Welcome to our website designed to provide the information and tools parents need to understand their unique child/children and to enable them to help each child develop into the successful human being they were meant to be.
Our philosophy is built on years of child development research which shows that while each child is “pre-wired” with certain traits, temperament and abilities, it’s the interaction with their environment, especially their parents, which ultimately determines how these characteristics are manifested as they grow and develop into competent adults.
Development is the result of “transactions” between the child and his/her environment. Each transaction results in new learning which results in the development of skills and traits. The right frequency, quality and intensity of interactions between children and their environment will result in each child reaching his or her full potential.
If you have ever observed the progress of a major building project, you have seen that scaffolding is put up first and is used to provide support while the structure is being built. As the project reaches each stage of completion, the scaffolding is gradually removed as the building can support itself. The parent’s role in child development is to provide the scaffolding for their child and gradually remove it as the child attains skills and abilities while they move from one developmental stage to another. By spending time in the Child Development section of our website and subscribing to our Newsletter and Blog, you will be able to provide just the right type and amount of scaffolding for your child.
Research has also shown that nurturing in the form of spending sufficient quality time with your child that is fun and enjoyable for parent and child leads to happy, healthy , successful kids. Kids also need structure. Parents are the key to helping children develop self-discipline and positive character traits. Our Parenting section provides tips on how to enjoy your child while providing the leadership and structure to meet the unique needs of each child.
Parents should be each child’s first and favorite teacher. Our Leaning section provides guidelines and tools to enable parents to provide the input and activities children need at critical stages of development. The timing and appropriateness are key to children learning important skills. Children may have difficulty mastering certain developmental tasks or academic subjects. We also provide suggestions on how to help kids when they are struggling. We offer expert help for new readers or struggling readers including dyslexia, math, language plus help for study skills and homework.
The Health & Safety section provides guidelines on how to keep your child fit and healthy as well as how to handle issues such as sleep, weight management and common childhood illnesses. Safety tips for parents of kids and teens are available including updates on product recalls.
Most parents will encounter a few bumps in the road as their child moves from baby to teen to adult. The Child Psychologysection provides guidelines and referrals to trusted resources for such problems as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder - ADHD, Anxiety, Autism/Aspergers, Bedwetting, Depression, Oppositional Defiant Disorder - ODD, Shyness and more.
Concerned about what your kids watching or listening to? How about video games or internet activity? Visit our Kids & Media section for guidelines and suggestions for age appropriate materials including books, music, videos, software and video games.
Finally. Are you a New Parent or new to parenting Teens? We have help for you as well.
Parents Guide on Sleep for Babies Everything parents need to know about how to cope with the sleeping habits of a baby. Learn about their "routine", how to gradually help them develop a healthy sleep schedule. Discover some massage techniques to help them fall asleep. Safety issues regarding babies and sleep are covered. Bedding and other physical considerations are also covered. Written to help "everyone" get a good nights sleep.
Guidelines For Parent/Child Communication Good communication is an important parenting skill. This page provides useful information and techniques for parents on how to communicate effectively with their children. Parenting can be more enjoyable when positive parent-child relationship is established. Whether you are parenting a toddler or a teenager, good communication is the key to building self-esteem as well a mutual respect.
Helping Your Child with Socialization For one reason or another, some children do not develop social skills as easily as others. They may earnestly seek peer relationships and then, having endured rebuffs, if not downright cruelty, retreat to the safety of home, family, and their own company.
There is probably nothing so painful for a parent as the rejection of his child. Parents need to take he long view of social problems and to map out a plan to solve them quite as carefully and thoughtfully as they would consider academic or health problems. There are guidelines which. if followed, will help these children if the parent is willing to take time and initiative.
Helping Your Child Develop Self-Esteem Self-esteem is a major key to success in life. The development of a positive self-concept or healthy self-esteem is extremely important to the happiness and success of children and teenagers. This page will share the basics for helping kids and teens to improve their self-esteem.
Organizing Your Home for Success Tips for parents on how to organize the home environment to promote a healthy family lifestyle.
What to do When You Don’t Like Your Teens Friends Parenting a teen can be tough, especially when they start bringing new friends home. With all the different friends your child is bound to make, it’s pretty likely you’re going to dislike at least one of them. Here’s what to do to keep this small issue from becoming a big problem.
