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May 10, 2022
Practicing early numeracy skills for pre-K and kindergarten comes naturally in the exam room. Show your patient their growth chart and talk about how the curve represents them getting bigger. Compare it to last year and then show them how they compare to a younger sibling. See this video for more information:
Read moreMay 3, 2022
In the toddler years, it’s important to help parents to address their child’s behavior without labeling their child. This looks something like, “What you did was not OK, we don’t hit,” versus “You were very bad.” How parents label their children can impact how children see themselves as they grow, and even increase unwanted behavior.…
Read moreApril 26, 2022
Many children fight teeth brushing. While parents may tell you that their children don’t like it, you know it matters to their health. Try suggesting that parents brush alongside their toddlers or take turns letting the child brush their teeth and then brushing their child’s teeth. Singing songs can help too, or a toothbrush with…
Read moreApril 19, 2022
You may know that joint attention is an important part of screening for autism, but it’s also important to explain to parents why sharing attention and focus is an important part of communication. Try asking parents to notice whether their infant involves them in an activity, or if they can get their baby to look…
Read moreApril 12, 2022
Research shows that babies learn language best through high pitched, sing-song, exaggerated speech. This type of voice – parentese – uses real words and appropriate grammar, and may come naturally to many parents. If it does not, try incorporating it in infant visits when you can. And try offering parents a quick explanation on why…
Read moreApril 5, 2022
Research shows that children with a growth mindset – the belief that intelligence is not fixed and that they can work hard and practice to improve – understand mistakes as opportunities to learn. In your visits, you can try taking a simple mistake – like closing the computer when you still need it, or dropping…
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