5 Ways to Empower your Kids

July 29, 2017 by Young Scholars Academy Leave a Comment

Empower your kids! There is a difference between giving your children empowerment, and giving them THE power, as I will explain.

Example: constantly telling your child that they are perfect is going to give them a sense of entitlement; telling your child each day how they can be successful is called empowerment.

Take a few minutes out of each day to remind your child just how amazing they are, and what they can do. “John you did an amazing job picking out your clothes today and getting ready so fast!” They are going to find new confidence in their lives by giving them these simple tools for their daily lives.

• Let your child make decisions even if you know it is not going to end positively- let them fail and take reasonable risks; they will learn from it!
• Help them learn patience- help them to realize that not EVERYTHING has immediate gratification (plant a garden)
• Don’t bail them out every time- let them make decisions to deal with the consequence whether they be positive or negative outcomes
• Lead by example- show respect, show that you care for yourself and others equally and passionately, have gratitude about your life, and be self-sufficient

Next time you are at the park encourage them to climb that ladder or jump from that new distance. It’s going to be scary as hell for you as their guardian, but so cool as their life mentor!

Empower your Kids by Unplugging!

In the technologically filled world that we live in, remind your children that the best things in life take time. Make sure to take time to unplug each day to connect with the natural world. Lie in the backyard at night, and start reading a long book together. Read one chapter per night to build some anticipation about what is going to happen next.

There are so many safe ways to let children fail and benefit from it. If they are doing something that they love, but you usually help them or do it for them, take the back seat next time. Offer encouragement and that is all. Let them dress themselves, or bake the pie, or paint their nails, or give the dog a bath. They will learn from their mistakes and do better next time. By fixing their own mistakes they will feel so much pride from doing it all on their own; which in turn will fill you with pride.

Lead by Example

The last tip of leading by example will transform your child’s outlook on life. You are their first and number one teacher. Take a step back and realize just how many things they do the same way that you do. Is it the positive version of you that is being reflected? If not, do something about it. Your children are still growing and changing each day. It is not too late to give them some empowering footsteps to follow in.

Feeling overwhelmed yet? Don’t. You’re going to screw up, and you’re going to do it in front of your little ones. The way you react to it is what they’re going to remember. So be you, and they will learn to be them. One day, they will thank you when they are in your shoes and raising some of their own minions.

Thanks for the read!

Ms. Brooke
Literacy Leader
Curriculum Instruction Coordinator
Rockin’ Pre-K Teacher

Scented Watermelon Art!

July 28, 2017 by Young Scholars Academy Leave a Comment

Want to have armloads of fun? Incorporate finger paints and scents in one activity! Wow!!

The Pre-Kindergarteners really loved this activity as they loved being able to get really involved in the set-up and of course the final pieces!

The kids were learning about different habitats and Ms. Evelyn, the kids’ teacher, is native to the south. In the south, they have yellow watermelons which was a crazy concept to our 4 year olds, but in the end and through the giggles, really found this project fun!

Materials:

Paint (regular tempura paint– red for traditional or yellow for southern watermelons!)
Paper
Extracts; our kids used fruit extracts like berries for example. This could also be a great opportunity for you to go through your cupboards!

Mix a bit of the extracts into the paint and have the kids start their next masterpiece!

One way to bring the lesson further is get a watermelon from the store and explore the different textures when tasting it. As something fun you could save the seeds and have the kids try and grow their own watermelons!

Of course that would be just for fun, but long-term experiments are great for teaching patience and sparking questions (like you guys don’t get enough already!)

Thank you for reading! If you’re trying this at home, take pictures and let us see!

5 Things to Avoid When Potty Training

July 25, 2017 by Young Scholars Academy Leave a Comment

So as parents there is always the unsolicited advice of how to do things. Which foods are best, the best diapers to use, the best parks. It can all be so overwhelming!

Patience and understanding go a long way!

This is very true when it comes to Potty Training as well. From when a child should be potty trained to how one should go about it, there are just so many “ways” you can or cannot approach this development milestone. Social emotionally potty training a child can be a very hard thing for a child to comprehend and establish.

From one mom to another, and with my background in Early Childhood Education I have compiled just 5 things you should avoid, good luck!

1. Do not make it a battle.
If you both are in tears by the time you get your little one to sit on the potty, it is not the right time. It shouldn’t be a game of bribing and fighting. If a child is truly ready to be potty trained they will sit and try freely and with enthusiasm. When be forced to sit on the potty the child becomes even more scared of the act and thus the whole process will take longer.

2. Do not reprimand children for having an accident or shame for not using the potty.
As stated above potty training is more about the social emotional aspect. It should never be about embarrassing the child or making them guilty for having an accident. Along with anything children try to master there will be digression and progression till full on mastery, patience can and will be your best friend throughout this process. (Note: Pediatricians claim to not worry that your child is not potty trained until age 4!)

3. Do not start potty training in a transition or in times of stress.
If you are moving into or out of a house, have any major changes in schedule or the household we strongly encourage you to wait on potty training. Children are some of the best feelers in the world and they understand when something in their routine is off. Instead wait till a positive routine can be
established, studies show that parents are much more successful at this time as well.

4. Do not limit yourself to one method!
Just like when we teach our curriculum, we always have different learning methods for our different learners. This is something to be considered when you are implementing potty training methods! A good rule of thumb is try a practice for 2 weeks, if it doesn’t work that’s when you can transition to something else! What worked for the first child might not work for the second child. Allow yourself trial and error. Remember to keep positive!

5. Do not compare your methods or progress with someone else’s.
It is said that comparison is the thief of joy, don’t take away your child’s small victories because another child in their class is at another level. Every child is different! There are many cases when a child can become potty trained in 3 days and others in 3 months. It is a good thing to try and learn new methods from other moms and dads, but always take into consideration your own child and keep in mind that you are their biggest advocates!

I guess you could say that “Mommin’ Aint Easy” and potty training most definitely is not for the faint of heart! Steal your kids capes from dress up, put them on and tackle potty training like a pro!

Thanks for the read,
Michaela R.
Young Scholars Academy, Child Success Advocate, Early Childhood Educator

Wellness in the Workplace

July 21, 2017 by Young Scholars Academy Leave a Comment

What is wellness in the workplace? “Workplace wellness is any workplace health promotion activity or organizational policy designed to support healthy behavior in the workplace and to improve health outcomes.”

I struggled a bit with this new position as Wellness Coordinator only because I am one to want to help everyone. To boost their moods and help make everyone’s day but a wise woman once told me, “you can’t fix anyone.” You can try and help by giving them the tools but everyone gets through matters their own way so it might not always work.

So, I learned to accept that and did what I could for those who may have wanted or needed the boost. With my amazing co wellness coordinator, we came up with activates to get the entire YSA team involved to try and keep up the morale of the building.

We are a strong group of ladies, so there weren’t too many days when we NEEDED the boost – but who doesn’t love fun and games at work, just because? We had a variety of activities to meet all aspects of wellness; personal, mental, physical. We did things for individuals going through tough times, we had activities just for fun, to lift negative moods or mindsets flowing throughout the building, and we even had friendly competitions to stay fit. All of that to hold one another accountable and be there for one another.

But something about working at Young Scholars Academy made my job that much easier. How many people do you know who absolutely hate their job? Who dread going to work? Who are constantly talking about work drama?

I am one who doesn’t have that problem. I love going to work, I love who I work with and I leave any drama at the door. But no really, I consider YSA and the people in it, family; from the team, the parents, and the children. You create these connections that will last a lifetime and you meet people who will help you through anything. We have each others’ backs here at YSA and that helps the workplace wellness across the boards. Are we perfect? GOODNESS NO. But we keep our heads up and push through any setback together as a group.

So how is that workplace wellness? Well what is wellness? Wellness is “the state of being in good health in body and mind.” Well how do you define good health; “free from disease and pain, enjoying health and vigor of body, mind, and spirit.” So, you see, enjoying where you work decreases the stress and increases positive moods and behavior. Promoting good health through different activities is just a boost to keep that positivity alive or even to take a step back to reevaluate what needs to happen at a certain point.

Given the opportunity as wellness coordinator, I have reevaluated myself a lot and see the changes I need to make to reach certain goals to obtain my personal wellness. I encourage new coworkers and friends to make this evaluation for themselves as well. Best of luck!

Parent Guilt. Yes it’s real.

July 9, 2017 by Young Scholars Academy Leave a Comment

Maternity leave has taught me a few lessons this time around that I didn’t learn the first time around. The most powerful of those lessons is NO ONE has this parent thing figured out to perfection. Second- EVERYONE has an opinion on what you are doing and if they believe it is right or wrong. The best place to go if you want unsolicited advice or to feel judged is the playground or community park. (We all judge so we might as well as get that out of the way.)

Let me start this off with a positive. We are all trying our best and just hope to get our kids through this crazy thing called life. Our kids don’t need the breast over the bottle. It really doesn’t matter if we choose co-sleeping or separate room arrangements. Our children will survive if they don’t have organic everything.

All our children need in this crazy adventure that us parents have chosen to go on, is guidance and love. Yes, we need to make sure they have the essentials of life but when it comes to everything else love and guidance is all they want and truly need from us.

Guilt is a powerful thing that will consume your happiness and make you question everything in a matter of moments. (okay at least it does to me) As a parent I am constantly questioning- am I doing it right? Am I damaging this poor kid(s) by the choices I am making? I don’t usually openly say that I am concerned or questioning my choices. I truly believe in faking it till you make it. Especially in this parenting adventure.

I sit at the park letting my tiny little adventurer run up the slide, jump off the top tier of the platform and am embracing the energy that is my spazzy child. I take the parent approach of free range and reasonable risk. I live by the notion of if he doesn’t fall or fail how will he know to get back up or try again.

I don’t even realize the mom group that has formed at the picnic area next to me till I start hearing the whispers and the “don’t climb the slide that is not how we use it.” This is where I stop and cringe and try to not be that crazy mom or teacher going off the deep end about why it is okay for them to climb the slide or take a little risk. (This is where my judging comes in) We all parent different and we all have different notions on what is acceptable and what is not.

I can’t even pretend to be an exclusion of the parent shaming, judging every move another parent makes. I do and I even judge myself as I am doing it. There is no perfect parenting style or way. If there was we would all own the book and have saints of children and no tantrums or behavior issues. However, that book has not come out yet. It most likely won’t anytime soon. Not only because there is no perfect way but because each child is different in their own amazing way. So, there can’t be one way parenting.

So how do I deal with being the parent guilted from the choices I make? I pick my emotional battles. I realize that no matter what I love the tiny humans I brought into this world. I conclude that if I guide them to kindness and love them it will all be okay. I choose to let it go and try to be more understanding as I am standing at the park being the black sheep that didn’t pack the organic snacks or bring the sunscreen. I choose their happiness and my emotional sanity.

I also promise to work on my own judgmental ways and remind myself that we are all on this journey together and have various solutions to making it through this parenting thing. And for a giggle, watch and enjoy!