Safety first: learning your phone number

What happens if your child gets separated from you in a store or at the park? Does he know your name? His name? Your address? Your phone number? Of those, his name and your name are easy to learn because he hears them every day. But, what about your cell phone number?

In trying to figure out an easy way for my son, nearly 4.5 years old, to remember my cell phone number, I started trying to think of songs he readily knows. “Happy Birthday” came to mind as one that he knows well, and likely most kids his age do too!

Give this a try to the tune of “Happy Birthday” if your cell number is 469-123-4567:

My mom-my’s cell phone

is four-or six nine

one-un  two three-ee

four fi-ive six seven

To help commit this to memory, I’ve written my cell phone number on a piece of paper that we keep at the kitchen table, and when we pass the table or sit down for meals, we sing the song together. He thinks it is pretty funny but understands it is important because this number is how he can reach me if he ever needs me.

Coupons, scissors, oh my!

Here’s a trick we just discovered today! This morning I was sitting at the kitchen table clipping my coupons and my almost 4-year-old son asked if he could help. I handed him the stack I’d already cut from (which still contained plenty of coupons we wouldn’t use), we got his scissors out, and he went to town!

Those coupons are perfect for kids to cut up (not to mention they’re free)! The coupons themselves are outlined by short, straight lines, perfect for learning how to cut along a line, and the pages are full of other things that kids love to try to cut out… food items they like, people, letters, etc.

One of the skills that kids should learn before kindergarten is how to use scissors. It is not only good for manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination, but it is a pre-writing activity too.

Before you know it, you’ll have a coupon-clipping, bargain-hunting child on your hands!

Learning How to Disagree

It seems that children tend to reach the age of truly disagreeing between years 3 and 4… It is important for them to learn that it is o.k. to disagree, but that there is a respectful way to do it. This requires an open mind on your part as the parent, to allow your children to state their own points of view when they differ from your own. However, I think the investment is worth the effort!

I’m working on helping my nearly 4-year-old child learn how to disagree respectfully. Though there a million things pulling me in every which direction, I’m working on teaching myself to give him my full attention so that he knows I respect him, what he thinks, and what he has to say. Yes, he’s only 4, but this is a crucial time when he’s learning how to treat others. Jumping up and down, yelling, and using mean words or tones of voice will not get my undivided attention, but talking with me in a calm “indoor” voice will.

I am trying to remember to validate his opinion (the fact that he has one), even if I disagree, because I want him to think for himself. He is expected to be able to explain his position, and if it seems reasonable, I may change my mind. Sometimes there are things that he knows that I don’t, or aspects of an issue that I haven’t considered. Of course, some things are non-negotiable, like hand washing before eating, or choosing mint chocolate chip ice cream over strawberry sherbet.

Monkey see, monkey do – Model reading!

As the old saying goes, “Monkey see, monkey do. Monkey does the same as you.” To help develop a love of reading in your children, model your own love of reading — even if you don’t really love it. Sit down with a book, a magazine, or the newspaper, and enjoy some reading time on your own. Let your child see this.

Here’s a challenge for today: At some point today, tell your kiddo that it is reading time. Set the timer for 10 minutes and grab something to read – anything! Sit down where your child can see you, and read.  Encourage your child to do the same. Eventually, it will catch on and you’ll really grow to appreciate the quiet time!

Show your child there’s an alternative to TV, video games, and computers that engages your brain!

Matching shoes & feet: Which shoe goes on which foot?

Figuring out which shoe goes on which foot can be a source of frustration for little kids… and for their parents.

Here’s a little trick to helping your kiddo solve this problem. Ask your child where the big toe is on his/her foot, then work together to find where the big toe should go in each of his/her shoes based on the curve at the front of the shoe.  Help your child match up his/her feet to his/her shoes based on where the big toes should go.

This has greatly reduced the number of times I hear, “Does this shoe go on this foot?” and has made for a much happier parent!