10 Ways to Help a Shy Child

Almost half of the entire world’s population is deemed to exhibit shyness at some point of their lives. If we notice a group of children playing in the school playground, there will be at least one kid who will be away from the play group, either watching his peers or daydreaming. Shyness can be defined as one’s reluctance to engage in a social activity because of the fear of being embarrassed in an unfamiliar situation. Shy children can blossom if you try building confidence in them.

There are a few tips about shyness in children which will help you better understand the best approach in dealing with your child.  It is most beneficial to the growth and balance of your child’s overall performance to identify the nature of your child's shyness.

1.  First, are you sure your child really is Shy? Some children like to warm-up to a situation before they jump in. Caution should not be misunderstood as shyness. Shyness in children can also reach an extreme level where professional help is required. For instance, an autistic child or a dyslexic child can appear socially withdrawn.

2.  You'll need to find out the type of situations that make your child shy. Some children are shy only when they are in a group. Others become shy when asked to make a presentation in front of the class at school. Try to identify the specific skills your child needs to be more at ease in social situations which make them to be shy.

3.  Avoid referring to your child as "shy".  Studies have shown that often a child will grow to fit a label. Parental pressure on the shy child can cause anxiety and insecurity, leading to a worse problem with shyness. Try not to push your child to achieve above his/her individual level.

4.  Teach your child to resist or say no to teasing in a healthy manner.  Education of the peers is also very necessary in this case as it helps the child to move out of his shell without any hassles. Never compare your shy child with other children in a negative way.  Never criticize the child nor allow other children to tease or bully him/her just because of shyness.

5.  Have healthy conversations with children. By lessening the importance of a child's concerns you lessen the child.

6.  Help your child identify talents and hobbies that make him or her feel special, which would help him/her in sharing his/her favorite activities or books or even the factors or events that trouble him. This would eventually help in assisting the child to overcome his shyness.

7.  Children should be encouraged to get involved in group activities.   Seek out activities that offer an opportunity for growth and increased interaction with other children of his/ her age. Limit isolating activities, like watching TV.

8.  Be patient. Avoid push your child to do things he or she would find unbearable. Rather, make suggestions and acknowledge when your child may not be ready.

9.  You need not handle your shy child with kid gloves, but be aware of how he feels and show that you understand.

10. How do you prepare others who are caring for your child?  Have you ever experienced this "shy scene" when introducing your child to a new babysitter?  When they enter the room the child lowers his chin to his chest, semi-closes his eyes, puts his thumb into his mouth, and darts behind his mother, clinging to her legs trying to hide.

To address this situation, tell the child care worker to make no attempt to go after the child, but first greet the mother in an easy, friendly way. As the mother becomes comfortable relating to the childcare worker, the child listens in on their socializing. Hopefully, he'll decide "He's okay with mom, so he's okay with me." If the child doesn't reappear, then have the daycare provider make a game out of the moment: "Where's Tommy? I sure would like to see him. I guess he isn't here. I'll come back later."  Have them leave the room for a moment to give the child space, then re-enter, usually to a child at ease.

Social retreating is a normal stage of development.  Being shy doesn't have to mean that something is wrong with your child. It simply means that your child is uncomfortable in social situations.

• Importantly, the child should be made aware of the fact that shyness is not a disorder. Neil Armstrong, Albert Einstein, and Tom Hanks to name just a few are great examples of all those great people who were once shy in their lives. All these steps would definitely go a long way in helping the child to break the thin bubble of shyness around him. Building confidence in shy children should be your goal.

Resources:  http://www.loveourchildrenusa.org/teachingkidsselfesteem.php

When is a Child Too Sick to go to Daycare?

Children sick days can be a concern, especially for a working moms, dads & guardians.  Here's a guide to reference when you should keep your sick child at home and when you can be worry-free that they will feel better once they get into their groove at child care.

Signs of Possible Severe Illness - symptoms to include unusual lethargy, irritability, persistent crying, difficult breathing, uncontrolled coughing.

Fever
Good to go:
Your child is good to go if he's over 4 months old, has a temperature below 100°F, is receptive to drinking fluids, and doesn't appear to have had a personality transplant. Temperature should not be checked sooner than 30 minutes after a child's waking from sleep. Temperature will be taken and then retaken after 15 minutes to assure accuracy.
Too sick:
If your baby is 4 months old or younger, call the doctor at the slightest indication of fever (anything above 98.6°F) or a sudden change in behavior; child care is out. Older children should stay home if their temps rise above 100°F or greater accompanied by behavior changes or other signs or symptoms of illness. A feverish child is not only considered contagious, but he/she's also probably not feeling well enough to learn or participate. Keep him/her home until he/she's been fever-free for 24 hours and is feeling like his usual self.

Vomiting
Good to go:
She's heaved only once in 24 hours. It's not likely he/she has an infection, nor is he/she at risk for dehydration. Sometimes kids throw up because mucus left over from a cold has drained, in which case it's also not necessarily a sick day.
Too sick:
If your child has vomited two or more times in 24 hours. Watch for signs of dehydration as well: He/she's urinating less than usual and his/her urine is dark yellow; he/she doesn't produce tears when he/she cries; or there are no bubbles between his/her lips and gums. To avoid dehydration, offer small amounts of fluid frequently, increasing the amount as tolerated. One more thing: Do not automatically send your child back once the vomiting stops. If he/she's not demonstrating signs of getting better after a few days, call the doctor.

Red eyes
Good to go:
When the white part of the child's eye is only slightly pink and the discharge is clear and watery, he's likely got a school-safe allergy.
Too sick:
His eye is stuck shut, bright red, and/or oozing yellow or green discharge. These symptoms all indicate the highly contagious bacterial form of pinkeye (conjunctivitis), and the kiddo should stay put until he's been on antibiotics for 24 hours or until the goopiness dries up.

Diarrhea
Good to go:
Your child's stools are only slightly loose and she's acting normally. Some kids develop "toddler's diarrhea," triggered by a juice OD; as long as the poop isn't excessive, the child has the all-clear.
Too sick:
Kids who have the runs more than three times a day and/or have poop so watery it leaks out of the diaper need to stay put. They likely have an infection that can spread. If you see blood or mucus in the stool, call the doctor; she may want to do a culture. As with vomiting, watch for signs of dehydration, and follow the same prevention advice.

Sore throat
Good to go:
A sore throat accompanied by a runny nose is often just due to simple irritation from the draining mucus; send him/her off to school as long as he/she's fever-free.
Too sick:
If the achy throat is accompanied by swollen glands, a fever, headache, or stomachache, bring him/her to the doctor for a strep test, especially if he/she's 3 or older (the bacterial infection is unusual in younger kids). Children with strep should be on antibiotics for at least a full day before mixing in with the class.  Child may return to child care 24 hours after treatment has begun and child is without fever for 24 hours.

Stomachache
Good to go:
If this is your child's only symptom and he/she's active, send her off. It could signal constipation, or even a case of nerves (in which case, a hug will go far).
Too sick:
Any stomachache associated with vomiting, diarrhea, fever, or no interest in play warrants a trip to the M.D. Sharp stomach pain and a rigid belly can be signs of severe constipation, appendicitis, or a bowel obstruction.

Colds
Good to go:
If your child is fever-free and isn't hacking up a storm, he/she's a go. After all, if children with snotty noses were excluded, schools would be empty!
Too sick:
Junior is staying home if he has a persistent, phlegm cough and seems cranky or lethargic. He's also couch-bound if his cold symptoms are accompanied by a fever or wheezing.

Head lice
Keep your child home until the morning after her first treatment. Some programs may ask you to keep her home longer. Note: Some treatments work better than others do, so check your child’s head thoroughly before sending her back to child care.  Child may return to child care 24 hours after treatment has begun and all nits have been removed.

Chicken pox /Shingles
Keep your child home at least 6 days after the rash first appears.

Mumps - Until 9 days after onset of parotid gland swelling.

Measles/Rubella - Unit 6 days after the rash appears.

Hepatitis A 

Child should remain home 1 week after the onset of illness or until after immune serum globulin has been administered and child is free of jaundice and other symptoms. Child should have note from doctor approving return to daycare. 

Pertussis - Child can be re-admitted 5 days after antibiotic treatment has begun.

Ear Infection - A child must be treated with antibiotics by a doctor and free from drainage from the ear. 

In general, keep your child home if he is not well enough to take part in the usual class activities or might infect others. Ask your health care provider if you are unsure.

Information reproduced from NAEYC's Healthy Young Children A Manual for Programs pg 207

Tanya Remer Altmann, M.D., author of Mommy Calls; Laura Jana, M.D., a spokesperson for the American Academy of Pediatrics and owner of the Primrose School of Legacy, an educational childcare center in Omaha, NE; and Lorry Glenn Rubin, M.D., chief of pediatric infectious diseases at Schneider Children's Hospital in New Hyde Park, NY.

How to Find a Good Daycare Center

Choosing the right daycare center for your child should be a carefully thought out and researched process.  You probably have a good idea of what you want — a place that is safe, happy, and loving, where children can learn and have fun.  At the same time, it must also meet your needs and should be convenient, affordable, and offer care when you need it. Finding child care that has the quality and convenience you want —at a reasonable cost—can be a real challenge.  It is rare to find the perfect situation but it is possible to find a very good situation that will meet your needs.

Make a list of what's important to you.  Do you want a center close to home? Close to work?  What are the hours you need?  Is there a curriculum?  What can you afford?

Research all your possibilities.  Ask your friends, family, doctors, and referral agencies for centers they would recommend.  Look on the Internet and check out reviews.  Check with the Better Business Bureau for complaints.  Has the center received any local award or recognition?  When doing your research, be sure to think about your list of important topics.

Call and ask some questions once you have narrowed your choices.  You should ask about their policies, hours, fees, activities, and philosophies on teaching children.  Are they flexible to help you with your schedule?  Will they accommodate your special requests?  What is their teacher to child ratio?  Do they change activities frequently?  Do they have experienced teachers?

Visit and interview the centers you like best.  Is the center a warm, clean, safe environment in which you think your child would learn and have fun?  Be sure to pay close attention to the actual teacher to child ratio during your visit to verify what they told you it was over the phone.

Look for a caring and qualified staff.  They should be enthusiastic and interact with the children in a positive way that shows they really care.  The staff should have a philosophy about discipline, feeding and sleeping that follows your philosophy.  The employees should be educated with at least two years of college, a background in child development, along with first aid training and CPR.

Does it appear to be a safe, clean facility?  A good center has clean floors, walls, bathrooms and changing stations that are well lit and ventilated.  There should be established policies on how to keep things clean and how to keep toys and equipment in safe working order.  The center should have an emergency plan, with first aid kits, fire extinguishers, and childproof storage areas.  All general child safety issues should be followed.

The center should have established rules and policies.  A good center will be flexible but it should have enforced rules on sick children and will require immunizations to prevent the spread of illness.  The center should have an open door policy that allows you to stop for an unannounced visit.

Is there a complete schedule of activities?  Good centers will have a schedule that allows for play time, quiet time, individual activities, meals, snacks, and group activities.  A good center teaches a wide variety of topics, while at the same time, teaching things appropriate for the age group.  Look for toys that are appropriate for the age of your child.  The toys should be fun, while letting the child be imaginative and creative.

The center should be licensed by your local city services department.

Precious Treasures is open 24 hours/7 days a week with two locations offering parents maximum flexibility for the most challenging schedules.   Check out our entire website for more information about our services.

Easing Separation Anxiety at Daycare

Starting daycare is a major life transition for both young children and their parents. Change, even when it is a positive change can be stressful. In many cases this may be the first time a child is away from the secure and loving arms of their family. Both the child and parents may experience anxiety about starting a daycare experience. Parents want to know that their child will be in a loving and safe environment when the child is not in their direct care. It is not uncommon for parents to feel guilty about placing the child in a daycare program, thus making the farewell more difficult. There are specific measures that parents can take to ease the transition to care and alleviate separation anxiety.

The right timing can help.
We ask that you try and drop your child off when they are not sleepy or hungry. This will help your child be less cranky when you are saying goodbye. Add a little bit of extra time into your day so you can calm your child and say goodbye properly.

Wave bye-bye when you leave.
Instead of fearing the wrath of their toddler, some parents try to sneak out while the child is otherwise engaged. Big mistake. This approach may save you the pain of watching your child cry, but it can actually make their separation anxiety more severe. If your child thinks you might disappear at any given moment without notice, they are not going to let you out of their sight.


Look on the sunny side.
Separation anxiety isn't merely a toddler thing — you may not be thrilled by the prospect of leaving either. But if you let your apprehension show, your child is almost certain to pick up on it. Besides, a dramatic farewell will just validate your child's feelings of insecurity. So try to stay calm and positive — even if your child is hysterical. Talk to them evenly and reassure them that you'll be back soon. To keep the situation light, try adopting a silly parting phrase such as "See you later, alligator" or your own made-up alternative. Getting your child in the habit of responding with "After a while, crocodile" will also help serve as a distraction.


Try a transitional object.
A security object — a blanket, a stuffed animal, or even their very own thumb — can be a source of solace.


Involve them in an activity.
Allow your toddler and their caregiver to get engrossed in an activity before you leave. When the time comes for you to go, give your child a quick kiss and good-bye wave and make a beeline for the door. They may still cry, but the activity can serve as a distraction soon after your departure.

Let them learn to cope.
No parent wants their child to feel any unnecessary sadness, but coping with separation is one of the many stresses your child will have to learn to manage in life.  Sometimes doing nothing — especially if you've already tried everything — is the best advice. Learning to cope is an important developmental task and if you know that your child is safe, it's okay to let them cry a bit.  In a matter-of-fact voice, reassure them that's everything's okay, then go ahead and do whatever it is you need to do — without feeling guilty.

Some degree of separation anxiety is a sign that the preschooler has developed healthy attachments to loved ones.  In many cases, it stops within 3-4 minutes after the parent leaves.  We welcome you to watch your child on the TV monitor in our office before you leave or call and check on their welfare if you have concerns.

Help Kids Develop Healthy Eating Habits

You can help children develop healthy eating habits by getting them involved in kitchen, looking for ways to make favorite dishes healthier, and reducing calorie-rich temptations.

Involve Your Children in the Process.
First of all, get your kids to help create menus, shop and prepare food. They are more likely to eat when they have made some decisions about the meals. You guide their decisions.  Look for children's cookbooks, which have kid-friendly recipes and basic cooking lessons.

In the summer, try to get your children interested in gardening.  If they can see super sweet cherry tomatoes, strawberries, corn, or baby peas growing, then harvest them, that may get them more interested in fruits and vegetables.

Nutritionists say that most children need to actually see a new food four to five times before they'll even try it, so keep introducing those fruits and veggies.  To begin, try to focus on the sweeter 'healthy' foods, like strawberries, mandarin oranges, cherries, tomatoes, sweet peas, and corn.
Look for ways to make favorite dishes healthier.

The recipes that prepare regularly, and that your family enjoys, with just a few changes can be healthier and just as satisfying. You can also sneak fruits and veggies into the foods you make with the following suggestions:

• You can add some finely chopped fruits to gelatin salads, add some pureed sweet peas to guacamole, and serve tiny vegetables, like baby carrots and baby corn, with appetizer dips.
• Finely chop carrots and mix them into spaghetti sauce.
• Make some breads - banana bread, pumpkin bread, and apple bread are all good.
• You can also finely mince vegetables and add them to hamburger patties or turkey burgers.
Start making casseroles. You can begin with just pasta, cheese, and sauce, but then gradually add more finely chopped vegetables to the sauce.
• Check out the book Deceptively Delicious by Jessica Seinfeld.  It's full of recipes to get your children eating healthy.

Remove calorie-rich temptations!
Although everything can be enjoyed in moderation, reducing the calorie-rich temptations of high-fat and high-sugar, or salty snacks can also help your children develop healthy eating habits. Instead only allow your children to eat them sometimes, so that they truly will be treats!

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On SBS at Precious Treasures receive 25% off Tuition

Pledge to Shop Smail & Receive 25% off Tuition on Saturday 11/26/11 at Precious Treasures Childcare locations!!!

Why I'm supporting Small Business Saturday.


This holiday season, where I buy gifts is just as important as what I buy. And if I buy gifts from a local small business, I’m fueling my local economy. That’s why I’m supporting Small Business Saturday on November 26. If you think you’d like to support your local economy, go to the Small Business Saturday page on Facebook, visit the page, and find the small businesses in your area: Facebook.com/smallbusinesssaturday

Sharing Is Caring (Pardon the Interruption)

‘Tis the Season to be jolly for ALL!!!  We will be engaging in many “Adult” conversations during the holidays; sharing & updating family and friends about present and past times.  Let’s create an ongoing HAPPY atmosphere with re-directing our children’s interruptions by respecting others and waiting their turns to speak and/or participate in activities.  You can teach/share with them how to pay more attention to other people's needs, as well as their own by utilizing the following suggestions to help stop the endless interruptions.

Read about manners.  Find several books on the subject then read them together. Discuss afterwards what your child learned from the story and how they will handle a similar situation in their life the next time it occurs
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Give lessons and examples. Teach your children how to determine when interruptions are appropriate. Discuss examples of when it's OK to interrupt, such as when someone is at the door or if a sibling is hurt.

Teach proper manners.  Explain to your child how to wait for a pause in the conversation and to say, "Excuse me." Please encourage your children when they remember to do this.

Don't answer the question.  Many parents reprimand children for interrupting, but in the same breath respond to the child's interrupted request, which just reinforces the habit.

Mind your manners.  Your child is very likely to learn not to interrupt if they hear you, your spouse, or their siblings practicing good habits and respecting each other. Our actions have a strong influence on children, so be a GREAT role model and ask permission to speak before speaking, and apologize when you inadvertently interrupt.

Teach "the nice squeeze." Tell your child that if she wants something when you are talking to another adult, she should gently squeeze your arm. You will then squeeze her hand to indicate that you know she is there and will be with her in a minute. At first, respond quickly so your child can see the success of this method. Over time you can wait longer.  Just give a gentle squeeze every few minutes to remind your child that you remember the request.

Create a fun (re-direct) box. Put together a box of activities or games that can only be used when you are on the telephone, working at your desk or talking with an adult. Occasionally refill it with new things or rotate the contents. Be firm about putting them away when you are done. Your child will look forward to your next conversation, which will be interruption-free!

Plan ahead. Before you make a phone call or have a visitor, let your child know what to expect. For instance you could say, "I'm going to make a phone call. I'll be a while, so let's get your fun box ready to use while I'm on the phone."

Constantly Praise Them. Catching your child doing the right thing can be the best lesson of all. Praise your child for using good manners, for remembering to say "excuse me & thank you," and for interrupting only for a valid reason.

Small Business Saturday

Join us & be apart of the Solution!!! Visit facebook.com/shopsmall

Small Business Saturday

November 26, 2011

10:00am-2:00pm

7124 E. Stetson

Scottsdale AZ

Small Business Saturday is a day to support the small businesses that fuel our economy and invigorate communities. Make the pledge to Shop Small on November 26. What businesses will you support?

In addition to supporting local business, get a one-time $25 statement credit from American Express® when you use your registered or linked American Express® Card on Small Business Saturday to make a purchase of $25 or more at a small business.

Download the in-store signage and e-marketing materials, and print the signage at your home or office.

Potty Training a Child in Daycare

If you have a child in daycare, you are likely worried about how daycare may affect the potty training process. If you manage the situation with some flexibility and consistency, you can help your child feel incredibly competent and empowered!

Daycare offers kids wonderful opportunities for socialization and peer interaction. One of the many benefits of being in a peer community at daycare is being able to model behaviors that can be hard to grasp, such as using the potty. Because of the power of the peer, it is not at all uncommon for many kids to begin to use the potty a bit more easily at daycare than at home. And it is also not uncommon for parents to feel a bit unsettled as they feel left out of the potty process. It can be difficult to jump in and pick it back up at home.

It truly does take a village to raise a child and it doesn’t matter how our kids learn to master the various life stages. There’s a reason we have children in daycare, so don’t feel guilty. Just enjoy the help and find a way to build from what your children are doing at daycare at home. In the end, daycare providers and parents should partner together to nurture kids.

So, if you are in the situation where you find your child is becoming potty trained at daycare before home, embrace it and work with the teachers to find out what is working and what isn’t. Then, try to follow a similar pattern at home. Knowing your child can use the potty, you can rest assured it will be just a matter of time before you’ll find him using it at home, too.

If potty training starts at home before daycare, simply let your child’s daycare teachers know and they’ll work with your child during the day to continue to help with the process. You can expect the process to be different at daycare than at home. The name of the game is flexibility and forging a partnership with the teachers to learn what works for your child.

What’s important is for you to make the process fun, low-pressure and to be flexible. It’s not a competition between home and daycare but a partnership between well meaning adults all trying to help a young child work toward mastering an important childhood milestone.

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How to Help Your Child Adjust to Daycare

When introducing  your children to daycare, the security and comfort they felt at home with you can be  compromised.  However, there are many ways to help your children adjust to their new surroundings.

Visit Beforehand

Visiting your child's daycare before starting can ease the entrance into unfamiliar territory. This offers the opportunity to meet your child's teacher and ask about routines and common activities. While you're in the classroom, let your child explore and observe the class and choose whether to interact with other kids. The idea is to familiarize your child with the classroom and to let him or her get comfortable.

Remain Calm

While acknowledging this important step your child is taking and providing support, too much emphasis on the change could make any anxiety worse.  Young kids can pick up on their parents' nonverbal cues. When parents feel guilty or worried about leaving their child at daycare, the kids will sense it.

The more calm and assured you are about your choice to send your child to daycare, the more confident your child will be.

The First Day

When you enter the classroom on the first day, calmly reintroduce the teacher to your child, then step back to allow the teacher to begin forming a relationship with your child.  Your endorsement of the teacher will show your child that he or she will be happy and safe in the teacher's care.

If your child clings to you or refuses to participate in the class, don't get upset — this may only upset your child more.  Say a loving goodbye to your child, but once you do, you should leave promptly.  Never sneak out.  As tempting as it may be, leaving without saying goodbye may make kids feel abandoned, whereas a long farewell scene might only serve to reinforce a child's sense that daycare is a bad place.

Transitional objects

A family picture, a special doll, or a favorite blanket — can also help comfort a child.  Also, keep in mind that most kids do well once their parents leave.

Daily Ritual

Many daycare places begin with a daily ritual, such as circle time (when teachers and children talk about what they did the day before and the activities that are ahead for the day). Children tend to respond to this kind of predictability, and following a routine will help ease the move from home to daycare.  Also, Precious Treasures request that parents help your child pack their backpack every morning before attending child care and unpack with your child daily at home while re-engaging in child's school activities.

Sleep Schedule

Another way to ease this big change in your child's life is to get him or her on an adequate sleep schedule at least several days, if not weeks, before the first time at day care.  Toddlers and preschoolers need as much as 12 hours of sleep each night, sometimes more.  Determine how much time you and your child will need to unhurriedly prepare to leave each morning, and make that your child's wake-up time. Then count backwards from that time, 12 hours, depending on your child's age and sleep pattern, and make that bedtime.  Then keep to that schedule.  A regular bedtime every night will help give a sense of security to a child in transition.

Dealing with Separation Anxiety
A child's separation anxiety can be extreme. It may last for more than two weeks. Never react to your child's anxiety with impatience or by getting upset.  Talk to your childcare provider to make sure your child's tears stop shortly after you leave.

At the End of the Day

Cuddle your baby and/or play with your children when you are home from work. Allow them time to just be with you, enjoying the parent who was missed so much during the day.

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Promoting Our Courteous and Polite Child(ren)

First and foremost, parents should model the manners they want their children to have. Simply put, teach by example. Transform your dialog with those around you. Thank your spouse for making dinner. Always say a friendly hello to the greeter at a store you  enter. Be extra polite to the security guy. Your kids will think that's just how the world works!  Precious Treasures truly believes in and supports an amazing company that says it best “Be Good To People” see it for yourself click on http://www.begoodtopeople.com/

Here's 10 suggestions on how to raise well-mannered children:

1. Introduce and guide your children to master the “Magic Words” (please, thank you, etc.). Use them often and make sure they understand their meanings. When teaching “I’m sorry” – make certain children know it must be meaningful.

2. Promote the concept – “Be Good To People”. Using alternative words to name calling, compliments vs. bullying or treating others friendly vs. callously. Explain the rewards of being nice.

3. Reinforce respect – act respectfully towards your children, and demand respect from them. Identify ways to help children feel good about themselves (earned self-respect). Treat your child with the same respect you would show your spouse, co-worker or a friend. Respectful parenting is about finding ways to model behavior & set up reminders that are not shameful and do not put the child on the spot.

4. Foster and teach values – honesty, tolerance, sharing, empathy, compassion, gratefulness, kindness – embrace them!

5. Develop mealtime manners. It's a life skill that will continue to help children (and adults) be confident in all future social/dining experiences. These skills can make or break a business deal in the future.

6. Demonstrate and discuss the importance of making a difference in someone’s life. Exhibit charity and ask your children to participate with you. It will encourage your children to be grateful for what they have and make them aware that we can help improve the world and make it a better place for everyone.

7. Teach your child the art of social exchange – meeting and greeting, eye contact, body language, a firm handshake. These skills are essential for making friends and keeping them, being part of a group and socialization.

8. Outline rules for courteous behavior- be considerate when using cell phones, computers and the Internet.

9. Explain the importance of accepting responsibility and becoming personally accountable; this is an essential step towards independence.

10. Demonstrate respect for our planet – recycle, reuse grocery bags, turn lights off, don’t litter and conserve energy whenever possible.

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How to Watch Guard What Your Kids Are Watching

Parent participation and involvement can ensure that children have a positive experience with television. The following strategies can help achieve that goal:

View Programs with Your Children
Most of us have moments when we end up using television or a video as a babysitter, but if you can, make it an activity the two of you can enjoy together. If needed, bring a basket of laundry to fold or some other task into the room so you can work and watch.

Talk with your children about what they are seeing as you watch shows with them. Identify positive behavior, such as cooperation, friendship, and concern for others. While watching, make connections to history, books, places of interest, and personal events. Express your personal and family values as they relate to the show. Converse about the realistic consequences of violence.

Select Developmentally Appropriate Shows
Choose slower-paced, calm programs to view as these give your toddler time to think about what they are watching and absorb the information. Quickly changing images and lots of action will only confuse them or make their eyes glaze over.

Research suggests that children who watch violence on TV are more likely to act aggressive. Avoid scary shows, too. Try to choose simple programs that emphasize interactivity. The best programs are those that inspire your child to make sounds, say words, sing and dance.

Place Limits on the Amount of Television Viewing
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) suggests that older kids not watch more than 1-2 hours of TV or video per day, and that kids under age 2 not watch any television. And of course, TV should never be a substitute for activities like playing, exercising, or reading.

Use Closed Captioning
Did you know that close caption television increases children's reading ability and comprehension? Research on using captions for instruction has shown that using text captions with audio and video helps student motivation, vocabulary, and reading comprehension. The results also showed that the students learned more with the captions; furthermore when the pace was slow, they retained more information two weeks later. The authors of the study concluded that students actually learn more from captioned video than from print material on the same topic. It clearly demonstrates the academic benefits of captioning. Using text captions with video and audio aids and reinforces language learning.

Turn Off the TV During Family Meals and Homework
Establish rules for when the television will be off. Homework time is for learning, not for sitting in front of the TV while trying to study. Meal times are for family members to talk with each other.

Watch Programs, Not Television
Instead of sitting down to watch whatever happens to be on TV, be selective about the program your toddler is going to watch, and turn off the set when the show is over. If possible, record programs ahead of time so your child can watch what you want, when you want.

For television program suggestions, talk to our staff at Precious Treasures...we're here to help!

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Establishing Family Time

Establishing family time is one of the best things you can do to be a positive parent. It doesn't mean that your children can't have friends or do other things but rather it means making sure that quality family time, such as dinner together, is part of every day. Have fun with your kids with one or more of these fun family activities, while bonding with them, and relaxing too.

Cooking
Cooking with your kids can be a great bonding experience. Have a good time making dessert or snacks together. Baking, making ice cream or preparing homemade snack mixes for school can all be good fun. It may take a longer time to get the meal or snack done but the moments with your children will be priceless. Just remember to approach it with a relaxed attitude and don't mind a messy kitchen. Find simple and fun recipes designed for kids on the internet.

Have a Game Night
Everyone is busy and it's hard to play games during the week. There are meals to prepare, dishes to wash, laundry, homework, mail to open, phone calls to return and the list goes on and on. Instead, try to do a game night on the weekends. How nice it would be to clean up after Friday night dinner and set up a board game, choose seats, get some snacks and start dealing the deck or rolling the dice? Better yet, grab a pizza on the way from work so there's no dinner to prepare and clean! Let the conversation and interaction with your kids flow.

Crafts
Visit a craft store or discount store and buy some items to make inexpensive crafts with your children. You can use crafts to make things easier around the house by making attractive storage spaces to put things. It will also have the added benefit of encouraging your kids to put things away and to stay organized. You can also make family mealtimes more special by decorating napkin rings for each family member, make some place mats, seasonal displays, etc...an added bonus may be your children volunteering to set the table next time. Spend time at bed making up stories that kids can later illustrate or act out for you.

Exercise
You don't need to have a lot of money to exercise. Take a walk with your kids and talk about what you see, appreciating nature and the things around you. If you have bikes, take a ride and maybe visit a store, restaurant or playground on your journey together.

Play Together
Eliminate electronics and TV for an afternoon. Take out the Lego's, dolls, play dough, bubbles, blocks, etc. Build Lego houses, role play with the dolls, blow bubbles in the backyard or bathtub. Be a kid again!

Most people work and it's hard to get a second to yourself and easy to let the computer or TV babysit our kids so we can get some peace at the end of the day. But the quality of time you spend with your family is critical to their development and happiness. Talk with your kids, listen to them and most importantly, play with them. Keep family first because keeping your priorities straight will ensure a happier, better-adjusted family.

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Tips for Baby Sleep

From research we know how important regular sleep times and routines are for good sleep. These tips are the first step to help your baby sleep through the night.

Establish a set bedtime and regular nap times — and stick to them.
A sleep schedule is vital for good sleep. Going to bed and getting up at regular or easily recognized times each day is ideal for the human body. You should establish a regular bedtime, as well as consistent nap times, to regulate baby's sleep patterns.

Choose a reasonable bedtime that suits your family's schedule and stick to it as much as possible. If your baby seems to want to stay up past bedtime, consider this: Energetic behavior late at night can be a sign that a child is tired.

Baby's bedtime routine
A bedtime routine is a set of actions and words you do with and say to your child at each bedtime. By doing this over and over, your baby will recognize that it is time for bed. Whatever routine works for your family is fine, as long as you do it in the same order and at the same time every night. Babies thrive on consistency.

Sleep helps beats obesity
New Research finds that children who go to bed early and wake early are less likely to become obese than children who go to bed late, even if they get the same amount of sleep.

Early risers accumulated 27 more minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity a day. The late-to-bed and late-to-rise kids tended to watch TV, play video games or surf online 48 minutes longer each day than early-to-bed kids.

Late-nighters were almost twice as likely to be physically inactive and 2.9 times more likely to sit in front of the TV or computers for longer than guidelines recommend.

And all that inactivity seems to catch up. The kids who went to bed late were 1.5 times more likely to be obese than those who went to bed early and got up early, the researchers found.

Precious Treasures is here to support our parents when issues with sleep are being experienced. We want to be a resource for you so please come to us for advice when you need guidance on specific issues related to sleep. We'll do our best to help your baby (and you) get a good night's rest!

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Curriculum's Impact on Your Child's Growth & Behavior

Your child's curriculum at daycare plays an important part in laying the foundation for literacy and language, cognitive development, social, emotional and physical development. Parental involvement reinforces and enhances the child care curriculum and is equally important.

Literacy / Language
The National Institute for Literacy has identified several key elements to include in an early childhood curriculum related to literacy. These elements are: holding a book appropriately and turning pages; telling a story from looking at pictures; saying the names of letters in print; saying the sounds letters make; being able to "play" or manipulate the sounds in words (rhyming, changing the first letter sound, ending sound, etc.); and being to write the child's own name or some letters in the name. Even more important to language development than the curriculum are the interactions children have with teachers and other children. Communicating with children positively impacts the development of language concepts and skills.

Cognitive
Cognition is the process of thinking and there are two stages of early childhood development - sensory motor and symbolic representation. A curriculum focusing on sensory motor development provides infants to 2-year-olds with the opportunity to learn about the world using their senses. A curriculum focusing on symbolic representation has activities for 2- to 4-year-olds that support the ability to create mental images and to remember them when the object is not immediately in front of them.

Social Emotional Development
A curriculum should address early childhood social emotional development and include activities that enhance the ability to form close and secure relationships such as: expression of emotions; managing emotions (regulating); social problem solving; understanding emotions; self-control; empathy; anger management; building friendships; following rules; and behavior management.

Physical Development
An early childhood curriculum needs to address physical development in these skill areas: fine and gross motor; sensory integration (touch, smell, sight, hearing); muscle tone and strength; performance of a physical movement; visual motor (eye hand coordination); and learning how to use writing instruments.

Parental involvement
Precious Treasures believes what matters most is that parents are engaging (daily) in conversations and activities with their child(ren). Young children are constantly learning from their everyday environment and there are many ways to enhance their experiences. A few ideas are: Read to your children daily, cook with your children, play with your children, talk to your children about their day & remind them to ask you about your day, visit a library/museum/park together and talk about what you can do and see, run errands with your child and talk about what and how the things you are doing affect their lives as well as how their positive behavior effects your schedule. These are just a few suggestions and the list goes on and on.

Precious Treasures is committed to providing a top notch curriculum to prepare your child for kindergarten and the social/emotional aspects of their lives. We ask that you support our efforts at home and we can all enjoy watching your children blossom into their full potential.

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Is Your Child Familiar with Yes?

Do you ever feel like you are constantly saying "no" to everything?  Are you worried that your parenting style may be creating a negative family environment?

You can turn your "no" into "yes" and create a more harmonious, positive household without letting your kids walk all over you!  It requires you to re-think the way you phrase your words and with practice it becomes easier and fosters more positive results in the end.

An example of this would be instead of saying, "No, you can't play video games until your homework is done", you can turn it around by saying, "Yes, you can play video games as soon as your home work is done."

Instead of yelling "No running!", simply re-phrase it, "Walking feet please".  It sounds more respectful and describes the desired behavior.
 
Take time to review your usual "no" scenarios and create a "yes" for future use so you are ready when the time arrives.  In time, with regular use, the words become second nature.

Giving your child choices is another great way to create a positive learning environment, by giving them control of non-essential choices designed to meet the desired outcome regardless of which choice they choose.

You can get immediate results using this technique if you change how you respond to potential battles by giving your child the power to make some decisions.  When dealing with a rather headstrong two-year old at bedtime, stay calm, and give choices like: Do you want to have milk before you go to bed, or juice?  The focus becomes her choice of drink instead of the battle on whether or not she is going to bed.

Because young kids are easily overwhelmed, help narrow down their choices, so that they have finite options for decision making.  An example of this is:  Your daughter likes to dress herself in the morning and you're not going anywhere today, so it doesn't really matter what she wears.  However, if you give her free reign, she'll unload her entire closet and change six times before breakfast.

Child:  I want to pick my clothes!
Mom:  Sure, here's your pink shirt and your purple shirt.  Which one would you like?
Child:  The pink shirt!

The child was given the freedom to choose the pink shirt from the finite options.  The choice has empowered her and helped build her self-confidence.   It also provides a trusting and positive environment while teaching some positive habits.

You can embrace the fact that testing the limits is a natural and healthy way for young children to learn, these techniques can help to facilitate and not discourage that type of learning, and yet still teach the right behavior.

At Precious Treasures, we encourage the use of "yes" and work to provide the most positive environment for learning and growth.

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Discipline Strategies for All Ages

Many books have been written about discipline and there are many viewpoints and techniques that have been advocated throughout the years. The most effective method for some parents and children may not be effective for others. Try the methods that seem right for you and if you like the result, incorporate it into your discipline style. Keep in mind, we are parents first, friends second.  This is a very basic outline for building a foundation of discipline that can be used as a starting point.

It's important to begin by "Laying the Foundation" which entails:

1. Mutual Respect. An important thing for parents to remember, is that the children that learn respect, are those that are also being treated respectfully. Children learn what they live. The adults in the family should use the same manners that they expect of their children.

2. Set Expectations & Consequences.  Be firm and clear.  Talk with your child about what will happen if they behave improperly.  Give them examples of a consequence such as "You will be grounded to your room for one hour".  Should it be necessary to implement a consequence then it should be immediate, on the same day.

3. Be Consistent. Follow through with the consequence when needed.  Giving-in communicates to the child that they can get their way by misbehaving.  Reward good behavior with hugs, kisses, stickers and small prizes.  Be sure to let them know you still love them.

The goal of effective discipline is to teach the child how to behave, not to make the child suffer.

When children (ages 2 yrs & up) do not cooperate:

• Get down to their level and make eye contact.
• In a firm and calm voice ask them for their cooperation (i.e. turn the TV off).  Don’t yell from the other           end of the house.
• Give them five seconds to get themselves ready without any further comment.
• Make the same request again and explain the consequence – don’t raise your voice, use the same firm and calm voice.
• If they cooperate, acknowledge this.
• If they do not cooperate, then in a calm voice enforce the consequence.
• Other consequences are quiet time and/or time-out.

When children under 2 years old misbehave, the best technique to resolve the situation is to use redirection.  Infants and toddlers can be easily distracted by providing them with an interesting alternative. For example, a child’s attention can be diverted from playing with your watch to playing with some toy keys. You can distract a child from pulling hair by shaking a rattle.

Another way to divert or redirect a child is simply to take the child’s hand. Guide the child, either away from the misbehavior or toward what you want the child to do.  For redirection to work, there must be choices.  Parents must have an acceptable alternative activity to offer the child.
Redirecting behavior is one of the very best guidance techniques because it turns bad behavior into good behavior.

At Precious Treasures, we like to provide our parents with the support they need to raise healthy, happy children.  We want to be a resource for you, so please come to us if you have any questions about techniques for discipline that might work best for your child and/or circumstances.

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Spreading Love, Post Valentines Day

We really appreciate everyone who follows Precious Treasures.  To show our appreciation we want to give one of our followers an awesome gift.  We have two options to choose from and wanted to get your initial thoughts.  Which gift would you like?

Free ticket to the EntreLeadership in Arizona!
EntreLeadership is a simulcast hosted by Dave Ramsey and is a premier leadership training program where he personally teaches individuals, teams, and businesses how to grow.  We think this would be an awesome treat for some of our parents and followers.

$25 iTunes Gift Certificate 
Hey its ok, you don't have to want leadership training.  You may just want to jam out to some tunes with your precious ones.  What better way buy some new tunes than on iTunes.

This will start March. 1st and run until March 10th.  Stay tuned on how to participate.  This is our way of just saying thanks!

Any questions or suggestions? Leave us a comment or talk to us on Twitter and Facebook!

8-Tips and Habits That Will Keep Your Kids Germ-Free

Our kids are so precious, and I am sure you will find the highest wish on the list for most parents is for their kids to have health and happiness.  To ensure your little treasures maintain the health part of the wish, we need to give them the ammunition to keep themselves germ-free. Here is a list of eight things that will protect your kids from sniffles. We know your focus is your child, however some of the tips will also help protect the other kids at school or in childcare .

Feel free to chime in down in our comments section with any additional tips or remedies. Enjoy!

Wash, Wash, Wash your hands! 

This is a no brainer for most kids, but they often don't wash their hands correctly. Even though you won't be able to supervise their every handwash, it is best that they follow these steps:

3 Ideas to Involve Your Kids in Family New Year’s Goals

Well, it’s already Feburary and the joke is; fitness clubs start their attendance decline after an awesome January. Even though we experience the ups and downs of sticking to our goals it is still better to set goals than not to set goals. 

So how about your Precious Treasures? Are you helping your kids in setting their goals? 

We think we have 3 great tips to help you start your kids setting goals early. The theory here is that they will be better at executing their goals as they get older because you helped them establish the practice at an early age. While we don't want to put 100lb bags of pressure on them at an early age, we still think it’s healthy for them to build the habit. 

1) Reflection. Examine opportunities to better oneself. 
Sounds too deep for kids. It is, but that’s why you are reading this and not them : )