Over the past year, we have discussed a range of issues facing parents of young children in Memphis. What should new parents focus on in the New Year?
One of the most distressing and challenging aspects of parenting is figuring out the best way to deal with a child’s aggression. Fortunately for parents, working with children to learn to control themselves during their earliest years has been shown to be the most effective way of preventing the development of behavioral issues as they mature.
Believe it or not, preparing a child for school starts the day you bring them home from the hospital. The term “school readiness” has become a hot topic in recent years- creating a flurry of media interest, “how to” guide books, websites, scholarly debates, and academic research. Fortunately, the best things you can do for your child to prepare them for school are also the simplest and most natural.
Research identifies key similarities in parenting practices across cultures that help to promote optimal early childhood social, emotional and cognitive development, leading to school readiness and child well-being. Regardless of country of origin, socio-economic status or culture, primary responsive parenting proves to be one of the most important factors in establishing healthy child development.
New parents have a lot to think about as they drive home from the hospital with their newborn: feeding schedules, nap time, bath time, changing the first diaper, making sure there are no sharp edges, plugging electrical outlets.
