27 Apr · Linda Searles · No Comments

The Power of Play

What is PLAY? “Play is multi-faceted, complex and dynamic, eluding easy definition. It is usually felt to be a universal activity and children are often portrayed as having an inherent desire and capacity to play.” Free or pure play: Children have all the control, and adults are passive observers. Guided play: Teacher-child collaboration, with the …

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22 Mar · Linda Searles · No Comments

Is Music Good for Toddlers?

Music provides cognitive benefits that support children’s early development. Here are five reasons why music can be beneficial to the development of your child. Music increases toddlers’ sensory development. Exposing your child to different types of music can help create mor pathways between the cells in their brains; This effect increases even more when you …

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27 Dec · Linda Searles · No Comments

The Holiday Letdown with Toddlers

Christmas can be overwhelming for children to experience all the glitter and glow of the holidays. The Christmas decorations, the tree, the lights, the goodies, the movies, the trips to parades and the gifts. Wow, it’s not wonder that Christmas takes its toll on every child and every parent. After the wave of excitement there …

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19 Dec · Linda Searles · No Comments

When Do Children Stop Being Afraid of Santa?

Actually, toddlers are afraid of Santa for many reasons. The first is “wow, this is a stranger, a big fat stranger with a big, long white beard that I have never seen, with a loud HO HO HO laugh that I have never heard. No wonder I am scared!! Some ways of helping your child …

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12 Oct · Linda Searles · No Comments

Why Do Toddlers Love To Climb?

Toddlers climb because they think they can! Toddlers are very curious and as they gain confidence, they start to climb everywhere, and not aware of the danger they expose themselves to. Providing a safe environment such as an indoor home gym where they can safely climb under supervision, is a great way to satisfy the …

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22 Aug · Linda Searles · No Comments

Can Toddlers Get Depressed?

Many experts maintain that toddlers are too psychologically immature to experience depression, a growing number of child psychologists believe it can hit children as young as 2 or 3. They believe that treating the condition immediately can rewire the brain in a way that diminishes the problem later on. According to the American Academy of …

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7 Jul · Linda Searles · No Comments

Taking Toddlers to the Beach

First, find a beach that fits your style. Meaning, does the area have a boardwalk just in case your toddler tires of the sand and water and needs to take a walk in the stroller. Also, the beach should not be more than an hour drive from your home. Everyone is tired on the way …

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30 Jun · Linda Searles · No Comments

Camping with a Toddler

A first camping trip, with your toddler, will depend on where you choose to go. You may want to choose a site that is more local to you so your trip is not too long. Check your state’s Department of Natural Resources website for a full list of available campgrounds. Many site will let you …

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27 Jan · Linda Searles · No Comments

Language Milestones

Language milestones mark various stages of language development. They are small constant successes.  In addition to being able to make sounds and words, your baby also needs to be able to hear and understand. Most children speak their first work between 10 to 14 months of age. They may say “ma ma” or “da da” …

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1 Dec · Linda Searles · No Comments

Vitamins for Toddlers? Good or Bad?

A varied diet is the key to a healthy toddler!   The diet includes three meals a day, one to three snacks of healthy whole foods. Offer four servings a day of fruits and vegetables, especially dark green  and orange ones. Three servings of grain products, one serving of meat or a meat alternative day …

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