LilSugar

Nursery Schools Enlist the Help of Mental Health Experts

LilSugar — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 08:00:36 -0700

Call it the preschool diaries. When one tot acts out at nursery school because his family recently moved, the whole class can be affected. The Wall Street Journal recently found that behavioral problems among young children have grown beyond the usual stubbornness that typically characterizes the preschool set. With more educators recognizing emotional issues in the youngest school children, some nursery schools and day care centers are enlisting the ongoing help of mental health professionals to provide insight and support to staff members. The behavioral experts help the teachers and school staff maintain order in the classroom and teach the students to modify their actions before they become routine. Do you support this practice?

Preschool Isn't Mandatory, Mom Can Teach It Too

babysugar — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 12:00:03 -0700

If mama always knows best, then why send her tot off to school? Or nursery school at least? During one of my many preschool tours, a gutsy mother asked a bold question to the director. She said, "Why do I even want to send my child to preschool? Is it necessary?" The head of the school stuttered a bit and then said, "Many children don't need preschool. Your child will be fine without it if you choose not to attend." She then followed it up with the significant fact that there was only one opening for the Fall. Too bad she didn't tell the room full of parents that before we all donated $50 to her funds.

Many folks send their toddlers off to preschool with the hope they will flourish socially and educationally with their peers. For others, the play-based versus academic environment question doesn't come into play because they keep their babies (and cash) at home and teach them the ABCs at the breakfast table. Are you a preschool or home-school mom?

Enter to win a $1,000 wardrobe for your child from Tea Collection!

What Suits Your Kid Best: Play or Academic Based Preschools?

babysugar — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 09:00:43 -0700

"Do you want a play based atmosphere or a more structured academic program?" This is a question frequently posed to preschool searching parents, but many do not have a clue on how to answer it. The differences can be many but as far as rating them, it truly is a personal decision.

Play based preschools typically offer children a fun learning environment where they can focus on socializing and making friends. They can also pick up and master motor skills that are important to their development. For many play based preschools, the goal is not necessarily to teach the pupils how to read. Rather they want the tots to love learning, which will eventually get them reading. On the flip side, many hesitate to do an all play based program, as they fear the child will be academically under prepared for kindergarten.

To see what we have to say about academic based preschools, read more.

For fans of learning the ABCs sooner rather than later, an academic based program may suit them better. Young students are encouraged to read earlier and start solving math problems before their fifth birthday. These type of institutions typically offer more structure and less down time. On the upside, the alumni of academic based preschools often love school so much that they beg for homework in kindergarten. The negative aspect is that they tend to bore easily when they enter elementary school as they have already mastered the curriculum.

As a former first grade teacher, I've seen the positives and negatives of both. What style of preschool do you prefer for your child?

Enter to win a $1,000 wardrobe for your child from Tea Collection!

It's Never Too Early to Learn Your Numbers

babysugar — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 09:00:20 -0700

ABC, it's as easy as 123, that's how easy math can be! When children start to learn their alphabet, it seems they should also begin counting their numbers. Wee brains are like sponges and can soak up more information than adult brains can fathom. Take advantage of that window and get the ball rolling on their arithmetic before they become timid of the subject. Watch how these children shine in the subtraction spotlight!

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

What's Your Opinion of Preschool Graduations?

LilSugar — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 14:58:25 -0700

Two years ago, I dropped my little girl off at nursery school. There were no tears shed. She waved goodbye and walked off with a friend she made in line before the doors opened. This morning, I sat in the preschool's auditorium as my daughter took the stage, sang and danced with her classmates, and hugged her teachers goodbye. It was the kind of performance only a mother (OK, grandparents and relatives) could love, but then a slideshow of pictures set to music played and all of the sudden it hit home - my firstborn is well on her way in life. She has her own interests, opinions, and friends.

In the Fall, she'll start kindergarten, our son will begin preschool, and their sibling-to-be will enter the world. I never went to nursery school, so I didn't really understand the graduation hoopla until today. Who cares how small a child milestone may seem? They are all certainly worth celebrating. What's your opinion?

Source

Prepping Your Child (and Yourself) For Preschool

babysugar — Thu, 14 May 2009 10:00:00 -0700

I dare a mom to drop her child off at preschool on the first day and not shed a tear. It is a momentous occasion for the whole family because you'll likely be paying tuition or talking education until the kiddo graduates from college! Prepare the wee one for the big day by easing him into the scene with confidence and security so he will be enthused. Parents can do a few simple things to make the transition smooth.

Tots who will be entering a "drop off" type environment for the first time may benefit from weekly extracurricular activities like an art or music class where they can get used to a teacher, other students, and a set schedule.
Trips to the local park can also help them acclimate to sharing toys and play structures with other wee ones.
Set up fair expectations. Tell the child what he can expect to happen at school so he won't be disappointed with the outcome.
Take him to visit the school before the first day of classes. He will feel more comfortable when he returns and sees familiar faces.
Come up with a routine before the first drop off. Create a special goodbye kiss or sign off and practice it in the weeks leading up to the send off.
Find out the schedule at the school and mimic it so the tot can have a few dry runs at home. During that time, mommy can practice giving directions, story, nap and snack time.

Source

Nursery University: Parents Lose Their Minds Over Preschool

LilSugar — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 10:00:59 -0700

The preschool application process in many major metropolitan cities is comparable to getting into college. Sometimes dubbed the brat race, it doesn’t get more competitive than what goes on in New York City, where some believe that getting into the right nursery school will put their tots on the Ivy League path.

In his new documentary, Nursery University, which hit screens last week, Marc Simon and Matt Makar take an in-depth, satirical and oftentimes sympathetic look at a process that lead to the downfall of one Wall Street’s biggest titans and has parents competing to spend more than $15,000 a year on their two-year-old’s education. The film follows five families as they take the journey – from identifying the right schools, obtaining applications, the child’s interviews and finally their receipt of acceptance letters. Along the way, we meet two preschool directors who scoff at the myths about the process, as well as a “preschool consultant” who charges $4,000 to help families navigate the system.

To see why the film had me both laughing and feeling sorry for the families, and see a trailer, read more.

While some of the profiled families perfectly mirror the caricatures they are modeled after – the family that spends time practicing greetings with their daughter, the clan that claims even a celebrity like Kate Winslet can’t get their daughter into a school and a couple that debates whether saying Spanish is their first language will give their child an advantage – others go through the process in an attempt to truly give their lil ones a better start than they had.

A friend who went through the Manhattan preschool process said the film accurately portrays the frantic pace at which NYC families approach wee education. If you want an inside look at the craziness some parents go through for their offspring, seek out this film, and then go home and thank your lucky stars that you don't have to participate.

Tips For Picking a Preschool

babysugar — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 07:00:02 -0700

Sending a tot to school for the first time is an exciting and momentous occasion for everyone involved. For many children, this marks their first scheduled time independent of their parents. Since it's a step into a social and learning environment, parents want to choose the right fit for their child and themselves. Having just finished the process myself, I can offer a checklist of questions that will facilitate the hunt for the perfect preschool. To see it, read more.

Ask to talk with current parents.
Spend time in the classroom with children present.
Ask about their sick policy.
Do they offer after hour care?
Where do most of the children go for Kindergarten?
What is the learning philosophy? Is it play based or more structured?
How do they discipline bad behavior?
Is the lunch or snack provided?
How far or close is it to home?
What is the student to teacher ratio?
What are the staff's credentials?
What is the student body make up? Is it diverse? Are there any children with disabilities?
How many years has the educational establishment been in business?
What is the teacher turnover?
What is the class size year to year?
Inquire about the sibling application process.
Do tots need to be potty trained?
What is the school's physical condition? Play area, bathrooms, etc.
How involved are the parents?
What are the safety precautions taken?

Aside from the above questions, a parent generally gets a gut feeling for the environment and if it will be a good "fit" for their child. A brain teasing process for some, there is certainly a place for every child to grow, learn, and thrive all while having fun and making new friends.

Share some of your questions or tips in the comments below!
Source

Getting in the Door One Tiny Foot at a Time

babysugar — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 08:00:52 -0700

Does quality childcare set kids on the collegial path? It used to seem like Ivy League Universities looked to creme de la creme high schools for applicants. But, before that the students had to attend elite grade schools. As the public school system continues to flounder in certain states, the competition to get into esteemed schools has elevated and leaves parents vetting for openings which are few and far between. Some moms and pops set up a plan before their child leaves the cradle or even takes his first breath!

To see what parents are doing to get on the fast track, read more.

In certain metropolitan cities, pregnant women put their fetus's last name (first one pending) on preschool wait lists and the application process in New York and San Francisco has become more like college admissions except the pupils can't write their essays because they don't recognize their alphabets yet!

Parents trying to get precious into the top preschools are now turning to elite day-cares and playgroups to get the extra edge on competition. Often times, those running the groups have connections that will benefit families in the preschool pursuit. So even though baby can barely walk or talk, the wheels are set in motion for a lifetime of privileged education.

At the rate things are going, a babe's future is going to depend on the hospital in which they were born. If mama labors in the right maternity ward, perhaps she will have access to the best lactation consultant who will refer her to a particular mommy group. The mother's group will then direct her to the popular music and yoga classes that will get her the in to the "it" daycare. From there, it's a breeze. Preschool, grade school, high school and college are just hurdles to be had.
Source

In the Motherhood: Is 8 p.m. an Appropriate Time to Out Santa?

LilSugar — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 07:00:09 -0700

Last night, I couldn't wait to tune into what likely will be ABC's new hit, In the Motherhood. But, before I could settle into my seat, Santa was outed. Moments into the premiere, Emily told her two young children - Esther and Bill - that St. Nick was a charade. It was a funny story line and one many mothers can relate to, but my 5-year-old daughter was in the hall and overheard. Luckily she assumed the character on television was just tricking her children, but lots of youngsters, particularly those ages 6, 7, 8 and 9, who still believe in Santa are still awake at that hour. Do you think 8 p.m. is appropriate time to announce the truth over the boob tube?

Photo courtesy of ABC