As 2020 draws to a close we wanted to take a look back and remember the top 5 articles as suggested by our readers.

1. Seven Play Based Learning Activities to Do With Your Child

https://www.premieracademyinc.com/7-play-based-learning-activities-to-do-with-child

Each time you play, you are adding another building block of learning.  So have fun and enjoy the time with your little one.  To get you started here are seven play-based learning activities to do with your child.

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2. Importance of School Readiness

https://www.premieracademyinc.com/importance-of-school-readiness/

Learning some “school skills” like lining up and raising hands before transitioning to school will certainly help make the transition to formal schooling easier; however, the best way to prepare your kids to enter school is giving them the chance to fully explore and experiment in an environment with caring adults who guide, support, and extend their learning. 

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3. Tips for a Smooth Morning Routine for Daycare

https://www.premieracademyinc.com/tips-for-smooth-morning-routine-for-daycare/

Many of us charge off with our to-do lists in hand, thinking that when everything is done (which it never is) we can enjoy life. But what we do every day is life. Our ability to step in time with our children amid the everyday stuff, such as getting out of the house in the morning, takes some organization and a lot of patience. Using these tips for establishing a morning routine can help you get it done.

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4. Six Benefits of a Consistent Routine for Kids and Families

https://www.premieracademyinc.com/tips-for-smooth-morning-routine-for-daycare/

Research has shown that children, especially young children, benefit from a sense of structure. While there are many reasons why children need a routine, parenting experts say that the most important one is that a consistent routine for kids helps them to feel secure.

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5. Choosing Between a Montessori or Play-Based Preschool

https://www.premieracademyinc.com/choosing-between-a-montessori-or-play-based-preschool/

Many parents wonder whether a preschool that uses the Montessori method is the right choice for their child of if a play-based approach is best.

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Raising children who are grateful for what they have, and teaching them to not always ask for more, isn’t easy. It is important, however. Grateful children have been shown to be more content later in life, so it is an investment in their long-term happiness. If you are struggling to instill a sense of gratitude in your children, take heart that you are not alone. And be prepared for some struggles. Teaching children to be gracious and thankful takes time, effort and a healthy dose of patience on your part.

Eight Tips to More Grateful Kids

https://www.positiveparentingsolutions.com/parenting/five-tips-grateful-kids

As the holidays approach, there’s no better time to shift our children’s focus toward an attitude of gratitude.

 

How to Raise Grateful Children in an Entitled World

https://beenke.com/parenting/how-to-raise-grateful-kids/

While “me-me-me” kids are hard enough to deal with now, imagine when they grow up to become demanding, high-maintenance adults that aren’t equipped to handle life when things don’t go their way.

 

Gratitude for Kids: Why It’s Important and How to Encourage It

https://www.mindfullittleminds.com/gratitude-for-kids-why-its-important-and-how-to-encourage-it/

Studies show that gratitude for kids can be a very powerful tool, with lots of benefits to mental and physical health.

The holidays are here and it is a good time of year to make sure you are raising grateful kids. This time of year allows people to pause and take some time to reflect on their blessings. 

As parents, it is important that we teach our children to be grateful, as well. Unfortunately, raising kids that appreciate all that they have been given isn’t always easy. In fact, most parents struggle when it comes to teaching their children to focus on being thankful for what they have – instead of always wanting more.

If you are struggling to instill a sense of gratitude in your children, you are not alone. Read on for some tips to help you raise more grateful kids!

  1. Be a good role model. When you are grateful for what you have, your children are likely to follow suit. Never miss an opportunity to express gratitude. Your kids will notice. For example, if your spouse does the dishes or your child helps pick up around the house, sincerely thank them and let them know how much it means to you.
  2. Volunteer. When kids work with the less fortunate, they begin to understand how fortunate they are to have even the most basic things like food to eat and a roof over their head.
  3. Encourage them to look at the bright side. While disappointments and setbacks are a part of life – and it is fine to feel bad – let your kids know that when one door closes, another one truly does open, and things will get better. And while you should never dismiss their feelings, you also should guard against allowing them to wallow for too long.
  4. Give experiences instead of things. It is easy to get caught up in the culture of more, more, more. To counter this obsession with material things, consider gifting your children experiences instead of things. One-on-one time with a parent at the zoo, for example, will create more memories than the latest action figure. Turning off the TV and tossing toy catalogs is also a good idea. This will help to limit kids’ exposure to ads designed to make them feel like they need more or newer toys or video games.
  5. Talk about it! As part of their bedtime routine, ask your children to tell you what happened to them during the day for which they are grateful. Did they make a new friend? Get a good grade on a test? Nothing is too small to be grateful for.

Raising grateful kids is a process but well worth the effort. It is an investment in your child’s future happiness and contentment. What’s more, when all members of your family are grateful, it will create stronger bonds and more happiness and harmony in the home.