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My little friend Olivia is 4. She used to be a happy, fun, sociable girl. But since school started, she’s been crabby, whiny, and prone to meltdowns.  At school, she can’t sit still during circle time. And today, she got sent home early for biting her friend Joshua. Is Olivia in the wrong classroom? Does […]

There is a word we researchers use to refer to voluntary behavior that aims to help another, like sharing or providing comfort: “prosocial.” Although most parents and teachers would say they value prosocial behavior in children and want to encourage it, it is important to note that not all prosocial behaviors are equal. They can […]

School has started already here in Hawaii, but there’s no aloha in Aiden’s heart. Aiden is a new Kindergartener who started the year with enthusiasm, all ready for his “Big Boy Classroom.”  His first couple of weeks at school were a breeze – he loved his teachers, his classmates and activities.  But all of a […]

Battling back-to-school worries?  This time of year, parents have many questions – from how to transition from a laid back summer schedule to a busy school time routine, to concerns about discipline, behavior, and potty training.  Take a deep breath and take out your calendar.  Join a back-to-school live chat presented by Learning Care Group […]

Top Reasons You Should Encourage Your Child to Learn to Use Technology Positive uses of today’s technology can play a meaningful role in shaping your child’s future learning potential. Because a young child’s brain makes new connections each day, the experts at Discovery Kids Puterbugs share interesting information on why there is no better time […]

My son’s preschool teacher prevented a major meltdown the other day; it was a beautiful thing to watch. Two three-year-olds wanted the same toy truck. When she saw them angrily grab for it, she dropped to their level and gently touched their arms to get their attention. “Guys,” she calmly said, “looks like you both […]

Separation is hard for little kids, since we’re their lifeline. But if you show them that you and their teacher are partners, you’ll go a long way toward building trust and confidence in your child’s new classroom. Teachers and parents together make a powerful team that will boost your child’s success — both academically and emotionally.

It is back-to-school time for you and your children again, or maybe for the first time! In the summer, we sometimes give children a break from routines. So getting ready for school again, and returning to consistent schedules, can sometimes bring on stress or anxiety for your family. Take steps now to make this transition […]

Separation anxiety is real. Babies, children of all ages, and even adults can feel it. Wikipedia describes it as: “…a psychological condition in which an individual experiences excessive anxiety regarding separation from home or from people to whom the individual has a strong emotional attachment (like a father, mother, grandparents, and brothers or sisters).” Though […]

By Dr. Pam Schiller Critical thinking is defined as analyzing and evaluating information or evidence in order to guide decision making. It is literally thinking about thinking. The term critical thinking is often co-mingled with creative thinking, higher order thinking, and even, problem solving. It is a function of all of these or better put—all […]

By Dr. Heather Wittenberg Learning to read is a huge milestone for your child, making it possible to learn about any subject under the sun.  And so we dutifully read, read, read to our kids, hoping that one day the skill will “click”. I’ve got a great shortcut. Summer’s the time for fun and games, […]

Yes, Summer is here with you and your children enjoying long Summer evenings! Your older children are free of homework; your smaller ones have been staying up later, and playing outside more. It seems like Fall, with schoolbooks and camps ending, is far away. But is it? Some of you are starting to think about […]