Does your little one squirm off your lap every time you start reading a book? Or do they only want to read the same book over and over? For parents trying to build a foundation for literacy in their babies and toddlers, these things might not be the problem you think they are! Read tips from literacy expert Jocelyn Manzanarez on fun and easy ways to build literacy through music and movement.
Read How to Raise a Reader? Think Outside the Book
When deciding between childcare options, there are so many things to consider. Co-op can be a natural “next step” after Newborn or Baby Peppers groups. Co-op preschools are a great way to continue learning and practicing parenting strategies in a safe and accepting environment. PEPS families already understand that there’s value in raising children “in a village,” and co-ops are a great way to continue that practice. Read more about the benefits of co-op preschools.
Read Why Co-op Preschool Could be a Great Next Step in Your Parenting Journey
Do you find yourself stuck in a loop of repeating “good job!” to your child all day? Try incorporating Descriptive Commenting, a communication strategy that can help increase vocabulary, encourage child-directed play, and build a growth mindset. Learn more with tips from a Pediatric Speech and Language Pathologist.
Did you know that a baby’s auditory system becomes functional around the start of the third trimester, and by the time they’re born they already know their birth parent’s voice and characteristics of the language(s) their birth parent speaks? Learn more about infant language development and tips for creating rich sound experiences for babies from the director of University of Washington’s Lab for Early Auditory Perception.
Read Supporting Language Development in Infancy
If you choose to hire a nanny to provide childcare in your home, it may feel strange to think of yourself as an employer and your home as a workplace. When you hire a nanny, you are subject to legal requirements and other responsibilities as a domestic employer. Hand in Hand Domestic Employers Network shares best practices around legal requirements, benefits, and more for families employing a nanny.
Read Best Practices for Employing a Nanny