Parenting Matters Articles

Learning to be “attuned” to each individual child is a process of trial and error that takes time and effort. No parent or caregiver is “in tune” with their child 24/7.Posted on February 5, 2013 by Kittie Butcher, Michigan State [...]

Evidence shows that parent/caregiver and child relationships shape brain circuits and lay the foundation for later developmental outcomes. Posted on January 31, 2013 by Kittie Butcher, Michigan State University Extension, Janet Pletcher, Lansing Community College Have you ever had [...]

Intentionality means to act with purpose and plan to achieve. Children who are intentional think before acting. They consider their choices before choosing. They make a plan before they start a project. Intentional children are competent and effective. An infant [...]

The capacity to communicate is a process by which information is exchanged between individuals through a common system of symbols, signs, or behavior. Children who are capable communicators are able to clearly express their needs and wants. They are [...]

Relating to others is the act of being connected. Children who relate to others are comfortable in most social settings. They engage in conversation, offer input and opinions when asked, and are able to enter a pre-existing group with ease. [...]

Consider each of the following habits. Evaluate your children's strength in each area by marking an "E" for excellent, "S" for  satisfactory or "N" for needs work. Look for opportunities to build on strengths. Area   Child 1 [...]

Academic subjects taught by teachers provide the foundation that children need for school success.  It is their job.  Like teachers we want our children to: Be highly motivated learners Solve new types of problems Come up with original ideas [...]

Curiosity is an intense desire to know and to understand; the disposition to inquire, investigate, or seek after knowledge; the desire to gratify the mind with new information or objects of interest; inquisitiveness. Young children are naturally curious and [...]

Children need thinking, social and emotional skills to be successful in school and life. These skills are necessary to thrive in school or any learning situation. To develop thinking skills, children need to pay attention and listen so that [...]

Home = A Place to Learn 1. Have a specific place in your home where they can study Desk or table Good light Supplies Off limits to other family members during study time Quiet! 2. Set a regular time [...]

Del Norte/Monte Vista:  Do you find yourself thinking about what you want for your children, who they will be and what they will become?  How do you want them to grow up?  Do schools want the same things that [...]

Alvin Toffler stated that “Parenthood remains the greatest single preserve of the amateur.” Our most important job, yet we do not get specific training for it. Parenting can be stressful! One of the most significant contributions parents and [...]

"Feelings, Nothing More Than Feelings": Why It Matters It is important to know how we feel so we can communicate our feelings to other and to gain their understanding and support. the ability to perceive, label and express [...]

Healthy and positive relationships are essential for your child to grow and learn. Children will have a secure base when they form a secure attachment with a parent or other caregiver.   Children who are connected and securely attached feel [...]

As parents, we intuitively know that we play a critical role in our children's lives. Is this true? Or do friends, peers, teachers, and the media play a greater role? For the most part, research supports what we as parents [...]

PARENTING MATTERS: The Brain & Early Life Experiences Have you noticed posters on the school walls that look like the one above? Have you thought about what this means?  What does it tell you about the role you [...]

PARENTING MATTERS: A Powerful Partnership between Families, School & the Community Leads to Student Success!   Have you seen the Rio Grande Parenting Matters posters located around Monte Vista? This is a partnership of parents, school staff and [...]

PARENTING MATTERS: A Powerful Partnership between Families, School & the Community Leads to Student Success! What is the best predictor of a child’s academic success? Studies conducted over the last 30 years show clearly that the involvement of parents [...]