HRM Parent Blog

"You helped your child learn to walk, holding their hands while they stood up and grew strong. They wobbled a bit with that first step, but with each subsequent footfall they became more confident.  Don’t stop there. Just as children need to be taught to read and write, they need to be taught how to run, jump and throw. After all, movement is a child’s first language, and our ability to move is the most fundamental means we have of understanding our world."  (activeforlife.ca)

According to the Canadian Sport for Life organization only 10% of Canadian kids are getting enough exercise and nearly 30% of Canadian kids are overweight or obese.   In an effort to help young kids start and stay active they have created Active for Life - a great resource with tools and information to help your kids get active.

Their philosophy is based on doing the right things at the right time in the right way and they suggest 5 key considerations which designing sports programs for your kids:

1. FUNdamentals first: Younger children benefit from participating in a variety of activities in which they learn a full range of fundamental movement skills. More complex sport skills should only be added to their repertoire when their bodies are ready. Plus participation should always be fun.
2. Focus on child development: Because not all four-year-olds are the same – some children mature earlier, some a bit later – a child’s skill progression should be dictated by their physical, mental and emotional development, not their chronological age.
3. Child small, not adult large: Children are not little adults, so they shouldn’t be participating in sports adults would. Kids benefit from equipment, playing fields and modified games that are scaled to their size.
4. Practice, practice, fun: The more they get to participate – the more they get to touch the ball or puck – the quicker children improve their skills. This means smaller team sizes are best. And practices are more important than games. When players can have their own puck or ball they develop their skills much faster, and they have more fun while they’re at it. Kids should practice two or three times for each game they play.
5. Winning is not a good measure: Winning at a young age does not correlate to winning when your child is older. Long-term success comes from a long-term approach to skill development. And the stress from emphasizing winning is part of the reason 70% of kids quit sport by age 13.

Be sure to keep these in mind as you plan summer sports program and camps for your kids.  Plus, be sure to check out their kids sports guide to determine the skills and sports your child should be practicing based on their age and abilities. 

Your kids are worth it, so go ahead, start building their physical confidence and enjoyment of sports now so they will stay active for life.

For more information and research on how quality sports and physical activity leads to happier, healthier children visit Canadian Sport For Life.

Three Simple Ways to Teach Manners to your Kids:

Parents may despair of ever teaching their children manners but there are ways to do so. And they are so simple and sensible!

1. Be a strong role model. Actions speak louder than words. Set a good example and think twice before you gesture rudely at the guy who cuts you off, yell at the telemarketer on the phone, or eat standing over the sink.

2. Treat your children with courtesy. Ask your kids to come to the table or take out the trash; don’t bark orders. Say please and thank you. Respect their privacy and dignity. Do not rummage through their rooms when they are not home. Do not embarrass them in public but instead take them aside for correction.

3. Be clear and consistent about your etiquette expectations. Make sure your children know the correct way to behave in public and understand the rules. For example, teach them how to make introductions and rehearse good table manners. Familiarity breeds success.

Top 10 Most Important Manners According to Parents

Parents want their children to shine when they interact with others. According to a number of surveys, they say they most want their kids to:

1. Always say “please,” “thank you,” and “excuse me.”
2. Write thank you notes for gifts.
3. Look people in the eye when speaking to them.
4. Pick up clothes left on the floor; put dirty dishes in the dishwasher.
5. Wait their turn to speak rather than interrupt.
6. Use proper table manners.
7. Be thoughtful and considerate of others – especially about opening doors and offering seats to older people.
8. Listen when others speak and respond clearly when spoken to.
9. Respect the privacy and property of others
10. Have good phone manners.

None of the above is impossible to achieve and all are traits and practices that will stand your children in good stead when they are adults, too. With just a little persistence and role modeling, your kids will make you and themselves proud!

Special thanks to Carolyn Dougan, a Halifax based certified Speech-Language Pathologist and the proud mom of two young kids, for this post on taking some time this month to focus on your child's language development.

As a parent, it seems like there is always something to worry about. One question most parents have is, “Is my child’s speech and language where it should be for their age?”  May is Speech and Hearing Month. So, what better time to review a few important tips and information for parents!

There are a variety of communication disorders a child may have. Some of the most common are listed below:

1. Articulation delays/disorders -omitting, substituting, or distorting sounds (e.g., “wook” for “look”)
2. Voice disorders (clarity, volume, pitch, hoarseness)
3. Stuttering (hesitations, syllable or word repetitions, and restarts).
4. Language delays/disorders (i.e., difficulties with expression and understanding of language).

There are things that you can do at home to facilitate your child’s language development. Here are a few important talking tips:

Observe- watch, listen, and follow your child’s lead

Simplify your language- keep your language similar to your child’s language

Comment- talk about what is going on around you- be the constant narrator!

Interpret - respond to gestures and words/word attempts your child makes

Routines - take advantage of everyday activities (e.g., brushing teeth, getting dressed, cooking, etc.)

Expand- add to what your child says (e.g., if you child says “ball”, you could say “big, red ball’)

Imitate- copy actions, sounds and words

Questions – try to ask questions that require more than a ‘yes’ or ‘no’ answer

Songs and Nursery Rhymes - use music and games to encourage talking

Books and Reading - reading is a great way to encourage language development in addition to literacy development

(Ten Toddler Talking Tips, Health PEI, 2010)

Babies learn to talk by listening to the voices and sounds around them. It is also important to note that all children develop at different rates. It is often hard to know if a child has a speech or language problem. So, trust your instincts! You’re the parent and you know your child best.  If you suspect a problem, see a Speech-Language Pathologist. Even children under the age of two can be helped with speech and language development.

For more information, consult the Canadian Association of Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists at www.caslpa.ca  

Pop quiz.

1. Where can you go to get free classes in children’s reading support or homework help?

2. Where can you go on a Saturday morning to see a free puppet show?

3. Where can your teens go to hang out, play games and be part of a writing group.

4. Where can you go for free baby and toddler classes?

5. Where can you learn the basics of digital photography, gardening and computer skills?

6. Where can you go to rent free movie DVDs and music CDs? 

The answer?  Our beloved Halifax Public Libraries . 

As if the collection of books, magazines, videos and ebooks isn’t enough to make you want to visit any of our great public libraries, the amazing line up of programs, classes and activities should.

My girls and I visited the Spring Garden location a few weeks ago and had a blast playing with the puppet show and other toys they have on hand, before settling on the couch for a few books.   They love it there and often choose it or the Keshen Goodman location as the place to go on Fridays or the weekend.   

It’s an amazing resource for families with programs for kids of all ages.  Offering parent and tot drop-in classes, children’s programs and lots of options for teens including a blog . 

Whether you go as a family or just a few of you, any time at your local library is considered time well spent.  Go explore and enjoy!

This article by Dr. Kelly Pryde from DreamKids just arrived in my inbox and I wanted to share it with you all right away. I *so* needed to read this at the moment. I hope it inspires you as well. *shutting off the computer now and going in the backyard to join my son*

Dear Mom and Dad,

I know I often talk back, roll my eyes and tune you out, but here’s the thing: I really, really do need you. Sometimes I think you forget that I’m just a kid and that I still have many special needs. So if I was able to, here are 12 things I would tell you I need the most…

1. Spend time with me and connect with me. It helps me know that I matter. (Not to mention that you are the most important person in my life and I really want to be with you.)

2. Please slow down and take your time with me. I cannot do things at your skill level or on your schedule.

3. Celebrate all of my little successes and cheer me on. It inspires me.

4. Honor my need for sleep. My body and my brain depend on it for learning and growing.

5. Protect my energy. Please keep negative TV, radio, conversations, and people as well as unnecessary stress away from me.

6. Hug me often. It helps me feel loved and special and it’s good for my developing brain.

7. Be as patient with me the 20th time you teach me something, as you were the first time. My brain doesn’t learn as quickly as yours and I sometimes forget.

8. Please don’t raise your voice—I’m not stupid or deaf. I am a child who is still learning and making lots of mistakes. Approach me gently with an open heart.

9. Challenge me but do not push me too hard to progress or achieve. Let me have fun and take pleasure in where I am today.

10. Respect me by speaking to me, not about me to others like I’m not there.

11. Set clear expectations and limits for my behavior. It helps me feel safe.

12. Be the person you want me to be. You are my biggest hero and I want to learn from you how to be in this world.

Idea for Action
Choose 1 or 2 ideas from this list that resonated most with you and commit to putting them into action over the next few weeks. Our children are the most precious gifts we have—let’s be sure to notice and honor what they need most. 
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Copyright 2009 DreamKids. All rights reserved.

Dr. Kelly Pryde is the founder of DreamKids – a company dedicated to celebrating and developing potential in children and families. A speaker, author and mother of two, Kelly holds a Ph.D. in Psychology and offers inspiring and practical ideas for today’s parents. Join the growing DK family by subscribing to DreamKids’ free e-newsletter at: http://www.dreamkids.ca/newsletter.php.