The Importance of Positive Discipline

There Is A Voice Inside Of You
That Whispers All Day Long,
I Feel That This Is Right For Me,
I Know That This Is Wrong.
No Teacher, Preacher, Parent, Friend
Or Wise Man Can Decide
What’s Right For You- Just Listen To
The Voice That Speaks Inside.
—Shel Silverstein

This poem speaks to the highest aim of teaching discipline to our children. Ultimately, disciplining our children is not about imposing a parent’s will or values on a child, but guiding a child through developing their own internal sense of what is right and how one should act. Like the poetry of Mr. Silverstein, parents can best impart discipline with a deep sense of respect for and trust in the child’s capacity to make good choices with guidance.  A good helping of humor never hurts as well.

*Taken from smartbeginningsshr.org

Gift of Reading Countdown

To help make the days go by faster when anticipating an event (birthday, holiday, family vacation), wrap up as many books as there are days left.  (Five is a great starting point for toddlers, and 10 for older children)

Each night at bedtime your child may unwrap a book to be read to them, after pajamas are on and teeth are brushed.  (predictable routines,  such as this, help bedtime go more smoothly)

You can use new books, books you already own, or books borrowed from the library.  You never know which one you’ll open next, so they all seem new to them...and kids love unwrapping things. 

The pile can be counted each night to show how many days are left.  The pile also gives a great visual representation of the time as the pile gets smaller.  (math skills)

Have fun!

Make Your Own Gift Wrap

Tis the season of busyness and spending more money than needed. Why not save some cash and let your kids have fun at the same time? You can make your own wrapping paper out of recycled paper, brown bags, newspapers, copy paper or whatever else you have around your home.  Get out the paints, markers, stickers and stamps and have some fun! 

Ideas for Christmas

Are you looking for toys that stimulate your child's learning?  It's important that the toys we buy for Christmas are not only fun but also teach our children important skills they will need for Preschool and Kindergarten.  The following links will help you find those toys:

http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/

http://www.lakeshorelearning.com/

http://www.orientaltrading.com/ (teacher supplies section)

Constructive Playthings—http://www.cptoys.com/

Sensational Beginnings—http://www.sb-kids.com/

Squish and Bake Cookies

Here's a fun way to have little ones make cookies and help them work on their fine motor skills! This activity will strengthen the muscles needed for zipping, buttoning and writing.

Pour a package of dry sugar cookie mix into a large resealable plastic bag. To begin, have your child watch or help you add any additional ingredients required in the package directions.  After reinforcing the bag opening with tape, encourage each child to take a turn squishing the bag to mix the ingredients. When the ingredients are well blended, snip off a corner of the bag and squeeze individual cookies on to a baking sheet. Then have fun decorating and enjoy a snack!

Christmas Parades

There are several Christmas Parades all around the county which make for great learning experiences. Talk about what you see: the colors, shapes, lights, and much more!

Coopersville
December 3, Downtown Coopersville at 7:00 p.m.

Grand Haven Jingle Bell Parade
Saturday, December 4 at 6:00 p.m.
Downtown Grand Haven and concludes at Central Park for Christmas Tree Lighting

Holland Parade of Lights
Tuesday, November 30 at 6:30 p.m.
Downtown Holland

Zeeland Magical Christmas Parade
Monday, November 29 at 6:30 p.m.

Bavolek Nurturing Parent Program

Featuring positive discipline that works!

A 10 week series for parents

Wednesdays, January 5 - March 9

3:00 -5:00 p.m.

At Pathways, MI

412 Century Lane, Holland 49423

The program is FREE! but, space is limited

Pre-registration is requiredTo register contact Julie Leeson at 616-396-2301 ext 145

Or email: jleeson@pathwaysmi.org

 

*No childcare is available for this group*

Do you have concerns about your child's development?

Are you wondering if your child should be talking more? Should be walking? Does your child seem to be different from his/her peers around the same age?
If you have concerns feel free to take our online Ages and Stages Survey which will be professionally scored to see if your child falls below where they should be for their age.  The questionnaire includes questions about your child's communication, gross motor, fine motor, problem solving, and personal social skills. Click on the link below:

Ages and Stages Developmental Questionnaire

*If you have behavior concerns with your child call Tami at 616-796-1504 for a Social-Emotional Screening