Being a parent is tough work. That’s why we’ve taken our experience in teaching, child development, and leading children of all ages, and have combined it into blogs and articles that you can use in your everyday parenting. From activities to nutrition, and local events to help you get connected with your community, we’ve got all the topics covered.
I have always tried to make reading and language exciting to my own sons and students by describing literacy as “breaking the code.” The reason I describe it that way is to build excitement around the seemingly endless prompts to “say this, say that, repeat after me…”, and to let them understand the vast rewards… Read more
Just as important as developing cognitive and social skills in school, is focusing on children’s physical abilities and increasing the complexity of physical skill as they grow. When caregivers have the appropriate expectations of children in the early years, it reduces stress for adults and supports self-esteem and healthy bodies in children. Everyone wins. Understanding… Read more
Play is accepted as a universal theory of development, meaning that across time (within the era of early childhood developmental social science) and space (across the globe), children learn primarily through play. There are five distinct types of play that each play a different role in cognitive and social growth. Physical Play: Physical skills and… Read more
At Crème, we see teamwork as a component in all areas of learning… …but when is it reasonable to expect children to work as a team member? How is teamwork fostered? How can we tell if children are really grasping that concept? Teamwork is a social construct that involves cognitive development before it can really… Read more
Sometimes we forget how hard it can be to be very young; how the demands of adults to “behave”, “share,” and “cooperate” can be overwhelming when these fundamental skills of civilized society do not yet make much sense to a young mind. Why do I always have to act a certain way? I’m having fun!… Read more
Every parent hopes to raise a child that is socially intelligent and apt to help others in need, but how does that happen, and how can parents and teachers promote prosocial behavior in their children at home and school? What are the right expectations? Caregivers lay the foundation for children’s emotional repertoire, beginning with touch,… Read more
From sporting events to iPads, children are bombarded with stimuli from their environment. In this digital age, children’s downtime is filled with television or other digital devices that offer entertainment that can stunt imagination and cognitive growth. As a mom, I want my children happy and active, of course, but as an educator and development… Read more
What is really happening during this time, and its impact on children’s development? Back to school is among us, and to parents it can mean different things. For parents of older children, it means back to routines that help shape their daily lives, provide the social interactions that they need to be well rounded people,… Read more