December 21, 2022
Newborns are soothed by familiar voices and vocal patterns. In your next visit, try encouraging families to use singing as a way to promote caregiver-infant connection and introduce rhythms and patterns in speech. No actual vocal talent required!
Read moreDecember 14, 2022
Helping caregivers to expect and prepare for accidents during toilet training can make their reactions less severe. Remind families that accidents are part of the process and that children are not to blame. Feeling shame can increase both accidents and resistance.
Read moreDecember 7, 2022
Children learn language from back and forth interactions with adults. In your next exam, try asking “what do you see in this room?” Or comment on what a young child is interested in, for example, “This is a stethoscope. It helps me hear. I am going to listen to your heart now.”
Read moreNovember 30, 2022
When children believe that they can improve skills and learn from their mistakes, they are less afraid of taking risks. Try praising a patient today for how hard they worked or how far they've come.
Read moreNovember 23, 2022
Family meals are about connection, conversation, and shared experience. Research shows that regular family meals, 4 times a week or more, can support healthier eating habits, higher academic performance and improved self esteem. Here are a few suggestions to offer families - from parents in the Sparks video series!
Read moreNovember 16, 2022
The more math talk children hear, the stronger their math skills. One study showed that in an average week, some children hear ~1,799 number words, while others hear ~28.
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