Parenting

WEBINAR – Frustrating Temperament Traits: Strengths-Based Approaches To Ensure Young Children Thrive

Some children are naturally predisposed to intense emotional reactions, feeling resistant to new routines and experiences, and have trouble moving on. As a result, these young humans sometimes experience emotional outbursts, have difficulty calming, reject new experiences, or resist transitions in group settings. The reality is, some traits can prove more difficult to work with, depending on the mix of adult and child temperaments. When a mismatch occurs, this can rattle the resolve of even the calmest most self-assured caregivers! The good news? Early Educators can ensure every child flourishes by teaching the skills needed and providing a “good fit” in their caregiving environment. Join this insightful session to discover the nine temperament traits that are present from birth, and explore helpful strategies and methods to support all children to flourish in your caregiving setting.


Babies need humans, not screens

Did you know that the negative effects of too much screen time for babies and toddlers range from shorter attention span to lower empathy? Here's why too much screen time can harm babies and the importance of ensuring children enjoy off-screen experiences. 


Earth Day

Our planet is an amazing place, but it needs our help to thrive! That’s why each year on April 22, more than a billion people celebrate Earth Day to raise awareness. Even small children can learn a little bit about the history of Earth Day, take part in activities like picking up litter and planting trees to help make our world a happier, healthier place to live. Here are fun earth day activities you might want to try in your program this month!


Activities for anxious kids: How to help children cope with anxiety through play

Anxiety is the feeling of worry, nervousness, fear, or unease. Even if these feelings in kids seem small to adults, they can be very real and important for a child. And they’re also very normal. Parents and caregivers can help tremendously by recognizing what anxiety looks like and providing activities for anxious kids. To help get you started, Active for Life has put together this list of 50 great activities to help children cope with anxiety through play.


March 21st is International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination

The International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination recognizes that the injustices and prejudices fueled by racial discrimination take place every day. Here is an infographic that explains how racism can impact child development, and some ideas for how you can talk to young children about race and racism.


Fred Rogers’ Six Fundamentals of Learning

Have you ever wondered, what may help or hinder a child in their development? The Fred Rogers Institute says that these six fundamentals come immediately to my mind: self-worth, trust, curiosity, the capacity to look and listen, the ability to play, and have times of quiet solitude. To learn more about the six fundamentals, and particularly what educators have learned about what the six fundamentals look like in practice, check out the Fundamentals of Learning and Growing.


Physical Development 101: A Guide to Motor Skills in Infants, Toddlers, and Preschoolers

Through daily play and movement, babies and toddlers begin to develop fundamental motor skills: gross motor skills (big movements like crawling, walking, and jumping) and fine motor skills (smaller actions, like grasping and picking up tiny objects). These skills grow naturally over time, but no two children develop them at exactly the same pace. That being said, there are so many fun activities you can do to help encourage physical development in engaging and healthy ways - and you can find them here in the Active for Life Physical Development 101 guide!


NEW! Routines and Transitions CNC Learning Moment

In this 25-minute session, CMAS consultant Tricia Kassotis joins us to talk about Routines and Transitions. She also share ideas for including culture and supporting children in managing their emotions during daily transitions. We encourage you to watch on your own, or as a team! You’ll also find that each new session includes a list of resource links to extend your learning and further support your CNC team.


Family Day Across Canada

Family Day is celebrated differently across the country, but no matter where you live, it's a great opportunity to encourage families to get outside and have some fun with the kids! Here are two lists full of outdoor winter activity ideas to share with parents this month: 40 Outdoor Activities for Kids this Winter & 10 Fun & Easy Outdoor Winter Activities for Kids


Ten Sesame Street Resources All About Love

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, but every day is the right day to celebrate all the people, places, and things that you love! So here are ten songs, videos, and activities that you can use in your program to celebrate the power of love all year round