While some of us focus on the political state of our country, I am focused on the politics of the playground – specifically, recess. Truly not just recess, but all unstructured outdoor playtime set aside for young children. As parents today struggle with carefully planning their children’s schedules, it’s important that they define the line across which their children go from being enriched, to being overscheduled. In schools, the quest for higher standardized test scores has recess being cut out and extra class-time added in.
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Is the Tattle Phone a Good Idea?
This issue has crossed my path a few times recently as well, and it really got me thinking. On the surface it seems great. It helps teachers and parents – or it seems to – and the kids like it – at first. I mean… kids, a weird old timey phone, talking about themselves… what’s not to like?
Ask Dr. Gramma Karen: Plan Win-Win Visits With the Grandchildren
With the coming of summer, it’s not too soon for grandparents to extend invitations and to plan for visits with the grandchildren. As the real-life examples below illustrate, some creativity and flexibility in the arrangements may make for visits that are more relaxing and fun for everyone.
What to do When Your Child is Diagnosed with Asthma
Asthma is a respiratory condition that inflames an individual’s airways, and it is very common among younger children. If your child has recently been diagnosed with this respiratory disease, then you will need to come up with a comprehensive plan to reduce their risk of an asthma attack. Here are a few tactics and strategies that you can use to keep your child healthy and comfortable in the coming years.
What To Do If Your Baby Rejects The Bottle
This is a common question among mothers who want to stop breastfeeding altogether, or to supplement it. This transition may be complicated, so we must find a way to cause as little trauma as possible for both the parent and the child.
How to Get Your Kids Unplugged and Outdoors
Now that Spring has arrived, does this sound familiar: You walk into the living room or den on a bright, sunny day only to find several heads bent down and staring into a little glowing screen? If you think about how much time your kids are spending with their tech, instead of outside getting fresh air and vitamin D from the sunshine, you might be worried. And you would have good reason to be.
3 Essential Things To Know About Your 2 Year Old’s Sleep
When your little one reaches the age of 2 years, they start to explore the world more actively, so their regular day is full of discoveries and miracles. And all these things can affect their sleep quality.
Ask Dr. Gramma Karen: How Grandparents Can Help Their College-Bound Grandchildren
This is not an article about the college admissions scandal. You’re welcome. Rather, this is about how grandparents can help their college-bound grandchildren. When this topic of helping is raised, providing financial help with tuition often first comes to mind. There are many resources available for grandparents with this intent. For example, in addition to consulting with their own financial planners, there are innumerable online resources for grandparents who want to help with tuition, e.g., (1) (2) (3).