The Importance of Play

July 27, 2022

This week, we are sharing a tip from Dr. Prachi Shah, a developmental-behavioral pediatric specialist at the University of Michigan. Play is important for children to build cognitive and social-emotional skills, problem solving, creativity and curiosity. Challenge your families to find 5-10 minutes a day for “sunshine time” with their children. This is a time…Read More

Sparks: A Video Series for Parents

July 20, 2022

Meet , a parent video series that pairs with well-child visits from birth to age 5. Made BY providers, FOR providers, Sparks blends anticipatory guidance on social-emotional-cognitive development, medical, safety, sleep, and nutrition topics. Sparks is FREE and was created by the Mount Sinai Parenting Center, Zero to Three, the Brazelton Touchpoints Center, and a diverse team of leaders…Read More

Lying

July 13, 2022

Lying is a common behavior of 4-5 year olds.  As a provider, you can reassure parents that lying, while frustrating, demonstrates critical thinking skills and comes from age-appropriate confusion between fantasy and reality. The following suggestions can help create a relaxed reaction and make children more likely to tell the truth: Acknowledge the feeling or…Read More

Setting Limits

July 6, 2022

Here are a few reminders to share with families on setting limits with toddlers. Limits: Provide structure, not punishment. Mean saying what a child can and cannot do. Need to be consistent. Should start by acknowledging feelings. Can be followed by a behavior toddlers can do instead.