Now that the holidays are over, the new toys have lost their novelty, and some New Year\u2019s resolutions have already been broken, make a resolution that will last your kids (and our community) a lifetime.<\/p>\n
It won\u2019t cost any money, won\u2019t wear out or be outgrown, doesn\u2019t require anything but you, and will have unimaginable benefits for your family.<\/p>\n
Make a New Year\u2019s promise to give your kids your undivided attention for some time every day.<\/p>\n
In our fast-paced, increasingly-digital daily lives, the relationship needs of infants and young children can easily get overlooked. You may promise yourself, \u201cTomorrow I\u2019ll sit down and play\/read\/be with Johnny.\u201d But tomorrow never comes, and each day lost will have a lasting impact on every aspect of your child\u2019s life \u2013 happiness, friendships, development, and school and life success.<\/p>\n
So slow down, turn off your digital devices, and share some time with your kids. Make memories, deepen your relationship, have fun, cherish the moments that add up to a lifetime. You probably have plenty of ideas about how to go about this, but we\u2019ll share a few.<\/p>\n
\u201cYour never too old, too wacky, too wild, to pick up a book and read to a child.\u201d<\/p>\n
Our favorite doctor, (Dr. Seuss) said it best, and we know from research that reading daily to babies beginning in infancy has lifelong impacts on their development in all areas. More important, it builds and deepens their relationship with you, and benefits your health, too, by causing your brain to make more of the feel-good hormones and less of the stress hormones.<\/p>\n
Your child\u2019s health-care provider probably prescribes books as part of Reach Out and Read; your local children\u2019s librarian can make book recommendations, as can a local early childhood professional.<\/p>\n
\u201cJust play!\u201d Let your inner child out to play with your kids every day. You don\u2019t need expensive toys to have fun playing \u2013 as a matter of fact, finding every day items to use as props helps your kids be creative and imaginative.<\/p>\n
The most important things to remember about play are to let your child be the leader, that play is not testing for knowledge (\u201cShow me the square,\u201d), and that play should be fun. Don\u2019t forget to be silly.<\/p>\n
Sing, dance, make music and art with your kids. Keep in mind that, although these activities will help kids develop skills in many areas like math, problem-solving, language, creativity, and movement, the primary goal is enjoyment for all.<\/p>\n
Don\u2019t worry about the mess \u2013 kids will be more helpful with clean up if they had fun first.<\/p>\n
Go on a nature walk to find bugs, rocks, sticks, and other interesting natural objects. Make angels in the snow (if we get any this winter), splash in mud puddles, bundle up and go outside to admire our dark night skies.<\/p>\n
Share family conversation during at least one meal a day (no TV) and talk about all the great things you\u2019re doing together every day. This will cement the activities into their memories to last a lifetime, strengthen your family ties, build values, and help your kids grow into successful, happy, thoughtful, productive people.<\/p>\n
And all this from one simple resolution.<\/p>\n
For more ideas and suggestions, visit the Montelores Early Childhood Council\u2019s website at www.monteloresecc.org; attend a MECC Family Night (click the Events button on the Home page); sign up for our e-newsletter; ask your child\u2019s health care provider, early childhood teacher, and children\u2019s librarian; and be creative.<\/p>\n
Our best wishes for a fun New Year!<\/p>\n
Mary Dodd is MECC\u2019s Chief Knowledge Officer.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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