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Helping Your Young Child Make Friends

friends

Everything is easier with a friend by your side. This is particularly true for kids attending childcare. It is the first place they may learn to make friends.

Children learn so much at childcare but perhaps the most important thing that they learn is how to make friends and interact with other children. When kids have friends waiting for them every day when they arrive at childcare, they look forward to going and it can make drop off easier.

Unfortunately, some children have a harder time making friends than others. With a little help, however, they can learn this valuable skill. So how can you help your child in this regard? Read on for some tips from Premier Academy.

    1. Establish relationships with other parents. Get to know parents of some of the other children at the childcare center and consider play dates outside of school hours to allow for some one-on-one bonding. Making new friends yourself is icing on the cake!
    2. Talk to your child about what it means to be a friend. Knowing how to be a good friend is a skill that takes years to develop. As a parent, it is your job to help your child navigate the sometimes tricky terrain of relationships. Talking to your child about why it is important to share, for example, is a great way to help them understand how to play as part of a group. It also is important to encourage your child to consider the feelings of others.
  • Provide coping strategies. If your child comes home upset about something that happened with a friend, listen and give them ideas for handling themselves when emotions run high. For example, if they are feeling left out, suggest things they can do to feel better such as asking a child who they don’t know very well to play with them instead.
  • Don’t push them. Many introverted children prefer to play by themselves. If your child is happy with more solitary activities, don’t force things. Chances are they will make friends on their own time and when they feel ready.

Finally, keep the lines of communication open between you and your childcare center’s staff. These are the people who witness the day-to-day interactions between children so they will be able to give you the best advice and guidance on your child’s social interactions. If they tell you your child is doing well and is happy, believe them! And if there is something your child needs to work on, you can be sure they will tell you this, as well!

If you are looking for affordable childcare in the Omaha/Elkhorn area, visit us at premieracademyin.com to learn how to get your child enrolled. 

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Is Your Family Considering a Pandemic Pet?

pet

The current situation has caused many American families to consider bringing home a pandemic pet. A recent survey from TD Ameritrade finds that 33% of Americans have considered fostering or adopting a new pet amid COVID-19.

Welcoming a new pet into your home is a big decision. Even if you understand all the benefits of owning a pet – and there are several – it is important that you do not forget about the responsibilities that come with it. Here are some things to consider:

  • Pets require a great deal of time and energy. If you are feeling stretched or always short on time, it probably is not the right time to add a pet to the mix. While pets can provide stress relief, they can add to your stress if you are not ready for it.
  • Pets are not one-size-fits-all. Before you commit to a new pet, you must be sure it is a good fit. For example, if you live in a small house with no fence, a big dog probably does not make sense.
  • Pets are not cheap. Even pets such as fish can cost more than you might think. Consider all the expenses you are likely to incur.

If you feel that you have the time, energy and money to add an animal to your family, then pet ownership can be a wonderful experience. This is especially true today, when social distancing has many people feeling isolated and alone. Further, having a pet gives kids (and parents) a chance to focus on something positive.

Below are just a few of the unique and priceless benefits families can derive from pet ownership:

  1. Improved Mental and Emotional Health. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that owning a pet can reduce blood pressure, lower stress and more. Pets love to shower affection on their owners, something we all need!
  2. Companionship. Lockdowns have been hard. Having an animal to focus on and take care of can help children and adults improve their mood by taking their minds off their problems.
  3. Responsibility. When children are expected to help take care of a family pet, they learn accountability. It also can improve their self-esteem because they understand that they are needed.
  4. Better Physical Health. Taking your pet for a walk or even just playing with them encourages an active lifestyle and gets people moving.

Finally, if you are considering a pet, consider adopting instead of shopping. The Nebraska Humane Society in Omaha has several animals ready for a forever home. There also are a tremendous number of pet rescue organizations in the Omaha/Elkhorn area. 

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Dispelling the Myths that Surround Children and Masks

The American Academy of Pediatrics and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that children aged 2 and older wear face masks when they are unable to remain six feet away from others. Except for children who are unable to remove a mask from themselves, this means kids heading back to school or daycare will be wearing masks.

Unfortunately, there are still many myths regarding children and face masks. The most pervasive of these myths are outlined in a recent article posted on healthychildren.org, Mask Mythbusters: 5 Common Misconceptions about Kids & Cloth Face Coverings.

The article also provides guidance on how to make masks as effective as possible. Here are some ways to ensure that a child’s mask is doing its job:

  1. It covers the nose and mouth
  2. It fits snugly but comfortably against the sides of the face
  3. It is secure
  4. It has multiple layers of fabric
  5. It allows for unrestricted breathing

Parents need not worry that their children are being harmed when wearing masks. However, parents who have concerns should reach out to their doctor or other health care provider. 

Premier Academy offers affordable childcare in the Omaha/Elkhorn area. To learn more, visit us at premieracademyinc.com.

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New on the Back-to-School Supply List? Face Coverings

kid face mask

Face masks are no longer an option for most kids. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend that children aged 2 and older wear face coverings when they are unable to remain six feet away from others. If your child is struggling to adapt to face coverings – or you are worried about the impact these masks may have on them – you are not alone.

How Will Mask-Wearing Affect My Toddler’s Development? I Asked Two Child Psychologists

https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/mask-wearing-affect-toddler-development-100000199.html

If you are worried that your child’s emotional intelligence will suffer as a result of masks, you are not alone. 

 

From Toddlers to Teens: How to Talk to Kids About Wearing Masks

https://www.healthline.com/health-news/from-toddlers-to-teens-how-to-talk-to-kids-about-wearing-masks#Early-education:-Kindergarten-to-second-grade

Getting children to comprehend the importance of wearing masks can come with its own set of unique challenges depending on a child’s age.

 

12 Fun Kids’ Face Masks for the COVID-19 Pandemic

https://www.latimes.com/lifestyle/story/2020-08-14/fun-kids-face-masks-covid-19-pandemic

Some kids will adjust better than others to wearing face masks. Providing fun options for toddlers, children and teens can help with the transition.

Premier Academy offers affordable childcare in the Omaha/Elkhorn area. To learn more, visit us at premieracademyinc.com.

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How to Get Your Child Comfortable Wearing a Face Mask

Many children have a tough time adjusting to wearing a face mask. Unfortunately, this is becoming more of an issue as kids are heading back to school, day care and other activities. 

Ask most parents of young children and they will likely tell you how exhausting it is trying to get children to put face masks on, let alone keep them on for any length of time. It is something that must be done, however. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend that children aged 2 and older wear face masks when they are unable to remain six feet away from others. The exception to this recommendation would be children who are unable to remove a mask from themselves. This includes those with developmental delays or neurologic issues.

To prepare your child for wearing a mask for long periods of time, start them off slowly and gradually increase the amount of time they wear their mask. Each time they put it on try to extend the period of time they wear it by a few minutes until they get used to it.

It is important that your child’s face mask is the right size for their face. A mask designed for an adult is going to be uncomfortable on a child and won’t do its job either. Pleated masks often fit kids the best and ear loops work better than ear ties at this age. Masks should cover the nose and mouth and remain secure under the chin.

If your child seems apprehensive about wearing a mask, there are things you can do to make them feel more at ease. This includes putting masks on their toys or allowing them to personalize their mask.

Here are some other tips when it comes to masks and children:

  1. Teach children how to take off their mask by pulling on the ear loops not on the front of the mask.
  2. Make sure children wash their hands before handling their masks.
  3. Have children take off their masks when they are eating, drinking or napping.
  4. Always have extra masks available for children in case the one they are wearing gets dirty or wet.
  5. Tell your children that sharing masks is not something they should do. Clearly label masks with your child’s name to prevent mix-ups.
  6. Disposable masks should be thrown away after use. Reusable or cloth mask should be washed with soap and water at the end of each day.
  7. Don’t require your child to wear a mask when they are only around their immediate family. This includes in the car or at home.

Finally, as is the case with most things in life, children will take their cue from their parents. In other words, the more comfortable you act when wearing a mask, the more comfortable your child is likely to feel. 

Premier Academy offers affordable childcare in the Omaha/Elkhorn area. To learn more, visit us at premieracademyinc.com.

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Tips On Preparing Your Home For A New Baby From Premier Academy

Bringing home a new baby is an exciting event for any family. Preparing your home for a new baby is the first step in creating a safe environment for them to grow and learn.

happy baby

There are a range of safety products on the market that can make parent’s life easier. However, there are also some simple and traditional safety practices that will keep your infant out of harm’s way.

Here are some tips for preparing your home for a new baby:

  • Add safety latches on all drawers and cabinets in kitchens, bathrooms, bedrooms, and storage areas.
  • Check all electrical cords and remove any that dangle or hang down.
  • Cover all electrical outlets with spring loaded covers that automatically close when the cord is removed.
  • Roll all cords for blinds or drapes above the height that a crawling baby, toddler or infant can reach.
  • Have a new crib and mattress for the baby that is designed to prevent the baby from getting hands or limbs lodged between the posts. The mattress should fit correctly and extend to the frame on all sides.
  • Limit items in and around the crib and ensure any mobiles or hanging items on the crib are safe and secure and approved for use for a baby.
  • Always have the correctly sized, approved car safety seat for your baby and do not travel with the baby in a vehicle when the child is not secured in the baby car seat.
  • Avoid using air fresheners or air treatment products as an infant may be extremely sensitive to these products.

Most importantly, never leave your baby unattended unless they are in a secure location such as their crib. This will ensure that they can’t get into anything dangerous if you step away for a minute.

At Premier Academy, the safety of your children comes first. We offer affordable childcare in the Omaha & Elkhorn area, visit us at premieracademyinc.com. 

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