All children evidence periods when they are picky eaters. Toddlers in particular are notorious for loving a food one day and refusing it on their plate the next. How then are parents to know when pickiness becomes a problem?
There is a lot of discussion out there about ‘mean girls.’ This focus is indeed warranted, as girls tend to be judged, and judge themselves based on their ability to engage in relationships. We use the term ‘relational aggression’ to describe the kind of connection forming that involves coercion or intimidation. Queen Bees are identified as the champions of this sport. Specifically, they are the girls who wield power over others. They are both respected and feared. With a simple comment or direction a queen bee can ensure that one of her disciples is either admired or shunned.
The rate at which children learn and develop is staggering – especially in the first five years of a child’s life. Did you know that 90% of a child’s brain develops during those formative early years? While many skills will come naturally such as eating, sleeping and swallowing – your child has a lifetime of learning ahead of them, and now is the time to establish a solid foundation for them.
For the type of learning that takes intentional teaching, your child will need a structured environment with creative activities to promote critical thinking skills. Whether your child is educated primarily at home or in a preschool or daycare facility, you have an integral part to play in these early years. A formalized education is only as effective as the adults in a child’s life who are willing to also incorporate learning in a more informal, natural way during the course of the day.
