When our children were babies, we got used to packing a special bag with all of the essentials for when we went visiting out of state, across town, or even to the neighbors house!
Category Archives: Family Support
It’s the Process, not the Product!
I remember Kindergarten teachers telling parents, “It’s the process, not the product”, as we admired the children’s artwork.
I’m not quite sure how I felt about this comment, because I thought the creations were pretty amazing. But I understand it now. After working with children and their families for so long, I value that process more than ever.
Pumpkins, Pumpkins, Everywhere!
Pumpkins! Gotta Love this Time of Year!
Looking for some fun activities for the fall season? Here are a few ideas that you may find interesting!
Pumpkin Hunt
Find a fun pumpkin patch. Go on a pumpkin hunt to choose your pumpkins. Talk about: large, small, behind (the tree), next to (the basket), “Oh, I like this one! Wow, that pumpkin is big. Look at this pumpkin, oh, it’s so heavy. This pumpkin is_______. (smooth, bumpy, colorful, round, dirty).
3 Things to Consider to Lower Anxiety during Social Engagement
Social engagement is such a challenge for so many children.
When our children know what to expect, anxiety may be lessened and follow through increased. Think about your own experiences and times when the unknown was actually more anxiety producing than the actual event. Social situations can be very upsetting for young children.
For the very young children and their families who I work with, I suggest the following: make everything as predictable as possible for your child so she knows what to expect.
Three main items to consider: environment, manipulatives, and visuals.
Reinforcers: More Than Just Lollipops and Bubbles
When most of us think of reinforcers, we think of things like candy, high fives, and bubbles. Obviously those things are only reinforcing to people if they enjoy those things. 
It’s interesting to observe children because we see at a very young age what is and isn’t reinforcing. When the baby spits food back into your face, I think it’s clear that either it’s really reinforcing to see your reaction, it feels good, or it tastes or feels really awful.
On my very first session with families I ask what is reinforcing to their child. Sometimes families are quick to respond with: his truck, cookies, or playing outside. Those things can definitely be reinforcing to your child but there are so many other things that can also be reinforcing that you may not have thought of.
Don’t Journey Alone! Find your Parenting Tribe.
I often hear comments from families about their fear and disappointment over what they could have done better. What did I possibly do wrong? Why isn’t my child talking? He should be talking by now. Why isn’t my child looking at me? I call her name but nothing seems to work. Parenting is the most difficult job in the world and we just don’t give ourselves enough credit.
We all make mistakes. We all wish we could take back something that we said or did. But most of the time, we are there for our children to support them, care for them, and provide for them the best that we know how.
I love the quote from Maya Angelou that goes something like: “Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.”
I think this pretty much describes parenting. We all do the best that we know how until we learn strategies and techniques. Then we can definitely do better.