SELF CARE:
We said this yesterday, but we're saying it again. Mother's
Day is Sunday. It's going to be a little different. Identify and talk to
your partner about what would be truly rejuvenating. Whatever it is,
don't be afraid to ask for what you need-even if it's to just be totally
alone for as long as is possible.

PARENTING TIP:
Leaving the House Take 4! We hope the tips this week
have been helpful for smoothing your transitions! The final tip we'll
mention is to just go! Even if there is resistance. I find my head
clears, and suddenly everything is a bit more manageable without the
laundry pile and dishes staring me down at every turn. When the birds
chirp and the sun shines upon me I not only feel better, but I am able
to be more fully present to my children as well.

INDOOR ACTIVITY:
Literacy: Start a journal with your child. Hint: you
can staple pages together and make your own. They scribble or draw and
you write what their scribbles or drawings represent. Don't model how to
draw things (this makes them feel they will never be able to live up!)
and don't ask them what it is. Instead, say "Can you tell me about
this?" Sometimes it's "that is dark and that is light" Other times it
will be a rocket ship with an ice-cream machine. Even if they aren't to
the dictating stage yet having an opportunity to practice scribbling
every day is a great pre-literacy skill! And it will be very fun to
watch the development of the scribbles or drawings over time.

OUTDOOR ACTIVITY:
Bug Safari. Bug hunts are a wonderful part of
childhood. While in a nature spot or walking around the block-find large
rocks or logs to overturn. You'll almost always find some pill bugs!
Teach children they can hold the bug in their flat hand (not between
their fingers). The joy of a little bug crawling on your hand is an
experience not to miss when your young and helps to connect children to
the natural world. We miss all of our bug hunting in our Explorers
classes!

Supporting families on the road to connected and effective parenting.

parenting workshops * parent/toddler playgroups * presentations * private consultations

Email kellam@earlychildhoodmatters.org if you are interested in finding out about sliding scale tuition for our parenting series, mom’s groups, and playgroups. We are happy to help support parents who are in a situation where these courses might otherwise be cost prohibitive.

Our cancellation policy:

Full refund 30 days or more (less a 20% transaction fee), less than 14 days before the start of class a 40% refund will be granted, unless the participant finds a replacement to fill their spot, less than 7 days participants will be responsible for paying the full amount of the class/series price, unless they find a replacement participant to fill their spot.