By Leslie Clark

Tip #1 – Learning with Mom and Dad

Your children’s early experiences – the bonds formed with you as Moms and Dads and their first learning experiences – deeply affect their future physical, cognitive, emotional and social development. Early child development sets the foundation for lifelong learning, behavior, and health. The experiences your children have in early childhood shapes their brain and their capacity to learn, to get along with others, and to respond to daily stresses and challenges.

Tip #2 – The Importance of Being a Parent

You, as Moms and Dads, are among the most important people in the lives of young children. From birth, your children rely on you to provide them with the care they need to be happy and healthy, and to grow and develop well. As parents, giving your children a good start in life by nurturing, protecting and guiding them is a process that fills them with confidence and prepares them for a world of independence. Be sure to give your children a hug and kiss at least twice a day – once when they get up and before going to bed. These two physical methods of enforcing the words “I love you”.

Tip #3 – The Challenges of Being a Parent

Healthy development in your child’s early years is ultra-important for good health and development. Healthy development means that children are able to grow up where their social, emotional and educational needs are met – in a safe and loving environment. Spending time with family―playing, singing, reading, and talking―are very important; but so is proper nutrition, exercise, and sleep. This balancing act can be tricky for parents. A few tips are:

• Responding to children in a predictable way – good equals a reward, bad equals a timeout
• Showing warmth and sensitivity – hug your child, tell them you understand why they may be upset
• Having routines and household rules – daily routines such as school mornings, bath time, bedtime and mealtimes builds a sense of belonging for the child
• Sharing books and talking with children – read out loud and talk about the story
• Using appropriate discipline without harshness – yelling doesn’t get the message across; explaining why something is wrong and why it shouldn’t be repeated has more impact in the moment, and the future

Tip #4 – Connection is Key

Importance of your children’s early childhood development – the emotional, social and physical development of your child – has a direct effect on their overall development and on the adult they will become. The connection that you establish with your children early on guides them and provides them with the confidence they’ll need growing up.

Tip #5 – Establish Routines with your Children

Keep routines in place. The experts all agree that setting and sticking to a regular schedule is key, even when you’re all at home all day. Consistency and structure are calming. Extra-curricular activities like arts and crafts, science projects, imaginary games, musical activities, board games, household projects. Staying connected provides security and provides your child with the benefit of knowing routines and structure build confidence.

Tip #6 – Allow for and Facilitate Plenty of Opportunity for Play

Be creative about new activities and exercise. Children who spend more time outdoors have improved motor development and lower obesity rates. Playing outside promotes more curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking — essential to boosting confidence when interacting with others.

Moms and Dads should think about the activities you did as a child at summer camp or at home. Nature walks collecting butterflies, rocks or along the water’s edge, shells; nature scavenger hunts to see how many kinds of plants, flowers, animals or birds you can see. When you get home, talk about all the fascinating wonders nature has to offer. Encourage all your children, no matter how old, to participate in the activity and the conversation.