Would You Like to Start All Over Again

Choosing quality care that is in a healthy and safe environment should be your number one priority. Await for child care that stimulates and encourages your child's concrete, intellectual, and social growth. Proceed your child's age and personality in mind when looking for the program that best meets his needs. Agreement what makes your child feel secure and knowing the activities he enjoys and volition learn from volition make a difference in your final child intendance decision.

Personality

Each child has his own personality and responds to caregivers or experiences differently. Just like adults, children may take approachable, shy, or even-tempered natures. Your caregiver should be in tune with your child's special personality and care for your kid in a positive and caring manner that agrees with his special personality. This is crucial to nurturing his healthy emotional growth. By understanding your child's personality, you and your caregiver tin aid him succeed by offering intendance, activities, and discipline that all-time fit his needs.

Developmental stages

Every bit your child grows, you may find yourself searching for clues to her behavior. As a parent, you may hear the words "developmental stages." This is just some other manner of maxim your kid is moving through a certain time period in the growing-up process. At times, she may be fascinated with her hands, her feet, and her mouth. As she grows, she may get into everything. Lock your doors and cabinets, and take a deep breath during those exploration years! And so there will exist an age when independence is all she wants. At every stage, what she needs is your dearest, understanding, and fourth dimension.

Parent Tip

Contempo encephalon research indicates that nativity to age three are the nigh important years in a kid's development. Here are some tips to consider during your kid'south early years:

Exist warm, loving, and responsive.
Talk, read, and sing to your child.
Constitute routines and rituals.
Encourage safe explorations and play.
Make TV watching selective.
Utilize discipline every bit an opportunity to teach.
Recognize that each kid is unique.
Choose quality kid care and stay involved.
Take care of yourself.

For more information, visit the Start 5 California Parents' Site

Learning styles

Children learn in many unlike ways. Each kid has his ain way of learning—some acquire visually, others through touch, taste, and sound. Picket a group of children and you lot'll sympathize at once what this means. One kid will sit down and listen patiently, another cannot wait to motility and count beads. Another wants you to show her the answer over and over. Children as well learn in different means depending on their developmental stage. One thing we know is all children love to learn new things by exploring and discovering. Children love to solve problems during play and in daily activities.

Look for a child care provider who understands children's learning styles and includes reading, learning numbers, fine art activities, rhyming, and problem solving in your child'due south daily activities. Also, observe out how your provider encourages your child to understand and benefit from daily activities and experiences.

Tips for looking for a child care provider during the showtime xviii months of life

Look for a provider who:

Is warm and friendly.
Interacts with your infant and has eye contact.
Talks to your baby while diapering.
Includes your babe in activities, only keeps her safe from older children.
Avoids the apply of walkers.
Has feeding and sleeping practices similar to yours.
Allows the infant to eat and sleep whenever she wishes rather than follow a schedule.

Ages and stages

Depending upon the age of your child, his learning manner and personality, your kid will have different needs. The first v years are especially crucial for physical, intellectual, and social-emotional development. Proceed your kid's personality and age in mind when looking for kid care experiences and activities. The following pages provide insight into a kid's developmental stages from nativity through fourteen years.

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Nascency to eighteen months: an overview

In the starting time eighteen months after birth, an infant makes miraculous progress. In this relatively brusk fourth dimension bridge, an infant sees her world through her senses. Babies gather data through bear on, taste, odour, sight, and audio. To help infants mature and larn, the caregiver should stimulate but not overwhelm them. The overall goal is not to "teach" your babe but to interact and explore her world with her. Older infants are on the movement. They take bang-up pleasance in discovering what they can practice with their voice, hands, feet, and toes. Before long they practice rolling skills, crawling, walking, and other great physical adventures. Through "the eyes of a child," here is what you might expect during the first eighteen months.

One month

What I'm Like: I can't support my own head and I'grand awake about one 60 minutes in every ten (though information technology may seem more).

What I Demand: I demand milk, a smoke-free environs, a warm identify to sleep, hugs and kisses, and to hear your loving voice. It's non too early on to sing or read to me. The more you talk and innovate unlike things to me, the more I learn.

Iii months

What I'chiliad Similar: My hands and feet fascinate me. I'll laugh and coo at them and you lot. I'thou warning for 15 minutes, maybe longer, at a fourth dimension. I dearest to listen to y'all talk and read to me.

What I Demand: Talk to me, feed me, and sing to me. My favorite songs are lullabies. Cuddle me. I demand fresh air, a ride in a stroller. Requite me things to pull and teethe on.

Five months

What I'm Like: I may be able to roll over and sit with back up. I tin agree my own toys. I babble and am alarm for 2 hours at a time. I can eat virtually baby food. Put toys merely out of my reach and I will effort to reach them. I similar to see what I look like and what I am doing.

What I Need: Brand certain I'thousand safe every bit I'm learning to crawl. I need happy sounds, and I like to be near you. Dance with me, tickle me, and tell me nearly the world you lot see.

Nine months

What I'm Like: I'thou busy! I like to explore everything! I crawl, sit down, pull on furniture, grasp objects, and understand uncomplicated commands. I like to be with other babies and I react to their happiness and sadness.

What I Demand: I demand locks on cabinets with medicines, household cleaners, or other dangerous things. Put away pocket-sized sharp objects. I need touches, nutritious food, and educational toys to keep me busy.

Twelve months

What I'm Like: I may exist able to pull myself up and sidestep around furniture. I may begin walking. I brand lots of sounds and say "Mama" and "Dada." I'k curious about flowers, ants, grass, stones, bugs, and dirt. I like to get messy, 'cause that'southward how I learn. My fingers want to touch everything. I like to play near others close to my age only not always with them. If I'm walking, delight walk at my pace.

What I Need: I need lots of cuddling and encouragement. I need a condom place to movement around every bit I will exist getting into anything I can get my hands on. Read to me once more and once again. Sing our favorite songs. Give me freedom to do nigh things—until I demand assist. So please stay near.

Twelve to xviii months

What I'grand Similar: I like to consume with a spoon, even if I spill. And I will spill, spill, spill. I will explore everything high and depression, so delight keep me condom. I may have temper tantrums because I have no other way of expressing my feelings or frustrations. Sometimes I'yard fearful and cling to you lot. I like to have evening routines: music, story, and bathroom time. I like balls, blocks, pull toys, push toys, take apart toys, put together toys, and cuddles. Sometimes I say "No" and mean information technology. Past eighteen months I can walk well by myself, although I fall a lot. I may spring. I say lots of words, especially the word "mine"—considering everything is mine! I similar it when we play outside or go to a park. I like beingness with other children. I endeavor to take off my shoes and socks. I like to build with blocks.

What I Need: Permit me touch things. Let me try new things with your help, if I demand it. I need firm limits and consistency. Delight give me praise. The more you talk with me, the earlier I volition tell you how I feel and what I need. I need you to observe me and to sympathise why I'm upset or mad. I need your understanding and patience. I want a routine. I need you to not mind the mess I sometimes brand. I need you to say I'm sorry if you lot made a mistake. And delight read to me over and over again!

The Toddler's Creed

If I desire it, information technology's mine. If I requite it to you and change my mind later, it's mine. If I take it away from you, it's mine. If it's mine it will never belong to anybody else, no affair what. If nosotros are building something together, all the pieces are mine. If information technology looks but similar mine, it'south mine.

Eighteen months through ii years: an overview

During the next stage of life, your kid is beginning to define himself. Look for kid care activities that spur his imagination and vocabulary. During the toddler years, children get into everything, so do your best to keep your child safe from a potential accident. Yet, realize accidents do happen even to the most conscientious parents and children.

When looking for quality intendance for your toddler, consider:

Is the kid intendance setting condom and does it provide small group sizes and developed-to-kid ratios?
Are at that place enough toys and activities then sharing isn't a problem?
Are there a lot of toys for edifice which can be put together?
Is in that location a dress-upward expanse?
Do art activities allow the children the liberty to make their own art or do all crafts look the same?
And last, what are the toilet grooming and field of study practices of the provider?

Two years

What I'm Like: I am loving, affectionate, and responsive to others. I feel sorry or sorry when others my age are upset. I may fifty-fifty like to please y'all. I don't demand you so close for protection, but please don't get as well far away. I may do the exact opposite of what yous want. I may be rigid, not willing to wait or give in. I may even be snobby. "Me" is one of my favorite words. I may have fears, especially of sounds, separation, moving household objects, or that big canis familiaris.

What I Need: I need to continue exploring the world, downward the block, the parks, library, and stores, etc. I like my routines. If you accept to change them, do and then slowly. I need you to notice what I do well and PRAISE me. Give me 2 OK choices to distract me when I brainstorm to say "No." I need you to be in command and make decisions when I'm unable to do so. I practice better when you plan alee. Exist Firm with me about the rules, but CALM when I forget or disagree. And please be patient because I am doing my best to please you, fifty-fifty though I may not act that way.

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Three through five years: an overview

During the preschool years, your kid will be incredibly busy. Cut, pasting, painting, and singing are all daily activities. When your child starts kindergarten around age five, brand certain home and child care activities include learning numbers, letters, and simple directions. Most public school kindergarten programs are commonly only a few hours a day. You may need intendance before and after schoolhouse. Information technology is never likewise early to begin your search.

When looking for quality care for your preschooler, consider:

Are there other children the same age or close in age to your kid?
Is there space for climbing, running, and jumping?
Are there books and learning activities to prepare your kid for school?
Is television and flick watching selective?
Are learning materials and pedagogy styles age-appropriate and respectful of children's cultural and ethnic heritage?
Are caregivers experienced and trained in early childhood development?
Are children given choices to practise and larn things for themselves?
Are children rushed to complete activities or tasks?
Or are they given enough time to work at their own footstep?

Three years

What I'm Like: Lookout out! I am charged with physical energy. I do things on my ain terms. My listen is a sponge. Reading and socializing are essential in getting me ready for school. I like to pretend a lot and enjoy scribbling on everything. I am full of questions, many of which are "Why?" I become fairly reliable virtually using the potty. I may stay dry out at night and may non. Playing and trying new things out are how I learn. Sometimes I like to share. I begin to listen more and brainstorm to understand how to solve bug for myself.

What I Need: I want to know about everything and sympathize words, and when encouraged, I will utilise words instead of grabbing, crying, or pushing. Play with me, sing to me, and let'due south pretend!

Four years

What I'm Like: I'm in an agile stage, running, hopping, jumping, and climbing. I love to question "Why?" and "How?" I'thou interested in numbers and the world around me. I savor playing with my friends. I like to be creative with my drawings, and I may like my pictures to be different from everyone else'due south. I'thou curious about "sleepovers" but am not sure if I'm ready yet. I may want to be just like my older sister or blood brother. I am proud that I am so BIG now!

What I Need: I need to explore, to try out, and to test limits. Giving me room to abound doesn't mean letting me do everything. I demand reasonable limits set for my ain protection and for others. Let me know clearly what is or isn't to be expected. I need to learn to give and have and play well with others. I demand to be read to, talked to, and listened to. I need to be given choices and to learn things in my ain way. Label objects and draw what's happening to me so I can learn new words and things.

V years

What I'm Like: I'thou slowing a little in growth. I have good motor control, but my small muscles aren't as developed as my big muscles for jumping. My activity level is high and my play has management. I like writing my name, drawing pictures, making projects, and going to the library. I'm more than interested now in doing group activities, sharing things and my feelings. I like quiet time away from the other kids from time to time. I may be broken-hearted to brainstorm kindergarten.

What I Need: I need the opportunity for plenty of agile play. I need to do things for myself. I like to have choices in how I acquire new things. Only virtually of all, I need your love and assurance that I'yard of import. I need fourth dimension, patience, understanding, and 18-carat attention. I am learning about who I am and how I fit in with others. I need to know how I am doing in a positive way. I empathise more nearly things and how they work, so you tin can give me a more than detailed answer. I have a big imagination and pretend a lot. Although I'm becoming taller, your lap is notwithstanding 1 of my favorite places.

Half-dozen through viii years: an overview

Children at this age have decorated days filled with recess, homework, and tear-jerking fights with their friends. They begin to call back and program alee. They have a thousand questions. This age group has good and bad days just similar adults. Get prepare, considering it'due south only the beginning!

When looking for quality care for your school-age child, consider:

Is the staff or provider trained to work with school-age children?
Is there infinite for sports activities, climbing, running, and jumping?
Are there materials that will interest your kid?
Is television and movie watching selective?
Is there a quiet identify to do homework or read?
Is transportation available?

Vi years

What I'k Similar: Affectionate and excited over schoolhouse, I go eagerly most of the time. I am self-centered and can be quite enervating. I recall of myself as a big kid at present. I can exist impatient, wanting my demands to be met At present. Yet I may take forever to do ordinary things. I similar to exist with older children more than with younger ones. I frequently accept one close friend, and sometimes we will exclude a 3rd child.

What I Demand: This might exist my beginning twelvemonth in real schoolhouse. Although information technology'south fun, information technology's also scary. I need y'all to provide a rubber place for me. Routines and consistency are of import. Don't have my beliefs one 24-hour interval and correct me for the same behavior tomorrow. Set up and explain rules about daily routines similar playtime and bedtime. I need your praise for what I am doing well. Since I may go to before-and after-school intendance, help me get organized the nighttime before. Make sure I have everything ready for school.

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Seven years

What I'grand Similar: I am often more quiet and sensitive to others than I was at six. Sometimes I tin be hateful to others my age and younger. I may injure their feelings, just I really don't hateful to. I tend to be more polite and amusing to developed suggestions. Past now I am witting of my schoolwork and am beginning to compare my work and myself with others. I want my schoolwork to look "right." If I make mistakes, I can hands become frustrated.

What I Need: I demand to tell you lot nigh my experiences, and I need the attention of other developed listeners. I really want you lot to listen to me and understand my feelings. Please don't put me down or tell me I can't do information technology—help me to learn in a positive manner. Please bank check my homework and reading assignments. Allow me go over to my friends and play when possible. I withal demand hugs, kisses, and a bedtime story.

Eight years

What I'yard Like: My curiosity and eagerness to explore new things continues to grow. Friends are more than of import. I enjoy playing and being with peers. Recess may be my favorite "discipline" in school. I may follow you effectually the firm just to find out how yous feel and think, peculiarly about me. I am also outset to exist enlightened of adults as individuals and am curious well-nigh what they do at work. Around the firm or at child care, I can be quite helpful.

What I Need: My concept of an contained cocky has been developing. I assert my individuality, and at that place are jump to be conflicts. I am expected to learn and read and to become forth with others. I need support in my efforts so that I volition have a desire for accomplishment. Your expectations volition have a large bear upon on me. If I am not doing well in school, explicate to me that everyone learns at a different pace, and that tiny improvements brand a difference. Tell me that the most important thing is to practise my all-time. Yous can ask my teachers for ways to help me at dwelling house. Issues in reading and writing should be handled at present to avoid more trouble afterward. And decorated eight-year-olds are unremarkably hungry!

Ix through eleven years: an overview

Children from nine to eleven are like the socks they buy, with a dandy range of stretch. Some are still "little kids" and others are quite mature. Some are already inbound puberty, with body, emotions, and attitude changes during this stage. Parents demand to accept these changes into business relationship when they are choosing kid care for this age group. These children begin to remember logically and like to work on existent tasks, such every bit mowing lawns or blistering. They take a lot of natural curiosity about living things and enjoy having pets.

What I'k Like: I have lots of energy, and physical activities are important to me. I similar to have part in sports and grouping activities. I like clothes, music, and my friends. I'yard invited to sleepovers and to friends' houses oftentimes. I want my hair cut a sure mode. I'm not as sure about schoolhouse as I am almost my social life. Those of us who are girls are often taller and heavier than the boys. Some girls may be beginning to show signs of puberty, and we may be cocky-conscious about that. I experience powerful and contained, as though I know what to do and how to do it. I can think for myself and desire to be contained. I may be eager to become an adult.

What I Demand: I need you to go along communication lines open by setting rules and giving reasons for them, by being a skilful listener, and by planning ahead for changes in the schedule. Remember, I am however a kid then don't expect me to human activity like an developed. Know that I like to be an active member of my household, to help plan activities, and to be a part of the decision-making. In one case I am eleven or older, I may be ready to take care of myself from time to time rather than go to child care. I still need developed assist and encouragement in doing my homework.

As children enter adolescence, they want their independence. Nevertheless they still want to be children and demand your guidance. As your child grows, information technology'due south easier to leave him at home for longer periods of time and also inquire him to care for younger children. Trust your instincts and watch your child to make sure you are not placing too much responsibility on him at ane time. Talk to him. Keep the door open. Make sure he is comfortable with a new role of caregiver and is even so able to finish his school work and other projects.

Eleven through fourteen years: an overview

Your kid is changing so fast—in trunk, listen, and emotions—that you hardly know her anymore. One 24-hour interval she's as responsible and cooperative as an adult; the next day she's more like a half-dozen-twelvemonth-old. Planning beyond today's baseball game or sleep political party is difficult. One minute she's sunny and enthusiastic. The next she's gloomy and silent. Keep cool. These children are in process; they're becoming more self-sufficient. It's Independence Twenty-four hour period!

What I'1000 Like: I'm more than independent than I used to be, only I'chiliad quite cocky-witting. I think more similar an adult, but there'due south no uncomplicated respond. I like to talk about issues in the adult world. I similar to think for myself, and though I often feel confused, my opinions are important to me, and I want others to respect them. I seem to be moving away from my family. Friends are more of import than always. To have them like me, I sometimes act in means that adults disapprove of. Merely I still need reasonable rules gear up by adults. However, I'thou more understanding and cooperative. I desire nil to exercise with babysitters—in fact, if I'm mature enough I can often exist past myself or watch others.

What I Need: I demand to know my family is behind me no affair how I may stumble in my attempts to abound up. This growing upward is serious concern, and I need to laugh and play a lot to lighten up and keep my balance. I need you to understand that I'm doing my best and to encourage me to see my mistakes as learning experiences. Please don't tease me near my clothes, hair, boy/daughter friends. I likewise demand privacy with my own space and things.