The Five-Finger Rule for Choosing a Book
Books come in all shapes, sizes, colors, and reading levels. With so many to choose from, how can you find the right book for your child? While board books with lots of pictures are great for babies and toddlers, it’s a good idea to consider your child’s reading level when finding books that appeal to […]
How to Make Rainbow Jars with Your Little One
Kids of all ages love science experiments, and learning along with your child is a great way to spend quality time together. If you’re looking for a creative experiment with ingredients you can find around the house, making a rainbow jar is a fun choice! Rainbow jars introduce young children to the basics of chemistry. […]
The Importance of Family Time
In a world where busy schedules, appointments, and extracurriculars can quickly fill our calendars, family time is often the first thing to go. However, quality time together is a must for your child’s development and your family’s emotional well-being. Why Family Time Matters—Especially in the Early Years The first five years of your child’s life […]
Gummy Vitamins 101: Keeping Your Little One Healthy and Safe
Shaped like cartoon characters or baby animals, gummy multivitamins are one way to make sure your child gets vitamins and minerals. They taste good and fill the nutritional gaps in the diet. They sound like a win! And they are, as long as they’re taken correctly. As you can imagine, this is one supplement that […]
Make Your Own Maracas
Music is a great way for children to learn and develop their skills while having some fun. One fun way to do this is by making your own maracas at home. Children will work on fine motor skills while scooping the filler and holding the egg. These activities will aid in the development of small […]
Positive Behavior Charts for Kids (and How to Use Them)
If you’re navigating meltdowns, mealtime battles, or difficult transitions into new skills like potty training or bedtime routines, you’re not alone. When these types of issues arise, behavior charts are great tools for encouraging children to work on positive social skills. Adults love behavior charts because they help with consistency. Kids love behavior charts because […]
Early Childhood Development is Key to a Strong Foundation for Life
By Maggie Dietrich, Physical Therapist at Penfield Children’s Center Being a parent is one of the most challenging and exhausting things you’ll ever do, but it is also one of the most rewarding. The decisions you make today have a lasting impact on their lives and help shape how future generations think and act. Talk […]
Sensory Learning For Babies
Our five senses – vision, hearing, smell, touch and taste – help us learn about and move through our world. But, did you know there are two more senses that we employ every day? They are called vestibular and proprioception. The vestibular sense makes us aware of our head. It helps us determine its position, […]
Using Music To Establish A Routine
By: Rebecca Michelsen, M.Ed., MCHES, Penfield Children’s Center No matter how old your child is, it is never too late create a routine for him. There are many benefits to establishing a routine for your child. Routines provide structure that help children feel secure, confident and ready to take on new challenges. Routines also play […]
Understanding and Responding To Children Who Bite
Biting is a typical behavior often seen in infants, toddlers, and 2-year olds. As children mature, gain self-control, and develop problem-solving skills, they usually outgrow this behavior. While not uncommon, biting can be an upsetting and potentially harmful behavior. It’s best to discourage it and provide redirection from the very first episode. Why do young […]