October Parenting Tip

Encouraging Self Help Skills

 

The weather is getting colder!  Here come the coats, hats, mittens, and boots.  Well, hopefully, no boots for a while!  It is the perfect time to start teaching your child some self-help skills.  Yes, you can do it faster than they can, but they need to start learning how to do it on their own!  Children become more independent and confident as they learn to do more for themselves.  Dressing and grooming skills are learned by early and consistent routines in which children are expected to gradually become more and more independent.  Start now!  Kids will not learn how to do these tasks unless someone teaches them how and lets them try it and practice it.

  

Check out this link for a short video on how to teach your child to put on their coat http://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=434598023253630&id=173804442657081.  It’s a fun and fast trick!  Make sure the coat is the correct size.  It is incredibly frustrating for a child when the fit is not correct.

 

Mittens are much easier for children to put on then gloves.  Getting those fingers in the right spot can be frustrating for kids and parents.  Remember slip-on or velcro boots are much easier than tying.

 

Zipping

This can be a difficult task.  Start the zipper for them.  Only zip it up a little bit and let them do the rest!  Have your child unzip when they take off their coat.  Once they get the feel of how the zipper slides you can starting working on getting the zipper connected.  Encourage your child to bring the sides of the coat together at the bottom and “match up” the zipper case.  While they are holding the bottom of the jacket with one hand, have them pull the zipper up with the other hand.  You may have to hold the coat down for them a few times.  Put some Vaseline on the teeth of the zipper, it really does help the sliding process!

  

Parents need to be:

• Patient—it takes a lot of practice.
• Praising—everyone loves to hear when they are trying hard or doing the task  correctly.
• Consistent—don’t make them do it one day and then do it for them another day.
• Reasonable—allow for more time and don’t expect them to get it all right away. 

For further information, questions, or

concerns, you can contact

Mary Bartusek, Parent Educator,

at 952-758-1673 or email Mary at

mabartusek@np.k12.mn.us 

 

SAVE THE DATE!

We have an event coming up that you are not going to want to miss!!

The Annual ECFE Halloween Party is just around the corner! On Friday, October 26th from 6-8 PM parents and their children up to kindergarten age are welcome to come to the Central Education Campus gym to have a non-scary night of fun. We will have a fun and engaging storytime, games, a photo spot, and goody bags to take home! Come dressed in your costume and show it off. :)

It is such a fun night that we look forward to every fall. Hope to see you there!

September Parenting Tip

For many children last week was their first school experience; carrying a backpack, getting out the door to be on time, meeting the teacher, separating from family, learning classroom rules, being with other children their own age . . the list can go on and on! First of all, pat yourself on the back! You made it through the first week of school. Now give your child a big hug and tell them how excited you are for them to go to their own school! Your enthusiasm and encouragement is essential for your child to gain a positive school experience.

Separation/Drop off Tips:
Allow extra time on school mornings. Develop a morning school routine. Arrival at school will be stress free if your child has experienced a calm morning. If your child is apprehensive about coming to school, focus the conversation on topics that are positive. Be careful not to talk about it too much! “I wonder what will be in the sensory table today?” What if there is spaghetti in it!” “I wonder what you will have for snack?” “When it is your turn for the sharing can, what would you like to put in it?” , “Who would you like to play with today?” Get to know the names of teachers and students in class so you can talk to your child about their new friends. 

Make your good-bye short and sweet. DO NOT SNEAK OUT OF THE ROOM! Give your child a hug and tell them you will be back when school is done and tell them they will be ok. If your child is clinging to you, walk over to one of the teachers. They will take your child and comfort them. Do not linger. Leave the room. Attendance is important. Children gain confidence and comfort with routines and consistency. Do not miss school unless absolutely necessary.

Let your child find his or her locker or cubby, take off the backpack, hang it up, and close the door. Many times we do things for our children that they can do on their own. Let them try. It is a great way to build confi-dence and independence.

Other advice: When your preschooler comes home with a story from school, make sure you do not overreact right away. Many times children’s perspectives are quite different from what really went on.
If you ever have any questions or concerns, PLEASE talk to the teacher. Don’t ever feel that you are a bother or that a question is silly.
Developing a good relationship with teachers is very important in a positive school experi-ence.
Please pick up on time and greet your child with a warm smile and a hearty hug!

For further information, questions, or
concerns, you can contact
Mary Bartusek
at 952-758-1673 or email Mary at
mabartusek@np.k12.mn.us