Babies and toddlers grow so quickly! By this time next year, your baby may be walking and talking, and your toddler may be moving on to Pre-K. Seasonal keepsake crafts are a special way to preserve this precious season when your children are small.
There are dozens of fun and easy crafts for babies and toddlers on the internet, and these are great boredom busters to display on the fridge. But there’s something special about keepsake crafts that you can display and cherish for years to come. Here are a few fun and easy ideas to preserve the tiny toeprints and handprints that are sure to bring a smile every holiday season.
Painted Footprint Stocking
If you want something quick and simple, these painted footprint stockings from A Beautiful Mess are precious and easy!
Simply purchase a stocking ornament (with or without a picture frame) and choose a washable paint color. Ensure your child’s foot is clean and dry, and then apply the paint liberally to the sole of their foot. Press their foot gently at the foot of the stocking and let it dry.
Handprint Reindeer Plate
Far from just hanging an ornament on a tree, a cute keepsake plate is an excellent way to share and display your child’s handprint every year.
Although this craft is fairly simple, it does take a little planning. You will need:
A sweet way to preserve those tiny fingerprints is with this simple framed craft from Beneath the Rowan Tree. Scatter different colored fingerprints across a cardstock paper and connect them with a swirly line from a permanent marker. Cut the cardstock to fit a frame, and you have a personalized touch to your living room every holiday season.
These are all simple crafts that take advantage of the one or two years that your child is small at Christmastime. You’ll never regret taking the time to preserve these memories!
The Christmas season is one of great anticipation for young children. While babies and toddlers don’t understand the meaning of Christmas or what traditions take place, young children usually can’t wait for Christmas morning.
Christmastime is a perfect opportunity to make keepsake crafts so you can always remember your child at their current age. Unlike a baby or toddler who passively participates in crafting, young children are usually enthusiastic crafters who love to show their point of view with their art. Holiday crafts are also a great way to encourage fine motor skills.
Crafting Safely with Young Children
Although young children are gaining dexterity every day, they are still unskilled crafters. Parents should always be fully present when their children are crafting. Here are a few safety tips for crafting with young children:
If possible, use crafting supplies that are meant for children, like washable markers or paint, kid-friendly scissors, nontoxic glue, etc.
Have your child wear a painting smock or old clothes to avoid damaging good clothing.
Never leave your child alone while they are crafting! Although your child may be responsible with crafting supplies, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Many cognizant children might taste craft supplies, cut too closely to their fingers, or rub craft supplies in their eyes on accident. Being fully present with your child not only keeps them safe but creates lasting memories.
Fingerprint Christmas Plate
Far from just hanging an ornament on a tree, a cute keepsake plate is an excellent way to share and display your child’s handprint, fingerprint, or footprint every year.
There are dozens of fun designs on the internet, so you and your child should pick what you like best. This fingerprint design is simple but sweet, and allows you to include multiple children’s fingerprints, if necessary. You can follow the directions found at Non-Toy Gifts.
Craft Stick Christmas Tree Photo Ornaments
These cute Christmas tree ornaments couldn’t be simpler, but they make darling keepsake gifts. Let your child paint craft sticks green and decorate them with glitter glue, small gems, or other craft supplies. Glue three of them together to make a triangle. Then cut out a favorite photo of your child (class pictures are another great way to make a keepsake gift!) and glue to the inside of the triangle. Glue a ribbon for hanging on the tree and you’ve got a simple but sweet keepsake ornament! You can find more details at Hello, Wonderful.
Salt Dough Ornaments
Salt dough ornaments are a classic way to preserve your child’s handprint and artistic abilities. The Best Ideas for Kids has an excellent guide on making this easy dough and how to make Christmas-themed characters, like Santa, elves, and reindeer from your child’s handprint.
You can use the same recipe to make other ornament shapes. Use cookie cutters to make stars, Christmas trees, stockings, and other fun shapes that your children can paint and decorate however they choose.
Handprint Christmas Napkins and Towels
A precious and functional way to preserve your child’s handprint is by making Christmas-themed napkins and towels. Glued to My Crafts has lots of fun and unique ideas so you can give these as gifts to grandparents–but be sure to keep some for yourself!
No matter which craft you choose to do this holiday season, you’ll never regret making them! We hope you enjoy the memories you make while doing these crafts.
Going to kindergarten is one of the biggest events in your child’s young life. Especially if your child has been enrolled in an early childhood development program, your child may feel like everything has led up to this one moment—starting kindergarten.
Some children find the bigness of kindergarten exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming to others. Both responses are normal, just like an adult may feel excited or apprehensive about a new job. You shouldn’t be surprised if your child doesn’t want to go to kindergarten.
Why Doesn’t My Child Enjoy Kindergarten?
Kindergarten should be one of the happiest times in a child’s life. After all, kindergarten is when everything is new and fun: new school supplies, teachers, friends, games, routine, and so much more! This is the time to be care-free and enjoy every moment, so why do some children cry about kindergarten?
There could be countless reasons why your child doesn’t like kindergarten, but here are a few common reasons:
Unfamiliarity: Kindergarten is full of new things, which can be exciting for some kids and intimidating for others. Kindergarten can be too overwhelming to handle for hours every day, especially for sensitive children.
Life Stressors: There can be other life changes, such as a move or loss of a family member, that can make a transition to kindergarten even harder.
Family Attachment: Your child may have a special attachment to parents, siblings, grandparents, or other familiar relationships, and they genuinely miss these loved ones while at kindergarten.
Bullying: Unfortunately, bullying behavior can start at a very young age. Your child may be a victim of bullying or be having relationship challenges with peers or teachers.
How Can I Help My Child Enjoy Kindergarten?
Most parents want their child to enjoy kindergarten and will do anything to help them get adjusted. Just as each child’s situation is unique for why they might dislike kindergarten, there are many solutions to helping your child enjoy kindergarten.
Don’t Worry and Fret
Children can intuit more than adults realize. If you are anxious, worried, or fretful over your child’s dislike of kindergarten, this can heap guilt and anxiety on your child that will make the situation worse. Stay calm, curious, and kind when talking with your child about their dislike of kindergarten.
Ask Good Questions
Try to ask open-ended questions that will uncover the real reasons for why your child dislikes kindergarten. Although asking yes or no questions can help you get started, open-ended questions let your child fill in the missing information.
For instance, asking your child “are you tired after school?” is a yes or no question that helps you know if fatigue is a factor. If they say yes, asking “tell me what makes you tired at school?” or “tell me when you feel the most tired at school?” let your child give answers without feeling they have to respond a certain way.
Listen
Listen carefully and curiously to your child’s answers. Watch their facial expressions and body language as they talk. Listen to their tone. Ask follow-up questions.
Validate Their Feelings and Experience
Small children generally have small problems, but these problems seem big to them! No matter how insignificant their struggle may be, have a sympathetic spirit towards your child. Although you shouldn’t coddle or encourage wrong behavior, belittling your child or telling them to toughen up will likely result in greater anxiety and stress.
Share Your Own Experience
If applicable, you can share your own experience in kindergarten. Did you miss your parents? Was another kid unkind to you? Were you anxious about school? Empathy can be very comforting to your child.
Talk With Their Teacher
Sometimes your child can’t or won’t give you helpful information. If this is the case, or if you want to confirm your child’s information, it can be beneficial to talk with their teacher. The teacher can often give insight into your child’s demeanor and struggles throughout the day and offer solutions or suggestions for improvement.
Kindergarten Prep at Children’s Academy Childcare
One of the best ways to avoid the challenge of beginning kindergarten is to enroll your child in a quality early childhood education program like Children’s Academy Childcare!
Our outstanding curriculum not only gives your child a head start on academics, but helps them learn all the social skills and routine expectations they will encounter at kindergarten. Children can develop confidence and independence through enrollment in an early childhood education program so they are successful on their first day of school and beyond.
Contact us today to enroll your child in Children’s Academy Childcare!
Although kindergarten should be one of the happiest years in a child’s life, it can often come with challenges and struggles that parents don’t anticipate. Perhaps for the first time, children encounter separation anxiety, long days, routine changes, new social stressors like best friends and bullies, or general unfamiliarity with their surroundings. Although these may seem like small difficulties to adults, these are big changes for young children.
If your child is struggling with kindergarten, here are some ways you can help them excel in and enjoy their kindergarten year.
Identify the Problem
There are dozens of reasons your child may dislike kindergarten. Parents must be thorough investigators to identify the true reason for their child’s dislike of kindergarten.
Before asking your child any questions, ensure your demeanor is calm and kind. Children will not respond openly if you are harsh or demeaning. Recall your own kindergarten experience and put yourself in your child’s shoes.
Ask your child thoughtful and open-ended questions. If your child is vague or evasive, it can be helpful to ask their teacher for help. They can have invaluable insight since they interact with your child each day.
Validate Their Experiences and Emotions
Although a child’s worries are generally small in comparison to adult worries and stressors, children still experience anxiety and stress in kindergarten. Children are greatly comforted when their parents validate their experiences and emotions. You can even share your own kindergarten experiences, which will help your child not feel alone.
Discuss Solutions With the School
School administrations are usually open to accommodations for struggling students. Your child’s teacher can also give classroom-specific accommodations.
If your child is struggling academically, you can request an evaluation or observation so your child can get the academic help or tutoring they need. Guidance counselors can keep tabs on your child while at school. If your child is struggling socially, the school can usually assign another child to help them feel more comfortable.
Supportive Home Routine
Brainstorm ways to do all you can to support your child from home, such as:
Sleep: Ensure they’re in bed so they can sleep for 10-13 hours, which is the recommended amount for kindergartners. If your child plays a sport, they might need 13 hours on the nights they have practice or games.
Screen time: If your child has screen time after school, ensure it is not right before bed, and that there are no screens in your child’s room at bedtime. The blue light from screens is very disruptive to quality sleep.
School bus times: If your child has a very early pick up or late drop off bus time, consider driving your child to school so they can sleep in or come home early.
Kindergarten Prep at Children’s Academy Childcare
One of the best ways to avoid the challenge of beginning kindergarten is to enroll your child in a quality early childhood education program like Children’s Academy Childcare!
Our outstanding curriculum not only gives your child a head start on academics, but helps them learn all the social skills and routine expectations they will encounter at kindergarten. Children can develop confidence and independence through enrollment in an early childhood education program so they are successful on their first day of school and beyond.
Contact us today to enroll your child in Children’s Academy Childcare!
Every parent wants their child to lead a happy and successful life. During their years in your home, you want them to excel in school and sports, to have great friends, and to be respectful to adults, teachers, and employers. Once they become adults, you wish your child every success in life, employment, relationships, family, and happiness.
How do you give your child their best future? Some would suggest that an early childhood education program gives your child the keys to an overall successful future. Here’s why:
Educating a Whole Person
Education shouldn’t be the filling of a child’s brain with random history and math facts. Education shouldn’t be deemed successful if the child attains a perfect SAT or ACT score. Instead, education should encompass the training of the whole person. Noah Webster defined education as:
“The bringing up, as of a child, instruction; formation of manners. education comprehends all that series of instruction and discipline which is intended to enlighten the understanding, correct the temper, and form the manners and habits of youth, and fit them for usefulness in their future stations. To give children a good education in manners, arts and science, is important; to give them a religious education is indispensable; and an immense responsibility rests on parents and guardians who neglect these duties.”
Education should address academics, but also the child’s character, morals, values, and manners. Training a child rightly in these areas will give the child the best future.
As Webster’s definition indicates, parents and guardians are primarily responsible. Parents and guardians should take this responsibility seriously: you are shaping another person’s life!
At Children’s Academy Childcare, we take educating children seriously. We seek to give children an excellent early childhood education and help them grow in their social skills and manners so they have the life skills they need for a successful life.
Academics
Children’s Academy Childcare’s early childhood education program gives children an excellent foundation in academic knowledge. Children learn their colors, shapes, letters, numbers, and more. They will also be introduced to basic math and reading concepts, and have plenty of exposure to arts and crafts. Knowing these skills will springboard them into a successful academic career!
Social Skills
While early childhood education programs tend to push academics as the primary purpose, social skills are essential life skills. We all know intelligent people who lack the people skills to be happy in life. Why? Their relationships are poor! Some of these social skills stem back to toddlerhood.
Toddlers who learn life skills like kindness, sharing, and conflict resolution generally become kind, generous, and peaceful adults. These values were instilled in them early, and those early habits stick with them for the rest of their life.
At Children’s Academy Childcare, our caring staff help every child learn the valuable skills of social etiquette, empathy, kindness, sharing, and conflict resolution. Children get extra opportunities to practice these skills, which increases proficiency.
Future Success
Enrollment in early childhood education can have the following benefits for future success:
All of these benefits will help your child have the greatest overall success in their lifetime.
Enroll at Children’s Academy Childcare Today!
Children’s Academy Childcare offers an outstanding early childhood education program that will prepare your child for kindergarten and beyond! Ready to get started? Contact us today!
Enrolling your child in an early childhood education program is more than getting a few hours to yourself without children. Early childhood education gives children a head start on skills that will benefit them for the rest of their lives.
If you’re still on the fence about enrolling your child in an early childhood education program, here are 5 reasons the Children’s Academy Childcare quality education program would benefit your child.
1. Academic Preparation
Kindergarten can be challenging for many reasons, but learning the rules of “kindergarten etiquette” shouldn’t be one of them! At an early childhood education program, your child will practice important social and structural rules like raising their hand before speaking, standing in a line, waiting for their group to finish, problem-solving in a group, and so much more!
Knowing these simple skills will give your child so much confidence on their first day of kindergarten. They won’t be anxious over how to act or what to do–they’ll already know! This means your child can focus on their academic learning so they can have an excellent foundation for their educational future.
2. Early Academic Exposure
An early childhood education program will not only prepare your child for how to act and what to do in kindergarten, but your child will have a head start on their academics!
Children in a quality early childhood education program will learn basic academic concepts like numbers, letters, shapes, colors, and more. They will also be introduced to basic math and reading concepts, and have plenty of exposure to arts and crafts.
3. Improved Cognitive Development
At Children’s Academy Childcare, your child will have additional opportunities to grow their cognitive development through our engaging education program. Problem-solving and critical thinking are best learned through exploration, investigation, and hands-on activities. Our education program encourages children to learn and grow through activities, games, storytelling, and structured and independent play.
4. Improved Academic Performance
Studies have shown that children who attend a quality early childhood education program like Children’s Academy Childcare have higher grades throughout school and are more likely to graduate high school. Higher grades throughout school mean your child has the potential to gain higher education, impacting their future earning potential. Early childhood education programs are an investment in your child’s future!
5. Special Education Identification
Enrolling your child in an early childhood education program can help identify needs for special education. This is beneficial for you and your child!
Your child can receive interventions early, preventing the need for greater special education services later. With early interventions, your child can stay on track with their peers. This is also benefits parents because it saves you from unnecessary IEP meetings and therapy appointments.
Enroll at Children’s Academy Childcare Today!
Children’s Academy Childcare offers an outstanding early childhood education program that will prepare your child for kindergarten and beyond! Ready to get started? Contact us today!
Fingerprint Lights
Craft Stick Christmas Tree Photo Ornaments
