Author: Splash Creative

Are you looking for a daycare program for your child? Choosing the right one is an important decision to ensure that your child’s needs are met and that they have a positive experience. Daycare provides opportunities for children to connect with their peers, learn new skills such as language, problem-solving, and emotional regulation, and build routines in a safe, nurturing environment. It also gives you the peace of mind of knowing that your child is in good hands while you balance work and other obligations.

 

When it comes to finding the right daycare, you’ll want to start the search early, as some centers can have a long waitlist. Some factors to consider are safety, cleanliness, and qualifications of staff members, including being certified in CPR and first aid. Verify if the center is licensed or registered with the appropriate government agencies and if they’re currently accredited or in the process of becoming accredited. While accreditation is not required, daycare centers that are accredited offer higher quality of care and learning experiences. 

 

It’s always best to visit the center in person to get a sense of what the environment is like and to observe interactions between caregivers and children. You’ll get the opportunity to ask questions to determine if the daycare is the right fit for your family. It’s particularly helpful to inquire about the daycare’s policies on health, discipline, and communication with parents. You’ll also want to make sure that the child care center has measures in place for emergency preparedness and safety procedures. Other relevant aspects are the daycare’s hours and whether they align with your scheduling needs, costs, and payment methods. Confirm that the daycare has a qualified health professional who can address any health concerns and issues that may come up.

 

Once you have chosen your daycare, preparing your child to adjust to the transition is the next step. Most children adapt well, but some might struggle and feel upset. Being separated from family and in a setting with strangers can be distressing for kids, especially in the beginning. To help overcome this, talk to your child in advance of starting daycare and let them know what they can expect. Frame your language in a positive light to make the experience less scary. You can talk about how they’ll get to make new friends or play with new toys, for example. Reassure them that they will be back at home and that they will see you again soon. It might also be helpful to give your child a toy or a family photo to carry as a reminder of their home. If the center offers orientations, that can help your child develop familiarity before they attend the program. Additionally, there are many books about going to daycare that you can share with your kids to prepare them. 

 

If your child has any specific needs, developmental or learning disabilities, or health conditions, communicate about this to the caregivers at the center and ask for any accommodations that may be needed. For any questions or concerns about starting daycare, please call our pediatrician.

If your child has learning differences like ADHD or autism spectrum disorder (ASD), developing executive functioning skills can be challenging. Executive functioning skills are essential brain functions that help children (and adults) plan, stay organized, control impulses, regulate emotions, and make decisions. Children who struggle with executive functioning may feel easily overwhelmed by everyday tasks, like finishing homework, keeping track of school assignments, or completing household chores

The good news is that there are several effective strategies to help children improve these skills and tackle tasks more confidently. Here are some helpful methods to support your child in building executive functioning skills.

 

Break Down Tasks into Smaller Steps
Breaking larger tasks down into manageable steps can help kids feel less overwhelmed. For example, if your child has a big project or a long list of chores, teach them to create a checklist of smaller steps. By tackling one step at a time, they’ll gain a sense of accomplishment and feel less daunted by the larger task. Checklists and clear steps make it easier to stay organized and keep track of progress.

 

Use a Planner or Calendar
A planner or calendar is a great tool for children who tend to forget deadlines or struggle to keep up with assignments. Encourage your child to get into the habit of jotting down homework, test dates, and other responsibilities in a planner. Having all their to-do items in one place helps them plan their time effectively and reduces the risk of missing important tasks. It’s also beneficial to set time limits for each task so that they can get a sense of how to map out their schedule.

 

Establish Routines
Habits take time to build, but once routines are in place, they can help children feel more grounded and organized. A consistent routine, including setting homework time, bedtime, or a chore schedule, provides structure and makes it easier for kids to manage their responsibilities and activities without becoming overwhelmed.

 

Find the Right Learning Methods
Every child has their own unique learning style, so finding methods that work best for your child can make a difference. Visual learners, for example, may benefit from using visual aids like charts or color-coded organizers. Some kids might also respond well to reward systems, where they earn incentives for completing tasks to keep them motivated.

 

Create a Distraction-Free Workspace
When it’s time to focus on homework, a distraction-free environment is key. Help your child set up a quiet, organized space for work that is free of screen devices (unless needed for homework), clutter, and noise. Making sure their workspace is comfortable and well-organized can go a long way in creating a positive environment for learning and concentration. All of these strategies can help your child build a foundation for strong executive functioning skills that will empower them to approach tasks with confidence. If your child has a learning disability and is still struggling with executive functioning skills, it may be helpful to reach out for additional support. Call our office for further guidance and resources to support your child’s needs.

 

At least 3,500 babies die every year from sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and accidental suffocation or strangulation. Losing a baby to sudden death is extremely devastating for families and can cause feelings of guilt along with grief. The cause of a baby’s death isn’t always clear at first, but most sudden deaths occur while the baby is sleeping. SIDS is still being studied by experts, but there are multiple things parents can do to reduce the risk and protect their baby. 

 

One of the essential recommendations from pediatricians is to ensure that your baby sleeps safely and in a safe environment. This includes placing the baby on their back and on a firm and flat surface – there should be no soft and loose bedding or objects such as pillows, blankets, and stuffed toys. Use a fitted sheet only and keep everything else out of your child’s crib or bassinet. Infants should not sleep on their stomachs (or on their side where they can roll over onto their stomach) as research suggests that SIDS might be caused by defects in the part of the brain that controls breathing and waking up. If the baby is on their stomach, they can sleep too deeply and not wake up when they need oxygen. 

 

It is also recommended to not let your baby share a bed, including putting twins or multiples together. Babies should sleep in a crib or bassinet alone, but it is highly beneficial to share a room with your baby so that you can watch over them. Never let your baby sleep in car seats, strollers, infant carriers, or swings. You’ll also want to make sure that the temperature of your baby’s sleep environment is safe. If your baby gets too hot, they become at higher risk for death. 

 

Another important precaution to follow is to avoid any smoke exposure. It is advised for pregnant women to avoid smoking, even if it’s just one cigarette per day, as it can double the risk for sudden infant death syndrome. Smoking near the baby should be avoided at all times as secondhand smoke increases their chances of dying and it also jeopardizes their respiratory system. Vaping and e-cigarettes are not safe around infants. 

 

Breastfeeding is recommended for babies to strengthen their immune system, provide all of the nourishment they need, and ensure that they develop healthy and strong. It can also reduce the risk of SIDS by 50%! Breast milk causes babies to wake up more easily when they need to which protects them from dying. A pacifier can also help keep your baby safe from sudden death, but it’s best to wait until your baby can latch onto the breast during nursing and has started to gain weight. 

 

Tummy time can protect babies as it strengthens their neck muscles and helps prevent flat spots on the head. An adult should always be with a baby during tummy time and it should only be done while the baby is fully awake. As always, keeping up with your child’s well-check visits is extremely important for ensuring that your baby’s development and health are on track and for them to be up-to-date with their immunizations. Immunization is helpful in protecting babies from sudden infant death syndrome. To schedule your baby’s visit or if you have any questions about keeping your little one safe, please call our office.