Self-control is sometimes described as the ability to limit one’s impulses in the absence of an authority figure. It is often related to one’s developing sense of ethics and values. For example: A 10-year-old child is in a store and sees a pack of gum. They want that pack of gum, but don’t have any Read More
Category: Child Development
Scripted Play
If you have children who are old enough to be verbal, you may have noticed a certain kind of play that is often referred to as “scripted play”. In this type of play, children primarily “parrot” dialogue and action that they have witnessed on television. There is no creativity, no problem solving and often the Read More
Child Development
Child development can be described as how a child grows from infancy into adulthood. Usually this takes place through a predictable sequence of steps (or milestones). As your child develops, changes occur in their bodies and their brains. Development is often categorized into 4-5 “areas” that look something like this: Social development refers to how Read More
Make Believe Play
Make believe play is part of a developing child’s repertoire. Its appearance signals a shift in how your child is thinking. Once your child can “play make believe”, they are capable of symbolic thinking. This means that they understand that one thing can represent another. For instance, a shoe can represent a telephone, and a Read More
Jokes and Riddles
Question: What kind of beans won’t grow in a garden? Answer: Jellybeans! Question: A faucet, lettuce and a tomato were in a race…what happened? Answer: The faucet was running, the lettuce was ahead, and the tomato was trying to ketchup! Riddles and jokes are great ways to develop skills. Riddles and jokes can: How do Read More
Imaginary Friends
Imaginary friends are common and normal As many as 65% of children up to age seven played with at least one imaginary friend at some point in their lives. Adults need not have any concern; not only are imaginary friends common and normal, but children who play with imaginary companions may have distinct developmental benefits Read More