Providing researched based educational resources to meet the needs of Long Islanders
When looking for parenting advice, there is an endless supply of information. Some of it is good, some of it is less than good; some of it is research based or science backed, other is just opinion. Regardless of the source or quality of information, it can seem as though there are a lot of…
Children can contribute their time and effort in helping the family by doing household chores. Teaching your children at an early age that each family member is important and needs to pitch in will help them feel needed and empowered. Even a toddler can help by putting toys away at the end of a play…
Hispanic Heritage Month begins September 15th. This is a wonderful time to choose books to celebrate the many different Hispanic cultures with your family. If you have young children learning to read (ages 4-6), try the I Can Read series of Reina Ramos by Emma Otheguy. Some titles include Reina Ramos Meets a Big Puppy,…
It’s tempting to buy holiday gifts for children that are heavily promoted on television and in toy store catalogues. However, a gift for a child should be safe and developmentally appropriate to suit the skills, abilities and interests of the child. Here are some things to consider to make the holidays safe and happy. Under…
The holidays are coming! I always get excited knowing that I will be busy knitting and crafting—sometimes all the way until Christmas Eve. I love knitting and find time to knit throughout the year. However, the holidays bring a renewed burst of creativity that encourages me to find projects that challenge me, while at the…
Executive Function Skills: what they are, why they’re important, and how children develop them Executive function skills are a set of skills that help us carry out everyday tasks, make good decisions, behave well, learn, manage emotions, and get along with others. They include: paying attention organizing prioritizing planning ahead staying focused remembering meeting goals…
It might seem unusual to discuss the mental health of children who are infants and toddlers; however, it is most important. Mental wellness in infants and toddlers provides a solid foundation for their future learning and relationships, known as social-emotional development or social-emotional learning. The Center on the Social and Emotional Foundations for Early Learning…
Can you remember how powerful and free you felt as a child when you ran fast, climbed high, and yelled at the top of your lungs for playmates to follow along? Going outside to play for part of every day provides so many benefits for your child. These include: Improving coordination and physical skills, such…
Bad weather days often present the challenge of keeping children occupied without screens. There is great temptation to let your child spend hours on a computer; however the often forgotten activity of fort building can be fun, educational, and important for your children’s development. Creativity Building forts fosters creativity. There are no rules or instructions…
By Maxine Roeper Cohen, M.S. Having grown up with cats and dogs being part of the family, I cannot imagine my life now without having animal companions share my home. There is nothing like the unconditional love a dog gives you every day. Cats teach us contentment and a quiet appreciation. All of our family’s…