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It’s not always easy for young children starting in Preschool or Kindergarten to feel comfortable in a new setting. It is a big step leaving their own home territory, their parents, their toys. Parents can set the tone for what to expect – how to see it as an opportunity to make friends, engage in new activities, and become more independent. It can take time for some children to settle in.

It’s summer and time to swim.  American Academy of Pediatrics recommends one-year-olds can start learning how to swim; they are old enough to lift their heads out of the water, but infants can also start learning with proper instruction and support.  Babies one and younger haven’t learned to be afraid or traumatized by water-yet!

Parents know it is easier to just do the picking up, vacuuming, putting dishes in the dishwasher and emptying, washing dishes, setting the table, laundry, vacuuming, dusting, cleaning out the dog water bowl and refilling it with fresh water, food prep and lunch packing – themselves. It’s faster, easier, and usually with better results. BUT by not having your child routinely participate in these actions, you are essentially withholding emotional and life-skill benefits from your child. Seriously.

A couple months ago I joined a virtual one-book read aloud with the school that my grandchildren attend.  I was assigned a chapter in Grace Lin’s Where the Mountain Meets the Moon part of a trilogy.  Minli hears her father’s stories of the Jade Dragon and the Old Man of the Moon and sets off to somehow find good fortune for her family.  She meets magical characters on her quest.  Read all 3 companion books.

4 months ago, I started knitting a throw blanket.  It is completed and now fits a Queen size bed.  I kept adding. Staying at home more has given me a chance to watch several TV series set in different countries – all subtitled – particularly Korean historical dramas and contemporary shows.  Of course, this has prompted me to find children’s books set in Korea, both historical and modern.

Reading about trees brings me into forests.  Just as trees come in a vast variety, so do forests. Here are books about two types of forests I’ve found to share with children ages 5-8 are: When Butterflies Cross the Sky by Sharon Cooper and Kelp (World’s Weirdest Plants Series) by Patricia Fletcher.

Trees are crucial to the planet.

Research continues to show that children, starting with infants, who hear a second language significantly increase the development their problem-solving skills, memory, critical thinking and listening skills. They can switch from one language to another to understand words, questions, and instructions. Infants have no problem hearing two languages and the older they get the easier it is for them to understand two or more languages. It is not confusing for them. (We all should have started early!)

I have been following Tristan Harris’ work with the Center for Humane Technology for over two years.  His ethical response to how technology social – media – is influencing society is worth giving your serious attention. It can totally take over the time of family members, especially with children.  It’s sneaky.

Many health organizations connected to universities, hospitals, pediatricians, health research, even the World Health Organization (WHO) are speaking out and being pro-active in challenging parents to help their children limit screen time.  There are so many clinics for anxieties, behavioral challenges, low self-esteem because of pressures put upon kids to watch screens, to look perfect when posting on social media, etc.  There will be more and more inventions and work-related activities on screens in the near future.