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Parent Notes Newsletter

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Did You Know What Children Can't Do-Yet

Grandma Says:

It never fails to amaze me how much babies and young children can do. They use their abilities to learn every day.

It is also important to remember that there are many things that they are not yet capable of doing, certainly under the age of three or so, and perhaps later. They are not capable because of the way their minds work when they are young.

Let me remind you of just some of the things that little ones cannot do.

They can't share. Possession of objects is the child's way of understanding autonomy. Owning comes before sharing.

Young children can't say, "I'm sorry" and mean it. This requires being able to understand how the other person feels, an impossible task for young children.

They can't wait, nor can they sit still for very long. Short attention spans, along with muscles and a nervous system that tells them to move, contribute to this characteristic.

Lastly, they can't be ready to do any of this until they are ready because children grow and develop at different rates.

Grandma Says is a free newsletter from © Growing Child.  To receive your free e-mail subscription of Grandma Says or to contact Growing Child e-mail service@growingchild.com or call (800) 927-7289

Balancing Work and Family

Children’s Language Development

  • Balance children’s lives.  Make sure children spend more time doing than viewing.  LIMIT TV AND VIDEO TO 5-7 HOURS A WEEK.
  • Read aloud to your child often.  Make this a daily habit.  Have fun and use this as a special, quality time with your youngster.
  • Let your child tell you stories.  Some you can write down, in the child’s own words.  Read back his story.  Help your child to illustrate their story and make it into a book!
  • Invest in a whiteboard.  For family messages, schedules, or word play fun, a whiteboard in the kitchen or family room can keep language alive.
  • Enjoy conversations with your child often.  Listen more.  Talk about all sorts of things, including what he saw on television.  Listen to your child often, and allow him to answer his own questions.
  • Provide opportunities for mental challenges.  Language and thinking are interrelated.  The more your child uses his brain, the more likely he will develop important language skills.
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