Start the School Year off Right: The ABC’s of Communicating with Your Child’s Teachers
At the beginning of each school year, I am often reminded of the saying, “It takes a village.” I have come to learn that my children’s successes are not a direct result of the lessons taught to them by my husband and me, but rather from the love and guidance given to them by the […] Learn More ›
9 Ways to Deal with Your Kid’s Whining & Tantrums
Of all the things people warned me about before having children—the lack of sleep, the drain on our bank account, and the endless worrying that would inevitably happen—no one thought to tell me about the whining and countless tantrums that could occur on any given day. I mean, how could people remember to tell me […] Learn More ›
6 Sensory Activities to Try at Home
As human beings, we’re hard-wired from birth to explore the world through our senses. The way we receive and respond to sensory stimuli has a powerful impact on our experiences. Creating opportunities for children to explore sets them up for long-term success with essential skills including problem solving, decision making, curiosity and perseverance. Long before they […] Learn More ›
Sibling Squabbles: Salvaging our Sanity
As school winds down and the weather grows warmer, many of us look forward to fun-filled outdoor adventures and the longer, leisurely days of summer. These months often bring more “together time” for siblings, which can strike fear in the hearts of us parents as we anticipate having to deal with the bickering that will […] Learn More ›
Play Detective: Uncover the Meaning of your Child’s Challenging Behaviors (Part 2)
Written by Rachel Schwartz, LSW, and Jamie Miller, LCPC, JCC Chicago Early Childhood Social Services Last week we talked about core functions of a child’s behavior and how you can investigate to determine the underlying meaning and purpose it is serving for your child. Once you are able to identify those factors, you can implement […] Learn More ›
Play Detective: Uncover the Meaning of your Child’s Challenging Behaviors (Part 1)
Written by Rachel Schwartz, LSW, and Jamie Miller, LCPC, JCC Chicago Early Childhood Social Services Most parents find themselves struggling with their child’s challenging behavior at some point in time. In fact, it seems to be a rite of passage; a way that we as parents earn our merit badge. While it is validating to […] Learn More ›