New Year's Resolutions

January is the time of year to set goals!  As parents and teachers it might be a good idea to make some resolutions that will help our children grow up to be healthy, happy, and interesting people.

1. Provide choices. "Red hat or blue hat?" "Do you want to clean up the blocks or the Legos?"  Parents decide what is healthy and safe--bedtime, appropriate clothing, and food choices, etc.  Children make age-appropriate decisions (bath or brushing teeth first; oatmeal or Cheerios). Cooperation and adaptability need practice.

2. Give clear, specific, consistent directions. "Time to clean up. Put all the trucks in the shed."

3. Safety is first. There is no discussion about the use of car seats, bike/scooter helmets, crossing the street, brushing teeth, or bedtime. Talk about the importance of having a few family rules, You may want to write them down!

4. Promote independence whenever you can.  Allow children to dress themselves, put on their own coats, and get into their own car seats.  The motor planning practice is good for the brain.  And, the competence is a confidence booster!

5. Encourage helpers. All children enjoy helping when needed.  Chores teach responsibility--and don't feel like chores when they are shared. Change chores often--but teach expectations. The goal is to have more time together!

6. Alter the nature deficit. Play outside everyday--or take a walk at "child speed" to notice trees, seasonal changes, worms, and birds. Check out the stars on a clear, cold night.

7. Name and talk about feelings. Think about how others might feel. Empathy is caught AND taught!

8. Build resilience. Life is full of little "bumps" --with many ways to handle the disappointments and challenges. Mistakes are wonderful opportunities for learning. Model problem solving and optimism. Expect "better" not perfection.

9. Recognize effort. Compliments should be specific so we encourage what we want to see. "I noticed all the shapes you put in your painting." "I noticed the careful cutting you did." "I noticed how slowly you colored to stay in the lines on your continent map." "I liked the way you really practiced writing threes."

"The child has other powers than ours, and the creation he achieves is no small one; it is everything."
                                                                                                         Maria Montessori