Kindergarten-A parent’s tough decision

This week many parents of my Pre-K children have been registering their children to begin Kindergarten in the Fall. Many other parents are contemplating holding their son or daughter back and waiting a year to enroll them. This time of year comes that familiar question, “Ms. Jane, what do you think about holding my child back a year before starting Kindergarten?”

If only I had the magic answer. I have probably been asked this over 100 times during my career of an early childhood professional. Considering I have some first hand knowledge, I try to offer some honesty and a little of my own experience to help them make their decision.

I started Kindergarten in September younger than most of my peers. My parents felt I was ready and a local private school was their answer. I remember loving school from the very start. I loved my teachers, I loved having homework, I loved it all. I held my own in the early years. I kept my grades up through elementary school yet I do remember starting to feel a little inferior to my classmates about 5th or 6th grade. I’m not sure if that insecurity came from the difference in our ages or if it was puberty, but either way, that’s when I started noticing it.

Seventh grade, things started to take a turn. When we started middle school, everyone was still older and apparently more mature. My grades started to be harder to maintain and I struggled to keep up. I always wondered why most of my friends seemed to get A’s and B’s without much effort but I had to work hard to maintain a C in many of my classes. I never considered that I was the youngest in the class, I just thought everyone else was smarter.

High school brought a variety of differences. My friends got their learners permit and drivers license before me, their parents allowed them to do more than mine did and my insecurities grew. Again, I just thought it was me and never thought it was my age. I graduated at 17 and was accepted to a college with my average grades. I was still 17 when I went away to college that August. This is when things really went south. My maturity level was not where it should have been to start college. I did a poor job of regulating my balance of new found parent-less freedom and realizing I was going to college to learn and prepare for my future, not just to party and meet boys (sorry mom and dad).

I watched my room-mates and most of friends do so well, they studied, went to class, stayed on campus for the weekends and created great relationships with others. I struggled, my confidence was so poor that sometimes I would not eat because I was uncomfortable going to the dining hall and being around so many people that might judge me. As much as I wanted to be a teacher and knew I had to get my degree in order to do this, I gave into my insecurities and came home after the first semester. I actually began alternating semesters. I would make an attempt to go back but by the end of each semester I felt worse. I ended up studying my chosen field at various institutes, first the university, followed by community colleges, (yes there were three of those), and on line schools. My transcripts look like a jigsaw puzzle and advisers always shook their head helping me put my credits together toward the degree. Still I never thought any of this had to do with my age or maturity level. I thought I was just dumb.

So you thought I would have learned a valuable lesson right? Well then I became a parent. Sam, my son was born in July so when he turned 5, he went to Kindergarten. He did well, very few troubles and is now excelling college. My daughter, Ashley on the other hand was such a smart Preschooler. Her private preschool teachers bragged about her being so smart and, of course, I knew she was a perfect, smart, advanced princess. So when those preschool teachers mentioned they thought she was ready for Kindergarten already, I didn’t skip a beat. My princess skipped Pre-K and started Kindergarten as a 4 year old. Whoo, what a mistake. Not only did I not wait for her to start on time, I started her early. She wasn’t just one of the youngest, she was a whole year younger than her classmates. What was I thinking? I was an early childhood educator, I knew the deal, but, oh boy, EC professional or not, my parenting hat was the only hat I had on at the time. And just so you know, there is a BIG difference in those two hats.

Ashley did well, very well in Kindergarten, and not too bad in 1st. 2nd grade was a bit of a struggle for her to keep up, but I put it off to a different teaching style by the instructor. Thank goodness, she had a wonderful teacher in 3rd grade who I knew cared for all of her students as if they were her own. She had become a trusted friend too. When she came to me with the honest, practical advice that I should consider putting Ash back in 2nd grade, I listened closely. The children in 2nd grade were her age, she would struggle less, she would have more confidence and doing it now would be better than doing it in middle or high school, when there might not be an option. After talking it over with Ash, she was excited, it seems she had already been drawn to and made friends with the 2nd grade girls. (sometimes we just need to listen to our children for clues). Once Ash made this change, she never struggled again with school (as long as she applied herself).

My children survived my parenting decisions and I survived the decisions mine made for me, but I learned a great deal. Now, as the “go to” person for so many parents of children whose birthdays are in August or September asking what they should do my answer is usually the same.

You know your child best. We, as teachers, spend a lot of time with them as well, but ultimately this decision can only be made within the family. What does make me happy is that parents are thinking about “what is best for their child.

So what is best? My opinion, which comes from experience and observations, if you are considering holding them back a year, then go for it. If your child turns 5 in October and starts Kindergarten the following Fall, then your choice should be to stick to that schedule. Those children born in the summer months, June through September, sometimes need that extra year to “be ready”.

What happens in a year? Maturity, physical growth, additional language development, improvement of basic skills, improved social and emotional skills including the ability to self regulate ones own feelings. But most importantly, confidence. The extra time allows your child to spend a year being “big man on campus” they develop leadership skills, they grow in so many ways. Their gross motor skills improve making them a little less awkward on the sports field. I think all of these things are only positive. I know I would have loved all of these extra’s throughout my school years.

Of course, I ‘m also asked, “well won’t they be bored in Pre-K again and in Kindergarten next year?” That’s when you have to check your involvement. If you, as the parents, stay involved and create an open line of communication with the teachers, then you should have no problem talking to them about these concerns.

Ultimately it is completely up to you, the parent. My opinion is one more year of maturity and confidence wouldn’t hurt anyone.

Three cute books for those going to Kindergarten soon

Teacher Appreciation Week

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May 5th – May 9th, 2019

So next week is teacher appreciation week. I adore the fact that we have a week to show our appreciation to the ones who, I personally think have the most important job ever.

I learned that people started celebrating National teacher day in 1959. This was because Eleanor Roosevelt, bless her heart, persuaded Congress to choose a day, set aside, to recognize educators. It didnt become a national day until 1980 and in 1984 it was stretched to a week.

Of course, I think the same way about teachers as I do moms. They should be shown appreciation and recognition every day. Not just when it mentions it on the calendar. None the less, I like to do my best to make the teachers I know feel the appreciation.

Today I want to focus on our early childhood teachers. Those that work in our preschool, head-starts, childcare centers. Those that commit their days to caring for and teaching children between newborn to 5 years old. These early childhood educators have come a long way since being called “baby sitters” {insert–I have never sat on a baby joke} to being recognized as teachers. They truly have such an important job. We know the greatest time for learning is the first 3 years of life, so how can those who care for and teach those children be called anything but teachers. Everything they do, everything they say has an impact on the children in their class. What a great responsibility these special people have. A great responsibility and the most honorable career anyone can choose to pursue.

I know some may disagree with it being the most honorable but these special people we call teachers spend their days (and usually their nights) thinking about the children the interact with each day. They plan special activities that are developmentally appropriate, they gather (and usually pay for themselves) supplies for those activities and then they implement these activities all to engage, grow and teach each child a skill they will use for life. I have never used the algebra I learned in high school since being an adult but boy, I sure of had to share, be patient, wait my turn and use my manners. Some of the most important skills are taught by these unsung heroes.

Each year, since being a director, I am asked, “what is a good gift for the teachers”. Well after many thoughts, inquiries to my current staff of teachers and my own experiences, I have come up with the top 10 most loved teacher appreciation gifts. Now these range in ease, cost and convenience so choose what suits you and your family but know any act of appreciation shown to your child’s teacher will touch their heart more than you will ever know.

  1. Something home made. Check out my pinterest board for some great ideas.
    https://www.pinterest.com/earlychildhoodwithmsjane/teacher-appreciation-ideas-and-gifts/
  2. A special, handwritten note or thank you card.
  3. A donation made to a children’s charity in their name. (Childhelp, Inc; Children’s Defense Fund; Make-a-wish foundation; St. Judes Hospital; Zero to Three: National Center for Infants, Toddlers and Families)
  4. A bottle of wine (yes teachers drink wine too). Red is always popular but trust that all is a good gift.
  5. Restaurant gift cards: Two choices here are tops-either a close lunch spot for those who can sneak out for lunch or spend a bit more on a fancier restaurant that normally wouldn’t qualify on a teachers salary.
  6. Gift card to a food delivery service–who wants to cook every night? (Personal chefs to Go is my favorite)
  7. Spa gift certificate
  8. Something for the classroom–all teachers can use and love, sharpies, post it notes, adult size scissors, a new clip board, a butterfly growing kit, these items are coveted.
  9. Amazon gift card. Let them choose how to spend it.
  10. A three day cruise to the Bahamas (ok, a bit extreme and expensive but would be loved and just think how appreciated they would feel.

The reality is any thoughtful gift is appreciated. Trust me, most teachers are not materialistic, they love gifts from the heart. Whatever the gift, include a handwritten note. Be sure and mention your child’s name and put the date on it. (We keep those things forever and ever).

Whatever you choose to do, please, please, please take a moment out of your busy week to thank the teachers who care for and teach your children every day. They deserve to know how much we all appreciate their work and that their efforts and dedication does not go unnoticed.

Early Childhood Sensory Play

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Sensory play is an important part of early childhood development and education. When a child is engaged in this type of play, it may look like a mindless messy activity but the amazing things happening for this child is far greater than simple play.

Sensory play has multiple benefits for children. It supports language development, social interactions, fine motor skills, large motor skills, cognitive growth and increases problem solving skills. It has a calming effect for the anxious or upset child. It allows children to feel in control of their actions and in turn encourages them to feel good about their decision making skills.

Children uses their senses to to explore, understand and navigate their world. Teachers, caregivers and parents providing these activities is important to encourage brain development.

What is sensory play? Anything that activates any of the five senses. It can be fun, messy, and easily put together, It just needs to be engaging to the child. It doesn’t have to be elaborate or expensive. One of the most effective ways to provide sensory play is using sensory bins.

A sensory bin is typically a shallow, plastic container, but for one child it could be a

bowl, or a pot from the kitchen.

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Listed below are multiple suggestions for sensory play. As long as you are supervising, any of the materials can be used, but I recommend considering the age and developmental stage when choosing sensory bin fillers.

  • Soapy water
  • Kinetic sand
  • water beads
  • cloud dough
  • playground sand
  • mud
  • shaving cream
  • slime
  • play-dough
  • finger paint
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  • jello (prepared)
  • pudding
  • marshmallows
  • oatmeal
  • cooked pasta
  • potato flakes
  • ice cream
  • whip cream
  • Tapioca pearls
  • watermelon
  • rice
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  • letter squares from old scrabble game
  • Cardboard tubes
  • cut straws
  • shredded paper
  • cotton balls
  • packing peanuts
  • sponges
  • bubble wrap
  • cut pool noodles
  • Bingo chips
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  • plastic leaves
  • fake grass (Easter)
  • feathers
  • tinsel
  • Spanish moss
  • pine cones
  • sea shells
  • corks
  • fake flowers
  • aquarium gravel
  • bird seed
  • potting soil
  • snow
  • ice cubes
  • sticks
  • hay
  • saw dust
  • rocks
  • epson salt
  • pebbles
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  • pom-poms
  • pipe cleaners
  • buttons
  • magnets
  • marbles
  • sequins
  • jingle bells
  • plastic coins
  • confetti
  • pony beads

The most important thing (besides safety) is to find something interesting and engaging. Remember children are always interested in thing they see in our adult world, so giving them a safe place to explore those items will always be a big hit and they won’t even know the amazing things you are doing for their growth and development.

Enjoy!

Great example of an inexpensive sensory table available on amazon

WOYC Preschool Activities

Preschool Activities for each daily theme during
Week of the Young Child (April 8th – April 12th, 2019)

The Week of the Young Child is an annual celebration sponsored by the world’s largest Early Childhood Education Association, the National Association for the Education of Young Children, also known as NAEYC.

On their website https://www.naeyc.org/events/woyc they describe the purpose of the week is to focus public attention on the needs of young children and their families and to recognize the early childhood programs and services that meet their needs.

Early Childhood schools and centers celebrate children throughout the week using the daily themes suggested by NAEYC. I have listed a few ways that you can celebrate the week that is so important to children,

Music Monday:

Host a dance party: What preschooler doesn’t love to dance? Turn on the music and have them dance their hearts away. Try different types of music-Jazz, Blues, Classical, Country, Folk, Pop, Rock, Hip-Hop, and Latin. Encourage them to dance the way the music makes them feel

Musical Instruments: Plan to have teachers, parents or even the local high school band bring in their musical instruments to demonstrate the sound of each. Let the children hear and touch each (and maybe even try them).

After seeing the instruments for themselves, provide various materials for them to make their own version of each.

Lip-sync: Have the children create their own microphone with large pom-poms and paper towel rolls and put on some of their favorite kids music and let them enjoy singing.

Outdoor music: Take the music outdoors. Bring the CD player or Bluetooth speaker and let the children enjoy a recess with background music.

Art: Provide a variety of art materials such has markers, crayons, stamps, paint, or colored pencils and have the children draw/paint to music.

Tasty Tuesday:

            Fruit kabobs: Using kabob sticks have the children make fruit kabobs using fresh fruit—strawberries, blueberries, grapes, pineapple chunks, apple chunks, kiwis, melon chunks—anything you want. Have the children make their own tasty snack.

            Flavors/taste buds: Have a sample of foods that children can sample that have different tastes—something sweet, sour, bitter, salty.  Use a variety of flavorings (orange, vanilla, grape, lemon, cherry, strawberry, etc.… have the children guess what flavor.

            Decorating Cookies: Everyone’s favorite. Pre-make Gingerbread men shaped sugar cookies and have the children use colored frosting and other items to decorate their “self” on their cookie, and then enjoy.

            Personal Pizzas: Using English muffin halves have the children add pizza sauce (tomato paste), their favorite pizza toppings, and sprinkle with cheese and have them enjoy their pizza for lunch

Work Together Wednesday:

            Easel Sharing: Have two children partner at the easel to create an original masterpiece painting.

            Parachute play: Pull out the parachute and have the entire class work together to move balls or bean bags from one side to another.

            Class quilt: Provide fabric squares and have each child decorate their own with fabric markers, and then tie each square together to create a class quilt. This can also be done with large index cards, cardstock, construction paper or other types of paper and can be connected together. What a great piece of work to display in your center/school.

Artsy Thursday:

            Tie-dye T-shirts: Have each child bring in a t-shirt to tie die

            Class Mural: Using a large piece of white butcher paper, cover table and have the children decorate. I like to use inkpads with stamps or small paint brushes and paint.

            Outdoor Easels: Move the easels outdoors and have the children paint while outside.

            Collages: Provide one side of sturdy shirt box and every type of collage material you come up with—use all those scrap pieces you have been saving, tissue paper, sequins, glitter, cardboard toilet paper rolls, Styrofoam peanuts, craft sticks, pom-poms and whatever isn’t glued down and have children create a collage inside the box top

Family Friday: My favorite day of the week, great day to connect with families to celebrate children. You can go big today or keep it small.

            Family Tree: We have parents bring in family portraits all week and we hang them up on a HUGE family tree in our school Library (which is also in our entrance).

            Trail Mix bar: At pick up time, we set up a trail mix bar for children and parents to create their own snack as they leave on Friday afternoon. We provide sandwich bags or cups to fill. Some items we have available include marshmallows, chocolate chips, gummy bears, fruit ring cereal, Chex mix cereal, raisins, pretzels, candy cover chocolates, butterscotch morsels, white chocolate chips, banana chips, dried cranberries, cheese its, bugles. We try to avoid nuts due to allergies at our school but they might be an option at your school. The children LOVE creating this together with their parent.

Planting station: Provide small pots, potting soil and either small flowers or seeds and when parents come in a pickup time they can sit with their child and plant their family plant to take home to watch grow. We also provide stickers and markers to decorate the pots and put their names on them

Family Photo Booth: Using the thicker project boards (not the trif-old) we cut out a large picture frame for families to hold as we snap their picture for them. We also provide picture props so they can be silly if they want. We will use their phone and/or our school camera to capture the memory and have then printed and hanging up on Monday morning.

Whatever you do, make it a great week of fun and celebration for all the children in your life!! Enjoy!!

Picture Perfect or Perfect Picture

This week at my school we held 3 picture days. With over 200 students under the age of 6, it takes 3 days to get them all done. This use to be such a stressful week for me. I always wanted every parent to be happy with the results. I searched for the best professional photographers, checked their references, made sure they were child friendly and insisted they take plenty of shots to ensure each child had the best. Everything had to be “picture perfect”

I would push my teachers to be sure that faces were clean, hair was combed, shoes were tied, collars fixed and every child had the brightest smile. If a child was upset and wouldn’t smile, I myself stood behind the photographer and did everything from making funny faces, faking a sneeze, jumping jacks to standing on my head (well maybe not that). Whatever it took. Every photo delivered to the parents had to be, again, “picture perfect.”

Through the years, I guess you might say, I have “chilled out”. This however, did not come easy. I spent many years, once I became a parent, stressed every time my children had picture day. I wanted to be sure I picked (usually bought new) the perfect outfit, hair was freshly trimmed, fingernails clipped and shoes were in great shape.
I have evidence of this practice and results of this stress, lots of evidence, in photo albums, in boxes and in drawers throughout my house. Evidence that I had done everything I could to be sure everything was picture perfect. I found picture day to be another stressful moment of early childhood parenting. Another stressful moment that we instill on ourselves.

I watch so many parents of the children in my school going through the same thing. Stressed that everything must be “picture perfect”. They go through the same routine I did over 20 years ago, and some even take a half day off from work to be there to be sure their child’s picture is perfect. (Side note: this never works the way they want it to)

Now, when I find one of those overly stressed parents during picture week at school, I try to share with them my new found “perfect”. It’s not about “picture perfect” it’s about the “perfect picture”.

What’s the difference? I have learned the perfect picture is one that captures a moment of time in your child’s life. There doesn’t have to be new clothes, or fresh haircuts. It’s o.k. if your child wants to hold a toy car, favorite baby doll or your young toddler wants his security blanket to chew on. Let them decide what and who they want to be in their picture. I promise you, when you look back, as cute as those new outfits are, there is nothing more precious then remembering the story behind the picture.

I have had parents tell me they were going to skip picture day for a variety of reasons. Their child fell the day before and had a goose egg on his forehead. A three year old girl decided to give herself a hair cut. The preschooler had a busted lip. They forgot it was picture day and didn’t fight their child when they decided they wanted to wear their pajama shirt to school or they forgot and their child was only wearing school play clothes.

I want them to know the perfect picture is the one that expresses your child’s personality or ignites a memory years from now. A goose egg? I’m sure there is a great story behind that one or who doesn’t have a scissor mishap story, now there is evidence to reminisce about it later.

One of my favorite pictures of my son is when he was about 16 months old, I was unable to be in the room when it was time for my son’s pictures. Somehow the only the photographer captured was him with the perfect tear rolling down his cheek and his bottom lip poking out. Not sure how it happened, but not what I was hoping for, then. When the pictures came back, the owner of the picture company actually called me and apologized. He couldn’t believe that out of all the children in the school, the Director’s child’s was not picture perfect. He offered me discounts, retakes, gift cards, and many please forgive me’s, to make up for what he termed their mistake.

Now my son is 24, and it’s not often I see those tears. Thanks, however, to an inexperienced photographer’s mistake and despite my countless efforts to make everything “picture perfect”, I not only have a special memory but I also have the “Perfect picture”.

Parents, please don’t stress, the pictures will be perfect because of who is in the picture. Your child in any picture is a treasured memory and therefore each is a “perfect picture”. Don’t let the crooked smile, half closed eyes, red punch mustache or even black eye prevent you from enjoying the captured moment. Embrace those photos the most because they will indeed end up being the most “perfect picture”.

“That Mom” vs “Bat Mom”

As an early childhood Academy Director, I often have parents, mostly moms, ask to meet with me. Through the years, I know this usually doesn’t mean they want to tell me what a great job I am doing but none the less, I am always happy to oblige.

This week alone I had four of these requests (at least). As expected, all were to share concerns. On Monday, it a was mom of a preschooler. She was concerned because her son no longer wanted to come to school. Her theory was maybe he had no friends or it could be a personality conflict with his teacher? The next mom was upset because her infant child was not eating every two hours as she wanted him to. She didn’t understand why our nursery caregivers couldn’t get him to eat on schedule? Another was worried that her toddler was being bullied because when her grandpa picked up the day before, he witnessed another little boy (toddler) pushing her. Lastly there was a concern about potty training. Would her soon to be 3 year old ever stop going #2 in his pants?

All of these moms shared something in common. Every mother shared a different concern. Every mother had a valid concern. AND, Every mother started the conversation the very same way, “I don’t want to be that mom, but…..” There it was, and I always have to catch my breath when I hear it. Their doubt, their worry about being labeled, and their hesitation to speak up and reach out with their concerns for their child. They don’t want to be “that mom”.

“That Mom”. What is that mom? Who is that mom? Why are they worried about being “that mom“. A mom concerned for their child? A mom who has noticed something going on with their child? A mom who wants to do everything within her power to help their child? A mom reaching out for answers for her child? “That mom”?

Well, dog-gone it, I let them know right away, I don’t call them “that mom”. I call then “Bat Mom”, that’s right, Bat Mom–you know the superhero. That’s right they are using their very own super powers to do good for their child and to obtain whatever their child might need.

“Bat Mom” is their child’s biggest advocate.

“Bat Mom”, like Batman relies on his “genius level-intellect and detective skills” among his many other tools to do good.

“Bat Mom” is a genius when it comes to her child. She knows them best and their radar goes up when something just isn’t right.

“Bat Mom’s” detective skills are sharp (and trust me they will need these skills to be very sharp during the teenage years). They will seek, search, research and use all means necessary to meet the needs of their child and protect them from “evil”.

So please, next time you feel like “that mom”. Put on your cape, pick up that bat phone or jump in the bat mobile and go forth. YOU are your child’s personal super hero. Never doubt your need for clarity or answers when it comes to your child. They need you.

As a Director, trust me, “Bat Mom” is my favorite type of mom. I know when she shows up in my office she has her cape behind her and she is there out of pure love and concern for her child. I love seeing her and I encourage her to never stop. She is the one person who will always have their child’s back, the one person who will provide that unconditional love and that my friend makes her a true SUPER HERO. “BAT-MOM”

It’s not who I am underneath, but what I do that defines me” — Bruce Wayne/Batman

All about me…..

So I got to thinking (not always a great thing, but….) maybe you would want to know a little about me and why I think I qualify myself as someone who could host successful discussions on topics pertaining to Early Childhood.

Well it all started a few years ago, well 30+ years ago actually, when I was a young teenager. I started volunteering after school at an early learning Montessori center for children located in the suburbs of Washington DC. This particular school accepted children 2 1/2 years through Kindergarten. When I turned 16 my volunteering became my first job and I worked 3:00-6:00, Monday through Friday and all day, every day in the summer.

That afternoon/summer job pointed me in the direction of what would become a rewarding career choice. After high school, I attended one of those small colleges, one that has since matured into a university. Then came the fun stuff (well there might have been a little fun in college too–but we will save that for another blog), my journey in early childhood development and education. I knew from the beginning that I didn’t want to work in the public school system, I wanted to spend my days with children that were too young to attend school. The precious years between newborn through the age of 5. Now don’t get me wrong, I love school age children too but my heart has always been in early childhood.

I have been an assistant teacher, a lead teacher, an assistant director and a Director of child care centers. I have owned my own center, and bought a 2nd one. When I sold those, I started working for other child care companies and now I am the Director of an Early Childhood Academy owned by a great organization and I couldn’t be happier (well most days). I have never attempted any other job, I knew I wouldn’t have been happy. It’s always been about the children. You might say, I knew at an early age it was my calling. my gift and my purpose.

Through the years mentioned above I was also married for 10 years and had two wonderful children. A boy and a girl, both are now adults. Let me be honest and say, after all the positions I have held in the early childhood field, nothing compares to the joy (and stress) of motherhood. I have given a lot of advice to many parents but I always start with a little disclosure, just because I can offer you advice, does not mean I was successful using the same advice with my own children. It just isn’t the same. But what I do know is my children survived and thrived and through my trials, triumphs, mistakes and regrets, they are both great people and pursuing their own goals at this time and are still talking to me. They survived my divorce, visitation disputes, my continuing education, my sometimes long days and weeks running my own centers, my dating days, my new marriage, having a step father and 2 step brothers, and oh I’m sure they could tell you more they endured to survive, but you get the picture. I was human, worked full time, made mistakes, sometimes had poor judgement on my parenting decisions but they survived, and so did I.

That’s what this blog is all about. It is all survivable. You will question your self as a parent, a preschool teacher, school director, home care provider or just weekend caregiver but it will be okay. I want this to be a “safe” place that we can talk, vent, question, bitch, yell and ask for help, I just want you to know if you love the children in your care you are already on the way to being a successful influence in their lives.

I don’t quite consider myself an expert, but then again, 30+ years in the field, some education and my own parenting adventures, I have seen and experienced a quite a bit. Take my word for what it’s worth, its all my opinion, and my opinion is that children deserve the best we can give them and we deserve to cut ourselves a little slack. Hope you will join me on this journey.

Coming soon: “That Mom” or “Bat Mom”?

Here we go…..

Wow, I never thought I would be writing a blog but here it goes. I’m really not sure what I am doing but what I do know is that after spending thirty years in the field of Early Childhood Development and Education, I have had many conversations with parents, teachers, caregivers, students and more. I have answered questions for first time parents, young mothers, grandparents, foster moms, single dads, anybody and everybody who had a question or concern. I have hugged and comforted tearful moms as they left their 6 week old baby at my center/school for the first time. I’ve assured moms and dads that they are not “that parent”. I’ve told parents my opinion of holding their child back a year before starting kindergarten. I have played the role of counselor, teacher, mediator, judge, financial adviser, manager, student, bus driver, plumber, cook, carpenter, but yet all I ever dreamed of being was an advocate for children. Little did I know it takes multiple hats and roles to do just that.

I’m hoping with this blog to encourage parents, teachers and caregivers to talk about what’s on their mind. I know most of us want to be the best we can be when influencing the children in our lives but I also know that there is so much pressure and fear that you might “screw it up” or “scar them for life”. I want to share some of my many experiences and conversations that might help lighten the stress to be perfect. Honestly, it’s my belief that if your are making your decisions in the best interest of a child, you are doing right by them. It’s not about never making a mistake, it’s about loving the child you are caring for and with that love, a little luck, some supportive friends and/or family and maybe a glass of wine -(or two) you got this. Trust me, you will make it! (And so will the children)

So let’s get talking, what are your concerns, questions comments. Let’s get real and talk about the children in your life and how we, as those that care for them, can survive these early years. Every day or so I will pick a topic but I would love to know what you want to hear about first? Don’t be scared, I always thank parents/teachers when they bring up a question or concern because I can guarantee someone else is thinking the same thing but afraid to bring it up…..so give it to me. Let’s talk. Can’t wait to hear from you.