July 30, 2016

Quote of the Week

"It is a happy talent to know how to play." --Ralph Waldo Emerson

To Help Children Thrive, Coach Their Parents

"In 1986, in a few of the poorest neighborhoods in Kingston, Jamaica, a team of researchers from the University of the West Indies embarked on an experiment that has done a great deal, over time, to change our thinking about how to help children succeed, especially those living in poverty. Its message: Help children by supporting and coaching their parents. The researchers divided the families of 129 infants and toddlers into groups. The first group received hour long home visits once a week from a trained researcher who encouraged the parents to spend more time playing actively with their children: reading picture books, singing songs, playing peekaboo. A second group of children received a kilogram of a milk-based nutritional supplement each week. A control group received nothing. The interventions themselves ended after two years, but the researchers have followed the children ever since." Read on to see how encouraging parents results in benefits across the board for their children.

Reading Corner

Title: How to Raise an Adult
By: Julie Lythcott Haims
Ages: Adult

Why: How to Raise an Adult cautions against the over-parenting by helicopter parents and offers practical wisdom and tips for all ages. It's a welcome read and affirms common sense in an age of over-tutored, over-scheduled and hyper-involved parents, especially in affluent communities. I would recommend it for parents of middle-high schoolers. 

Be the Change

What task are you doing for your child that they can learn to do for themselves? Give yourself a week to break the habit--show them how to do it, watch them do it, and then leave them to it!

For older kids, talk to your teen about what motivates them and what they think a successful life looks like...who are their heroes and mentors?

For all kids, play with your child. Find fun activities and quality time to share together without thought of success, achieving, or competing. Just enjoy each other's company.