Providing researched based educational resources to meet the needs of Long Islanders
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…
Dear Friends, If you have attended a parenting workshop, a nutrition education program, or received assistance in managing your diabetes, you know that the Family Health and Wellness Program of Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County serves the changing needs of families residing in our county. Our programs provide information on diabetes education, nutrition, developing…
By Dinah Torres Castro Parents wishing to successfully raise their children as vegetarians need to learn all they can before venturing into this practice. Just because you have been a vegetarian for years does not ensure that your infant or toddler will benefit from your choice. That is not to say that it can’t be…
If you’ve been following us, you know that our passion is providing parents like you with research-based information for your family. With concern around COVID-19, below is another trustworthy resource from Washington State Extension regarding COVID-19. “Resources for Parents and Caregivers as well as Fun Tips and Activities for Children and Families” to help you…
By Dinah Torres Castro There are many things parents and caregivers can do to prevent young children from choking while eating. The best thing anyone can do is to simply be there and be mindful of what the child is doing as he or she eats. It is also recommended that the adults make sure…