HaltonParents

Get it done: Focus on Executive Function

Posted on September 8, 2014 by Paula D'Orazio

Ever notice that, when we hurry, things actually take longer and we’re not so nice to be around? Think about it for a second. We tend to drop stuff, get easily annoyed or even forget to do things altogether? And the stress of the rush makes us harsh in our tone, hurried (and therefore less thoughtful) in our choice of words or even downright unpleasant. Does any of this speak to you? It can’t just be me, can it?

So, when I found out about something called executive function and how things work in our kids’ brains, it grabbed me and I felt it was something every parent should know. While you watch this video, keep our “hurry up” lifestyle in mind. Continue reading →

Parenting is key to help teens navigate high school

Posted on September 3, 2014 by Cynthia Lindsay RN

If you’ve got kids, the first day of school was probably pretty emotional for everyone…parents and kids alike and it really doesn’t matter what grade they are entering.

But, if you have a teen starting high school, then you know “those days” that we take their hand and walk them into school are long gone! Now you might get a “half” hug – if you’re lucky… (And it’s in the parking lot). Often your teen doesn’t even want you to step on school grounds. So many things are changing for parents… However, there are still many ways you can be actively involved in your teen’s life without embarrassing them! Continue reading →

Posted in Children & Tweens, Emotional Well-Being & Mental Health for Your Child/Tween, Emotional Well-Being & Mental Health for Your Teen, Keeping Your Child/Tween Safe, Keeping Your Teen Safe, Parenting, Parenting Your Child/Tween, Parenting Your Teen, Teens, Transition to High School | Tagged anxious, balance, balance homework, connect, connectiveness, help, high school, Mental Health, Physical Health, role model, school, school health, starting high school, starting school, support, teens | 2 Comments

Will play-based Kindergarten really prepare my child for grade 1?

Posted on August 27, 2014 by Paula D'Orazio

Let’s face it – parents tend to worry when their kid is starting Kindergarten. They stew about how Junior will fasten his jacket, manage his backpack, open his lunch and snack containers and get along with his classmates. They worry about him doing his business on his own before the start of Kindergarten. (I know I was frustrated enough to blog about it!). They picture their little boy lost in the halls of a massive school, alone and afraid and wonder if he’ll be on the bus, as he should be, at the end of the first day of big-boy school. I’ve got news for you – all this is normal and folks in our community share these thoughts and fears with me all the time. If you’re feeling this, you’re not alone. Continue reading →

Posted in Children & Tweens, Emotional Well-Being & Mental Health for Your Child/Tween, Parenting, Parenting Your Child/Tween, Play, Growth & Development, Preparing for Kindergarten, Toddlers & Preschoolers | Tagged Emergent learning, Full day kindergarten, JK/SK, learning through play, play and early learning, play builds brains, play is learning, Play-based learning, Preparing for Kindergarten, school | 8 Comments

Backpacks and lunches and laces – oh my!

Posted on August 25, 2014 by Paula D'Orazio

Got the urge
To write an ode,
A simple verse
No hidden code.

Came across
Some stuff that’s cool,
That you may like
For back to school. Continue reading →

Posted in Children & Tweens, Healthy Eating for Your Child/Tween, Parenting, Parenting Your Child/Tween, Preparing for Kindergarten | Tagged back to school, backpack, healthy snacks and lunches, ParticipACTION, school, school health, shoelaces, special needs, teaching kids to tie shoes | Leave a comment

Tattoos and Teens: What role do parents play?

Posted on August 11, 2014 by Cynthia Lindsay RN

So your teen comes to you and says “Mom I want a tattoo”. She says it so matter of factly that it sounds like she is only asking you to pass the ketchup at the dinner table. “What?” You didn’t hear her correctly, did you? Your bright eyed child wants a tattoo. A real tattoo – not the fake kind she used to get as a child at the local carnival. Continue reading →