Published on Tuesday, March 23, 2010 by caryn
In an era of the Wii, the Netbook, and Blu-Ray, I'm already noticing my son's preference towards these types of entertainment. And several weeks ago, I heard about a computer program designed for children ages 1-6. My first thought was, what could a one year old possibly get out of something like this? This is the type of content parents have to contend with on ... Read More »
Published on Friday, February 19, 2010 by caryn
My 2 year old is very vocal about his thoughts, wants, and needs these days. And while he's only two, I realize that each day he's gaining confidence and independence. I'm wrapping up this week of inspirational children's books with a book that teaches children to have confidence in their ability to make wise choices.
I'm Up in a Tree, by Mark Alden Johnson "enco... Read More »
Published on Friday, February 19, 2010 by caryn
I've been reading to my son since he was an infant. And my daughter has had the added benefit of being read to in utero. I honestly believe that my son's love for books stems from the fact that we read so early in his life. The benefits of reading just 20 minutes a day are numerous and include strengthening relationships, encouraging listening and language skill... Read More »
Published on Wednesday, February 17, 2010 by caryn
The other day my son (who's 2 1/2 by the way) and I had a conversation that went something like this:
"What do you have in your pocket?" My son was digging around in his pant pocket for something. "I have money," he says, triumphantly. He then proceeds to pull out a penny. My first thought was, where did he get that from? My second thought was, how does he ... Read More »
Published on Tuesday, February 16, 2010 by caryn
Every book I've ever read has a message to convey...a lesson to be learned. Do you want to teach your child to potty train? Or sleep through the night? Or learn to share? Find a book that addresses those topics. Age-appropriate books are a meaningful way to introduce concepts to children.
Many years ago, Dr. Pat Palmer, who has authored numerous books for chi... Read More »
Published on Tuesday, February 16, 2010 by caryn
We live in a diverse world...a world of color and different abilities. Teaching this concept to a child, particularly a toddler, can be difficult. How do I explain to my son that mommy is Hispanic and daddy is Caucasian? That mommy comes from a country that speaks a different language, eats different foods, and has different customs and traditions? And what ab... Read More »
Published on Monday, February 15, 2010 by caryn
"That's mine!" hmf! My 2 1/2 year old regularly claims his possessions these days. Last week at church, he was given an impromptu lesson on sharing. Apart from preschool and church, he's never really had to share. He regularly takes our daughter's blanket, pacifier, and baby toys, claiming possession over them. Teaching a child to share is an interesting pro... Read More »
Published on Sunday, February 14, 2010 by caryn
"Let's read it again." Those are the daily sentiments of my 2 1/2 year old. He loves to read...and I love that about him. Admittedly, there are times when I really wish we could read something different. But connections are being made. So I read him that book again and again to his heart's content. If you knew...if you really knew what 20 minutes a day c... Read More »
Published on Monday, January 4, 2010 by caryn
Title: The One Year Devotions for Preschoolers 2
by Carla Barnhill; illustrated by Elena Kucharik
Age range: 3-6 years old
Publisher: Tyndale
Price: $14.99 (hardcover)
Reading is a part of our daily routine, particularly at nap and bedtime. I feel very fortunate that my son enjoys reading as much as he does. I'm hoping that since our baby girl is also g... Read More »
Published on Friday, January 1, 2010 by caryn
I've been working with Scholastic for over a year and a half, and it's an honor to work with a company who's primary goal is to get children reading. My son has enough books to open a small library. Books are something we'll never tire of. We could read the same book over and over, and get something new and different out of it each time. Sometimes we will in f... Read More »
Published on Friday, December 18, 2009 by caryn
There is not enough darkness in the world to extinguish the light of one small candle.
Spanish proverb
I think children's books are probably one of the best, most affordable gifts you could give a child. My son loves to read with me because it's something we've done together since he was a baby. Naptime and bedtime routines are incomplete without our story tim... Read More »
Published on Sunday, November 29, 2009 by caryn
I've always maintained that reading is one of the best things you can do with and for your child. I started when my son was an infant but I could have (and should have) started when I was pregnant with him. That is how strongly I feel about it's importance and effect on children. You've heard people say that the goal is 20 minutes and I believe that is entirely ... Read More »
Published on Tuesday, July 7, 2009 by caryn
How do you prepare a child for a new baby brother or sister? That question has been crossing my mind lately. Hospitals offer sibling classes and Amazon is filled with books on the subject. But honestly, I don't know where to start. Do I talk to him about it now? How much does he really understand? Do I avoid any changes to routines when the baby arrives (i.e... Read More »
Published on Friday, April 17, 2009 by caryn
There are some things in life that are best taught by a children's book. Bodily functions are one of them. As a nurse, I have no reservations discussing subjects most people would shy away from. But how do you explain something like gastroenteritis to a 2 year old?
My son recently had Rotavirus and I have to admit that it was very difficult to explain to hi... Read More »
Published on Sunday, December 14, 2008 by caryn
"Oscar, it's time for Mommy to bring home the bacon." --Megan Calhoun, Oscar the Pig
I used to dream about a time when I could clock out at work for the very last time. I even pseudo-lived that "dream" when I took an entire year off to have my son. I loved that 6 months I stayed home with him. We developed an incredible bond and I had the opportunity to spend ... Read More »
Published on Monday, September 29, 2008 by caryn
American youth attributes much more importance to arriving at driver's-license age than at voting age. ~Marshall McLuhan, Understanding Media: The Extensions of Man, 1964
In just over 30 days, America will go to the polls and decide who will lead our country. Never has it been more important for Americans to vote than right now. For many parents struggling to ... Read More »