Every parent wants to help their child’s brain be programmed to learn from all of their experiences. Research has shown that activities such as music, athletics, dance, art and/or drama are important and contribute to that growth. In fact, sports, recess, and physical activity can actually increase the growth of brain cells (neurogenesis) and reduce kids’ chances for depression.
Make it a priority to take your child to art exhibits. Talk with them about what they see. Ask what they like about the pictures. The more often a child is exposed to these experiences then the more comfortable they will be in this environment. According to the Trip Advisor the following are the top 10 museums/things to do in Kansas City: National World War I Museum and Memorial Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art Arabia Steamboat Museum Negro Leagues Baseball Museum Kaleidoscope Science City at Union Station The National Museum of Toys and Miniatures Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art The Money Museum The College Basketball Experience Your child will also enjoy a visit to the Kansas City Zoo or the Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead. Ask your child about the animals. Talk to them about how the animals might feel, does the animal like to be in water, do they like the weather to be cold or warm. Then ask them to explain why they came to that conclusion. Children also benefit from “old fashion play”. Take them to the park. Visit John Anderson Park, 4701 E 135th Street. This park has multiple playgrounds and kids can cool off in the FREE splash park. Look into the Grandview Amphitheater. This is the newest music venue in the Kansas City Metro. Don’t forget about Pinterest. You will find lots of fun activities that you can do with your child using things around the house. Mid-Continent Library have wonderful reading programs. Enroll in Read Your Child 1000 Books Before Kindergarten. You can request a book log at the information desk when you visit a library. Your child from birth until he enters kindergarten can participate. You can repeat titles as often as you like. All of the children in this age bracket can join. Get busy and start reading! Parenting is hard. There are days when the frustrations seem to outweigh the glory of it all. Especially in these times, when it seems (thanks to Facebook, Instagram and Twitter) that there is someone who has discovered the secret to doing it all and doing it well. It is in those discouraging days that it is most important to reflect on and remember the joys of parenting. It is important to think about your own specific family and what brings you joy in the midst of raising your own children.
My alarm goes off at 5:30 am, and after pushing myself to wake up and get ready I also have to wake up my child with kisses and lots of reminders to hurry up. Every day is the same battle and without much thought, we accomplish it. If this sounds like your mornings, I believe you. When I read this article about “Why I love being a parent” the words that stood out were courage, love, and patience. My son and I have shared many moments, and together we have built a family, but sometimes I have felt frustration. In those tough times I looked for and received the support I needed, and together we made it through. The truth is that I love my son. What I love about being a parent is that I feel a sense of pride at what he can accomplish at his young age and most importantly, that I am there to celebrate it with him (sometimes with tears in my eyes.) Today, ask yourself what do you love of being a parent and share your thoughts with someone that may need your support. To see examples of other parent's thoughts and feelings, follow this LINK. Feel free to comment below about what You love about being a parent. Let's encourage one another. |
AuthorThe parent educators with Grandview Parents As Teachers have over 100 years of cummulative early childhood and home visiting experience. Archives
September 2023
Categories |