10 Things every child needs

If you visit Spark Aurora Early Childhood, you will find 10 great ideas about raising kids.

I have had several conversations with parents recently, and they have been very diligent in seeking the best for their children, especially in seeking support when they are struggling with particular issues. They would identify with some of these needs. As a parent, and now as a grandparent, I can certainly identify with these ideas. How many are part of your family dynamic? Have fun exploring and incorporating them into your family.

“At birth, an infant's brain is 25% the size of an adult's brain. By age 3, this is 90%. Children are flooded with new experiences that impact their brain development. Their first 5 years offers parents an amazing opportunity to shape their growth and form healthy habits to last a lifetime. The good news is that what every child needs; every parent can give.

1] Encourage interaction: A child's brain develops based on early home experiences. The more interaction a child has, the healthier their development. What can parents do? Respond quickly to their needs. Speak in a soft, slow voice. Get down to their level; involve yourself in their play. Engage them in conversation. Be present in their life.

2] Offer physical affection: Physical affection communicates love to young children, and fosters positive emotional growth. What can parents do? Be gentle and responsive. Massage your infant. Hold your child when feeding them. Rock your baby and look into their eyes. Hold your child on your lap when playing or reading. Hug your child often.

3] Provide a stable relationship: Children who have a stable relationship with at least one caregiver learn faster, feel better about themselves, and make friends more easily. What can parents do? Be a loving, consistent presence. Create an environment that allows exploration, but set limits to show both guidance and care.

4] Maintain a safe, healthy home: Creating a safe and healthy home environment allows you to maximize your child's growth with minimal risk. What can parents do? Child-proof your home. Use age-appropriate car seats. Feed your child a healthy, nutritious diet and avoid high-fat foods. Encourage outdoor play and exercise.

5] Develop strong self-esteem: A strong sense of self is the basis for healthy development in young children. What can parents do? Recognize and celebrate that every child is unique from birth. Encourage your child to express themself. . Respect your child and teach them to respect themself and others.

6] Engage in conversation: Communicating with your child not only shows love, but also develops their speech patterns. What can parents do? Talk to them, early and often. Sing to and with them. Use a broad vocabulary to expose your child to many different words. Engage your child in conversation. Read aloud to your child and ask them questions.

7] Make music: Music offers children an outlet for expression and stimulates brain development in language and reasoning. What can parents do? Involve your child in music. Sing, clap, dance and tap your feet together with your child. Encourage your child to make their own music using household items. [Our kids used to love playing with the saucepans!] Play music and encourage your child to sing and dance.

8] Make reading a priority: Reading with children demonstrates a love for books and learning, and is a wonderful way for us to spend quality time. What can parents do? Read to them every day. Point to pictures and ask questions. Re-read the same book to help them make the connection between the written page and the spoken word. [Our kids absolutely loved stories, and our grandchildren do too!]

9] Promote play: Playing provides children with an outlet for imagination and creativity and fosters healthy brain development. What can parents do? Be your child's playmate, engage in their play. Encourage play by using everyday household items in creative ways. Get to know your child through play.

10] Choose quality child care: Childcare settings can be a primary learning environment, so the quality of the setting is very important. What can parents do? Take an active role in selecting the best centre. Visit with your child to determine their comfort level.

If you would like to talk about any of these ideas, please feel free to email me.

Quote for the week:

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Reminder:

The second-hand uniform is available every Tuesday morning before school on the deck outside the SPC. We have multiple sizes of shorts, shirts, pants and dresses. A gold coin donation is all that is required.

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Please feel free to contact me via Compass, or at school, if there is anything you would like to discuss. I am here to support our school community with whatever is challenging us.

Alan Silverwood – Chaplain - Pastoral care for our community. [Monday, Tuesday, Friday]

[alan.silverwood@education.vic.gov.au] Supporting the GRPS community in emotional, social, spiritual and practical wellbeing.

The Chaplaincy program is funded by the Federal Government, donations and the GRPS School Council.

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