(KGTV) - Having healthy kids is important. But how do you know what kind of physical, social or emotional development your child may need?
Here are some tips from some of our local experts.
WHAT ARE SOME OF THE MOST IMPORTANT BASICS OF CHILDHOOD WE CAN EASILY TAKE CARE OF?
* Making sure your child is up to date with medical and dental check-ups; including immunizations.
* Focusing on some issues you need to control and be firm about. Making sure there is no argument around safety issues like putting them in a car seat, using bike helmets or playing near traffic.
* Create routines and keep them; set limits. This will in turn make your child feel secure and safe.
HOW CAN WE RAISE STRONG AND INDEPENDENT KIDS?
* Assign simple tasks such as feeding pets or putting toys away.
* Allow your child to participate in decision making – let them pick out which vegetables to have for dinner; don’t give open ended.
* Encourage independence in bathing and dressing; brushing their teeth or choosing to what shirt to wear or even learning to put their shoes on.
* Give children their space to be creative, choosing activities and fail with support.
HOW DOES THE YMCA HELP BUILD SOCIAL EMOTIONAL SKILLS IN EARLY CHILDHOOD?
* 90% of brain development happens in first 5 years of life.
* Children learn through play. Our programs support parents and early childhood educators.
* Understand what is developmentally appropriate at various stages. Each child develops at different rate but know the stages of a 3-year old versus a 5-year old.
* Set realistic expectations; remember they are still learning.
* Spend quality one-on-one time with children by reading or playing games. For more information about the YMCA Childcare Resource Service go to www.ymca.org.
