Thoughts on Parenting

State of the Blog

About a year ago, Duane and I started this blog with many lofty ideas. Life as a parent is challenging and many times these days, it can be very lonely. We really wanted to help everyone out there who shares this amazing journey called parenthood. But like many extracurricular activities while you're busy with young kids -- graduate school, children, work, life and laundry got in the way as our initial excitement wore off. 

I've recently recommitted time for this blog. It's still hugely important to me, because I believe so strongly in what each and everyone of us is doing. I truly feel that quality parents can change the world. Caring, involved parents are what this country needs most right now.

As I think about the coming year and what I would like to see for ThoughtsOnParenting.com, what I want most is to hear from you -- all our faithful readers who are still with us, even though there have been long silences between posts. 

I know many of you have recently had new babies. I'd love to know what you're struggling with and what some experienced parents might be able to contribute. As for me, I'd love to know from more experienced parents if all 4 year-olds can put on their shoes? And do your 6 year-olds shower by themselves yet?

We all have a huge body of knowledge between us. We have the potential to be each other's greatest resource and greatest support. This year I hope we can get to know each other better and have more conversation through the comments section of the blog. So, let's get started right now!

What do you hope to see on ThoughtsOnParenting.com in the coming year?

Toxic Toys

It's hard to be a parent these days. On top of the impossibly long list of responsibilities we parents have already had for decades, now we must check our kids' toothpaste for anti-freeze, scour the juice aisle for China-free apple juice, and monitor all the toys coming in the house (even the ones from Mattel) for lead laced paint. What's a parent to do?

Well, I found this great website at HealthyToys.org. You can search for the toys in your home by brand or type to see if they are toxic. You can request that a toy be tested for toxins, and you can also request to receive updates and alerts via email. This site can't help with edible items such as toothpaste and juice, but at least when your 12-month old tries to eat your 4-year old's silver ballet slipper necklace that Aunt Suzie gave her for Christmas, you'll be able to find out what exactly your child may be ingesting.

Signs of a Great Preschool

I know it's only February, but it's never too early to start thinking about the new school year. Around the country  anxious parents and preschoolers alike are browsing websites, taking tours, and contemplating questions of socialization, academics, and, "Would you like Spanish or music on the side with your preschooler?"

While the choice can seem overwhelming, there are certain things that any good classroom will have. The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) (a fantastic organization whose standards are far above the minimums required by state licensing) suggests you look for these 10 signs of a good classroom:

1. Children spend most of their play time working with materials and other children. They do not wander aimlessly, and they are not expected to sit quietly for long periods of time.
2. Children have access to various activities throughout the day. Look for assorted building blocks, props for pretend play, picture books, paints and other art materials, and table toys like matching games, pegboards, puzzles, etc. Children should not all be doing the same thing at the same time.
3. Teachers work with individual children, small groups, and the whole group at different times during the day. They do not spend all their time with the whole group.
4. The classroom is decorated with children's original artwork, their own writing with invented spelling, and stories dictated by children to the teachers.
5. Children learn numbers and the alphabet in the context of their everyday experiences. The natural world of plants and animals along with meaningful activities like cooking, taking attendance, or serving snack provide the basis for learning activities.
6. Children work on projects and have long periods of time (at least one hour) to play and explore. Worksheets are used little, if at all. 
7. Children have an opportunity to play outside every day. Outdoor play is never sacrificed for more instructional time. 
8. Teachers read books to children individually or in small groups throughout the day, not just at group story time. 
9. Curriculum is adapted for those who are ahead as well as those who need additional help. Teachers recognize that children's different backgrounds and experiences mean that they do not learn the same things at the same time in the same way. 
10. Children and their parents look forward to school. Parents feel secure about sending their child to the program. Children are happy to attend; they do not cry regularly or complain of feeling sick.