Events & Updates - Young Scholars Academy

Separation Anxiety & the 1st day of School

August 9, 2017 by Young Scholars Academy Leave a Comment

You can ease separation anxiety! — You can help ease your child’s separation anxiety!

It’s coming, the first day of the school year. Maybe this is your little’s first day of first grade, or second grade, or even the BIG first day of kindergarten. Either way, it’s the first day of another chapter in your lives. Change evokes nervous behavior (and possible separation anxiety) in anyone, including our children, and it’s our job as parents to be ready to help our kids through that process.

The first day of a new school, or a sudden change to daily life, has the possibility to spark a phase of separation anxiety within young children. We’ve all seen it, especially as parents or as early educators, the heart-tugging drop-offs or the behavioral adaptations that take place as a result. But the GOOD news in that perceived chaos, is that it is in fact, a phase.

Separation anxiety is a completely normal part of early development. In fact, many experts in the field of child development state that separation anxiety can come and go all the way until your kid is twelve years old. But once again, it is a completely NORMAL process for young minds to go through.

So what exactly is separation anxiety? Technically, this form of anxiety happens when children are separated from attachment figures for long periods of time. This can include being away from parents, grandparents, and even siblings.

Why does it happen? The short answer is: your child is learning how to cope with change. Usually, separation anxiety happens when a sudden life change occurs. While the first day of school definitely counts as a sudden change, so does an addition to the family, a loss of someone close, or moving, for example.

Here are some common signs of separation anxiety:

• Crying and/or tantrums – This tends to be a staple in those hard drop offs. Children, especially young children, have a hard time expressing their frustration, fear, or sadness and thus a tantrum ensues.
• “Clinginess” – You may notice your child has to be with you at ALL times, including when you go number two in the bathroom, and this is a possible sign of separation anxiety. This is different than wanting/needing one on one time with attachment figures, separation anxiety presents an EXTREME version of this.
• Regressing – This includes a behavioral or physical “step backwards”. A developmental example of regressing would be potty training. Say your son was doing great with potty training, in fact he has been accident free for a month! But since then your family has moved states and now, he has a couple accidents a day. This would be a sign of normal regression.

So how can we help our children with the coping process of change, and help minimize the possible separation anxiety?

1. Set the example- Once again, separation anxiety occurs as a means of coping with change. Children learn best by example and you have the ability to set a positive example on how to handle the change in a positive way.
2. Have conversations- Simply talking to your child and putting words to his feelings can help him express his anxiety in a healthy way.
3. Routine- If drop off seems to be a rough adjustment for your little one, try setting a routine to help him process what is coming and help grasp a sense of security. A great example is singing his favorite song beforehand.
4. Breathe- A lot easier said than done, right? But take some deep breaths and know that this is all a part of healthy development. Reach out for help if you need it and know that this too shall pass.

Most importantly, enjoy the time. Elementary school is going to fly by, so cherish those walks to the school bus or the walk to the front door. Thanks for the read!

-Ms. Caitlin
Wellness Coordinator

Nap Time Survival Checklist

August 7, 2017 by Young Scholars Academy Leave a Comment

Going from several nap times a day to maybe one per day can be a rough transition for the sanity of both parents and kids!

Nap time is a necessity for young children!

As parents, we get in the habit of having our child take 2-3 naps a day. Then one day you realize your little one is no longer in need of that much nap time per day. But this transition toward fewer naps is hard on their bodies. We know that kids actually do need this time to rest!

Here are some things parents can do to help during this transition:

1. Make sure your child is going to bed at a decent time. Putting a child to bed at 11 pm at night is not going to help the one-nap-a-day situation. Your child’s body needs a certain number of hours of sleep per day. Take in account when your family must wake up and count backward. Here is a link to see the recommended number of hours your child needs based on their age.

2. Create a cool, dark, and quiet designated nap time area. Your child is not going to catch Zzzzs in a mess of a room, where the light is shining through the windows.

a. Make your child’s nap space free of distractions. If your child is napping in their own room, get the toys out of there! I feel that having most toys out of children’s rooms is a great solution to ensure happy dreams. Leave the books though! Books can be a great tool in helping with children relax and transition to sleepy mode. Include one story in their nap routine, it can be helpful to buffer between wake and sleep mode.

b. Get some of the light blocking curtains to make their room darker. There is even window tinting treatments you can put on your windows to help block light. Using one or both will help keep their room darker.

c. Get a fan if your child’s room gets too toasty mid-day. This can also double as white noise which can be soothing.

3. Pick out some calming music if you think that could be helpful for your little one. I like to use a sound machine that has different noises. There are many out there you can purchase to fit your child’s specific needs. You could even set up an iPod with a sleep playlist with relaxing tunes.

4. IMPORTANT! Set up a nap time routine.
• Nap time should occur around the same time every day. Children will get used to the schedule, which will help regulate both bedtime and nap time schedules.
• Get the room nap ready: windows closed, fan on, and music ready.
• Read one story while the child is in bed. This allows their body and mind to become relaxed and calm.
• Say your good nights, and offer plenty of hugs and kisses. Sometimes a song and rubbing their head/back is what they need to get relaxed and in that sleepy mode.

5. Next, shut the door and go take a nap yourself! (Ha ha!) Get caught up on a book, do things around the house, take a shower. Take the time for yourself.

Sometimes there are kiddos who refuse to nap; if you feel your child still needs to nap then be firm with that. If they get up, put them back to bed. Talk to them about meeting their bodies needs, and recharging for the day. If they still refuse every day, put in place a rest time. They still need to be in their room; quiet, resting, and recharging.

This little checklist can help in the survival of the nap time preschool years. Be sure to keep the routine of nap time the best that you can each day. Let your child know of their daily schedule. It will help prepare them for when nap time comes.

-Ms. Whitney
Curriculum Instruction Coordinator

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