.
  • Adjust the seat. Your children have grown since the last time they rode their bikes. When seated on the bike, your child should be able to stand on the balls of both feet.
  • Check the handlebars. They should be easy to grasp without leaning forward.
  • Make sure the brakes are working properly and there is no wear.
  • Buy the appropriate sized bike. Never buy a bike that your child will “grow into.”

Bike Helmet Safety
Many children do not like wearing helmets because they fear they are “uncool.” Because of this, it is important to have your children start wearing a helmet with their first tricycles or play vehicles to get them in the habit. Let your children know you expect them to wear a helmet every time they ride. Be a role model and wear a helmet when you ride your bike; your children are more likely to wear a helmet if they see you demonstrating good safety.

Allowing your children to choose their own helmet will increase the probability that they will want to wear it. Make sure when purchasing a new helmet that it is the correct size. Never buy a helmet that your child will “grow into.”

  • The helmet should sit level on your child’s head. It should be low on the forehead, about one or two finger widths above their eyebrows.
  • Adjust the straps so they meet in a “V” right under each ear.
  • Adjust the chinstrap snugly under the chin so that no more than one or two fingers fit under the strap. Keep the helmet tight enough so the helmet pulls down when you child opens his or her mouth.
  • Always make sure helmet straps are buckled when your child is riding.
Enhanced by Zemanta

Tags: , ,
Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »

Sun Safety for the Family

Thursday, July 1st, 2010

Infants & Teacher with Bubbles A

At The Goddard School of Cedar Park, we’re asked about summer sun safety tips.  Here are some good ones and  enjoy you summer!

Babies under 6 months:
The two main recommendations from the AAP to prevent sunburn are to avoid sun exposure, and dress infants in lightweight long pants, long-sleeved shirts, and brimmed hats that shade the neck to prevent sunburn. However, when adequate clothing and shade are not available, parents can apply a minimal amount of sunscreen with at least 15 SPF (sun protection factor) to small areas, such as the infant’s face and the back of the hands. If an infant gets sunburn, apply cold compresses to the affected area.

For All Other Children:

  • The first, and best, line of defense against the sun is covering up. Wear a hat with a three-inch brim or a bill facing forward, sunglasses (look for sunglasses that block 99-100% of ultraviolet rays), and cotton clothing with a tight weave.
  • Stay in the shade whenever possible, and limit sun exposure during the peak intensity hours – between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
  • On both sunny and cloudy days use a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or greater that protects against UVB and UVA rays.
  • Be sure to apply enough sunscreen – about one ounce per sitting for a young adult.
  • Reapply sunscreen every two hours, or after swimming or sweating.
  • Use extra caution near water and sand (and even snow!) as they reflect UV rays and may result in sunburn more quickly.

Source: http://www.aap.org/advocacy/archives/tanning.htm

Enhanced by Zemanta

Tags: , , , , ,
Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »

Children and divorce

Monday, May 24th, 2010

At The Goddard School, the question of  how to deal with the issue of divorce within a family is sometimes asked.  The following guest article by, Crystal L. Stevenson, MA, LPC and Licensed Professional Counselor provides some valuable insight.

Raising children can be complex and confusing, and in the face of obstacles, such as divorce, it can be even more challenging. What do you say to comfort them? How doyou keep your guilt hidden? How much do you tell them? What do you say? How canyou hide your anger towards their other parent to keep them from becoming part of theconflict? These are just some of the important questions that arise for parents duringseparation and divorce. First of all, it is important to remember that children are much more perceptive than we think, so if you’re wondering if they’re aware of the marital discord, they probably are. Openly discuss the impending divorce. Tell them that “Mom and Dad are moving to separate homes,” explain where the kids will stay and when, and assure them that they will still get to see each parent, just not together anymore. This open communication will keep them from becoming anxious about the unknown (What’s happening to Mom and Dad? What’s going to happen to me? Did I do something wrong?), and encourages them to talk about their questions and feelings throughout the divorce and transitional time ahead. Keep it simple, and be honest. Don’t make promises that won’t be kept, be realistic with them that the transition is going to be difficult for alittle while, and don’t place blame on either parent for the divorce. Keep the adult issues away from the children’s ears, they’ve already heard enough most likely. Each child will react differently when told this news, some will cry, get mad, withdrawal, or have questions you don’t have answers to. It is okay to say, “I don’t know.” In the following weeks and months, it is important to pay attention to how your child is adjusting, look for new behaviors, and keep the communication open. Suppressing their feelings can be damaging to them and your relationship with them. Seek counseling for yourself on howto handle this transition the best you can for your family, and find a counselor for them totalk to about things they are not comfortable talking with you about or don’t know how to handle.

Find out what we’re doing that’s educational and fun each month with the Goddard School monthly events newsletter SUBSCRIBE HERE

Reblog this post [with Zemanta]

Tags: , , , ,
Posted in Uncategorized | 5 Comments »

Planes and Helicopters at Goddard School!

Wednesday, May 5th, 2010

Come visit us for this special event that’s sure to “wow” your young child at The Goddard School!

Dave's "little" plane
Image by burlington_rc via Flickr

The Austin Remote Control Association will be flying various planes and helicopters as part of our “Transportation” theme in the month of May.  They will learn insights about how planes fly and how these minature versions of the real thing are constructed!

No charge but please RSVP as we expect quite a turnout for this fun activity!

Reblog this post [with Zemanta]

Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off

Playing with Your Child

Friday, March 5th, 2010

The importance of play is key to a child’s development at  The Goddard School.  Here are some great thoughts on this topic by Dr. Pruett.

Excerpt from Me, Myself and I
By Dr. Kyle Pruett

The best way to know what your child thinks about his world before he can tell you directly in words is through playing with him.  It is right there, in their play sequences and manipulations that we see and hear what they understand and think about the world we share.

Remember, however, that this is his play, not yours.  You are a partner and a facilitator, occasionally a “go-fer,” but you are not playwright, producer or director.

Fall - Mother Daughter

  • When you play make-believe with your child using simple dress-up (hats alone are great), narrate her play: “And now you get on your hat.”  Describe what you think she is feeling: “Don’t you feel fancy (snazzy, cool…)?”  And listen for when you are not quite on track: “So, then what?”  Children often love to have you with them in these imaginary explorations of role and role-play and usually will do their best to keep you from getting lost along the way.
  • Use reflecting surfaces (mirrors, windows) as you play peek-a-boo with your child’s image and then yours, or add a little face paint or make-up as he explores what happens to his face as he, or you, add a dot here or a line there.  It helps him define who he is by enjoying the reflection of his face and feelings back and forth between you.  Doing this together just feels different and better and usually more important.
  • Sit together in the dark with a flashlight and give your child a sense that he has some control over what appears, reappears, and disappears into the darkness.  Narrate the experience with him, and match his level of emotional interest, as you share the job of turning the flashlight on and off together.  Sara, at 22 months, loved this game and called it the “good-bye light game.”  She seemed to be sorting out the comings and goings of important things and people as the lights went off and on.

There are countless other ideas available from books and magazines.  Borrow, invent, and reinvent games just for the two of you.

Find out what we’re doing that’s educational and fun each month with the Goddard School monthly events newsletter SUBSCRIBE HERE

Tags: , , ,
Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »

Stress and Children

Wednesday, February 24th, 2010

Did you know that children are just as likely as adults to feel stressed and overwhelmed?

Contributors to childhood stress include school, over-scheduling or family dynamics. Many young children put pressure on themselves by worrying about peer pressure, balancing school work with extra-curricular activities and making friends. Even preschoolers can feel stress. Their stress points may be separation from parents, a change in daily care or a new baby. Young children may express their stress through a change in their eating habits, talking less or trying to control bodily functions.

How can parents help? When your child complains about having too many things to do after-school or not wanting to go to activities – listen – this may be a signal that a child is over-scheduled and may need a break. Be sensitive to behavioral or developmental changes.

Parents should also be aware of how they manage their own stress and frustration. Children learn from their parents’ behavior, even if it looks like they’re not paying attention. Children are sensitive to everything their parents do and they will mimic strategies for dealing with difficult situations. Be a good role model.

One of the best coping mechanisms for children is routine. Young children thrive on routine; when they know what to expect they are more likely to adapt to changes faster and deal with their emotions better.

Find out what we’re doing that’s educational and fun each month with the Goddard School monthly events newsletter SUBSCRIBE HERE

Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off

The Difference between Discipline and Punishment

Monday, February 22nd, 2010

The question of how to discipline a child comes up regularly in discussions with parents at The Goddard School.  Here are some helpful ideas on this topic.

goddard school cedar park child care

Contrary to popular belief, discipline and punishment are not equal.  Discipline is positive and should prevent the need for punishment.  In fact, the word “discipline” is derived from the Latin “disciplina” which means teaching or education.  Discipline helps to guide children toward positive behavior, promotes self-control, encourages children to think before acting and is not damaging to their self-esteem.  Punishment, on the other hand, is negative – whether physical, verbal, withholding rewards or penalizing.

Positive discipline teaches children rules and behaviors in a respectful, loving and considerate way.  It requires thought, planning and patience from parents and caretakers, such as:

  • “No, don’t run inside!” becomes, “What happened to our walking feet?  Where do we use our running feet?”  or “We will go outside soon and you can show me how fast you can run.”
  • “No, don’t throw the blocks!” becomes, “When did our blocks grow wings?” or “Let’s try building a castle and see what happens!”

Use positive discipline to redirect your child’s behavior, and you validate the legitimacy of your child’s desires and shows you care and understand.  Redirecting endorses your child’s right to choose and begins to teach that others have rights, too.

Children also respond to reasoning – it just needs to be put into their language.

  • ‘Inside feet’ versus ‘outside feet’
  • ‘Soft hands’ versus ‘hard hands’
  • ‘Inside voices’ versus ‘outside voices’

Create a Positive Environment

  • Show the love; smile, touch, hold, caress, kiss, cuddle, rock and hug your child!  This will not only make your child feel secure and happy, but is essential for normal social development.
  • Listen and answer as an equal – not as an instructor.  This will help build your child’s self-esteem and foster respect.
  • Spend time with your child every day.  Make time every day to drop everything and play with your child – even if it’s only for a couple of minutes.  Your child will realize they don’t need to have a temper tantrum to gain your attention.
  • Catch your child doing something good – praise and compliment!  “You’re doing a great job feeding yourself and keeping your food on your plate!”
  • Provide simple rules and state them in positive terms.
  • Demonstrate the behavior you want your child to adopt – actions speak louder than words.

Find out what we’re doing that’s educational and fun each month with the Goddard School monthly events newsletter SUBSCRIBE HERE

Reblog this post [with Zemanta]

Tags: , ,
Posted in Uncategorized | 4 Comments »

Children’s Educational software

Friday, January 15th, 2010

At The Goddard School, parents are interested in educational software applications appropriate for children.  Here are some suggestions for ages 3 years to 6 years old and areas of cognitive development focus.  If you’ve some other suggestions that you like, let us know!

Computers for small children
Image by petaj via Flickr

CURIOUS GEORGE
Ages 3 through 5
* Creativity
* Shape Recognition
* Color Recognition

LEARNING IN TOYLAND
Ages 3 through 5
* Number Recognition
* Animals Sounds
* Telling Time
* Shape Matching
* Following Directions
* Shape Recognition
* Visual Discrimination

CASPER
Ages 3 through 5
* Memory
* Listening Skills
* Mouse Control
* Mix and Match

I SPY JUNIOR
Ages 3 through 5
* Word Recognition
* Problem Solving
* Letter Recognition
* Matching Words to Objects

ELMO’S PRESCHOOL
Ages 3 through 5
* Turn Taking
* Sound Discrimination
* Problem Solving
* Sound Patterns
* Letter Recognition
* Animal Names
* Color and Shape Recognition
* Counting

LEGO PRESCHOOL
Ages 3 through 5
* Number/Letter Recognition
* Spatial Relations
* Color Recognition
* Creativity

READER RABBIT PRESCHOOL
Ages 3 through 5
* Critical Thinking
* Shape Discrimination
* Recognizing Patterns
* Auditory Perception
* Counting
* Number and Letter Recognition

BLUE’S CLUES BIRTHDAY ADVENTURE
Ages 3 through 6
* Shape Recognition
* Problem Solving
* Matching
* Logical Thinking
* Visual Discrimination
* Spatial Perception
* Deductive Reasoning
* Color Recognition

MR. POTATOE HEAD
Ages 3 through 6
* Problem Solving
* Following Directions
* Counting
* Shape Recognition
* Matching

Visit our website @ http://www.goddardschool.com//Schools/Cedar-Park-TX/Schools.gspx &  follow us on Twitter @  http://twitter.com/GoddardSchoolCP

Reblog this post [with Zemanta]

Tags: , , , ,
Posted in Uncategorized | 3 Comments »

Creating Quality Family Time

Friday, January 8th, 2010

The Goddard School of Cedar Park knows creating quality family time can be quite a challenge, especially when you are a modern day family in which both parents work. However, just because you and your significant other work full time jobs does not mean that your family has to suffer. It is possible for you and your spouse to hold down full time jobs to support your family and still be able to take a time out for your family.

Raineri Children family portrait Watford 2001 ...

Creating quality family time is a crucial part of your family. It may seem like a challenge to fit the time in there, but it is possible and it is necessary. Taking a time out to spend time with your family is beneficial to your entire family, especially children. Family time should be exactly what it says, a time for you and your family to spend time together. Make the most of this time and make it solely about your family.

One of the most important things about this time besides that the time should be about your family is that it should be a time that everyone enjoys. For instance, if your family loves to watch movies, then spending time having a family movie night would be a great idea for creating family quality time.

The key to creating quality family time is to make time. We all have busy schedules, but family is one of the most important things, if not the most important thing that we have. We need to step back from our busy schedules and take time to enjoy our families more often. Sit down with your family and evaluate your schedules. Do you really need to go to the gym seven days a week? Find a way to make a “family night” once a week or a time frame each night. You will find that this time becomes one of the mandatory events in your planner.

This time for your family is great. The more often that you can do it is wonderful. However, it does not matter whether you have a family day or a certain time every evening that you spend quality time together, the important thing is that you do it.

Once your family has created a specific day or time frame that is good for creating quality family time, you should find a way to spend your time. Doing the same thing every time can become boring and may cause someone in the family to become bored with the activity, so it may be best to mix up family time. For instance, you could rotate turns on who gets to pick the activity for family night.

Some great ideas for family time include:
-Crafts
-Family game night
-Family movie night
-Outdoor activities

These are just a few of the many things that you and your family can enjoy during your family’s quality time together. The key to having an enjoyable family time is spending time with your family, doing something that you all are enjoying and having fun doing together.

Your kids will enjoy getting to be in charge of creating quality family time when it is their day to pick an activity. This is also a great way to spend time with your child. Your child can express themselves and you will learn more about your child. Your child will have a good time because they got to pick an activity for family time that they enjoy and you will enjoy it because your child chose the activity. Quality family time is a time that everyone will love.

Visit our website @ http://www.goddardschool.com//Schools/Cedar-Park-TX/Schools.gspx &  follow us on Twitter @  http://twitter.com/GoddardSchoolCP

Reblog this post [with Zemanta]

Tags: , , ,
Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off

Bonding With Your Infant

Sunday, December 20th, 2009

At The Goddard School of Cedar Park, infants as young as six weeks are cared for in our infant suite. Bonding with your baby is a natural and ongoing process and will become a precious part of parenthood to be cherished. Let’s explain by giving some examples and insights.

The bonding between parent and infant will always unique is one of the most intimate type of interactions that can take place. There is first the sense of discovering each other and then becoming familiar with one another. Your baby will depend on you because he knows that his needs are being met by you in the most simplest of ways.

Mother and baby
Image by ECohen via Flickr

They will feel your face and get to know your individual scent as you do theirs. They’ll start recognizing your shape, your voice, your sounds and many other things that are new to their world. They trust you from the start because they have no choice but soon they look forward to your voice and know they want your love. They know they depend on you not just for their needs but for interaction and affection.

Some time after you start bonding with your infant, you may experience an epiphany. It’s the realization that this baby is a part of you and in fact is an extension of yourself yet will grow to be their own person. You are everything to this infant’s world as they are to yours. Other than the baby’s everyday needs, they need interaction and the more they get the more chance they have of being a self-assured and well-adjusted individual.

In addition to physical contact, eye contact is important for many reasons to the emotional bonding with your child. They learn from your eyes – when they see them twinkle when you laugh, for example. It helps to teach trust and to gain trust, it helps to identify each other and it helps to establish an unspoken familiarity seen in the eyes of each other. It will start with you but will extend on into their lives and continue to benefit them as they grow and mature.

Bonding with your infant at first is usually strong and can be overwhelming but most wonderful at the same time. Talking to your baby and looking into their eyes often while being gentle, being funny and being affectionate gives them that positive emotional connection with a parent that will be with them for the rest of their life. Trust, needs, wants, appreciation, emotion, comfort, familiarity, confidence, security, self-worth and self-esteem and many of life’s lessons all start with the bonding that occurs in your infant’s first months.

Visit our website @ http://www.goddardschool.com//Schools/Cedar-Park-TX/Schools.gspx & follow us on Twitter @ http://twitter.com/GoddardSchoolCP

Reblog this post [with Zemanta]

Tags: , ,
Posted in Uncategorized | 6 Comments »

« Older Entries