Newsletters
Daylight Savings returns March 9th, where we will “lose” an hour in return for longer days. For some of us, and our children, it can temporarily disrupt sleep taking a couple of days to get back on track. We all know sleep is important, but are we getting all we need? What about our kids? If your days are filled with fussy toddlers and meltdowns, they may not be getting enough. Here are some suggestions to creating great sleepers:
Establish a bedtime routine: A consistent bedtime routine can help toddlers understand what to expect and how to behave. It can include activities like a bath, reading a story, or listening to quiet music about 30 minutes before bedtime.
Limit screen time: Avoid electronic media and television before bedtime. You can also consider removing all devices from your child's bedroom.
Keep the bedroom dark, cool, and quiet: A dark room with familiar objects around can help toddlers settle down.
Avoid caffeine: Caffeine can make it harder to fall asleep and reduce the quality of sleep. Avoid caffeinated beverages or food several hours before bedtime.
Get enough sunlight: Time spent in bright daylight promotes good sleep.
Exercise daily: Daily exercise is an important part of healthy living and also promotes good sleep.
Praise your child: Praise your child when you notice them trying to make changes to their sleep patterns.
Be consistent: Try to have consistency on weekdays and weekends.
Avoid late naps: Naps that are too late in the day can affect nighttime sleep.
Recommended Amount of Sleep & Bedtimes:
1-2 years old 11-14 hours 6:00 pm-7:30 pm
3-5 years old 10-13 hours 7:15 pm-8:30 pm
Establish a bedtime routine: A consistent bedtime routine can help toddlers understand what to expect and how to behave. It can include activities like a bath, reading a story, or listening to quiet music about 30 minutes before bedtime.
Limit screen time: Avoid electronic media and television before bedtime. You can also consider removing all devices from your child's bedroom.
Keep the bedroom dark, cool, and quiet: A dark room with familiar objects around can help toddlers settle down.
Avoid caffeine: Caffeine can make it harder to fall asleep and reduce the quality of sleep. Avoid caffeinated beverages or food several hours before bedtime.
Get enough sunlight: Time spent in bright daylight promotes good sleep.
Exercise daily: Daily exercise is an important part of healthy living and also promotes good sleep.
Praise your child: Praise your child when you notice them trying to make changes to their sleep patterns.
Be consistent: Try to have consistency on weekdays and weekends.
Avoid late naps: Naps that are too late in the day can affect nighttime sleep.
Recommended Amount of Sleep & Bedtimes:
1-2 years old 11-14 hours 6:00 pm-7:30 pm
3-5 years old 10-13 hours 7:15 pm-8:30 pm
Love is in the air! How do we show love to others? How do we know we are loved? As parents, our actions towards our kids show them how to treat others. By making sure we are expressing acts of love to not only our family but others, we are teaching our children to do the same. With Valentine’s Day approaching, here are some ways to show love not only on that day, but everyday:
Happy New Year! Everyone at the ELC hopes you all had a wonderful Christmas break. As we begin the new year, many people celebrate traditions on New Year’s Day such as eating cabbage, pork, and black-eyed peas for luck, health, and prosperity. We look at the new year as a time of rebirth or renewment. Maybe we’re going to finally get in the gym, take that trip, or clean out that closet or room we keep putting off…Whatever it is, we start the new year with high hopes and positivity. The new year is also a time to reflect on our faith as well. Take some time to read the newsletter addition from Sarah Millet on how we can celebrate this new year as Catholics.
Christmas is quickly upon us. We can definitely enjoy the fun “Santa” part of Christmas, but what do we do to make sure our children understand the real meaning of our celebrations? I’m sure we read books about the birth of Jesus, display a nativity in our home, and attend mass. Could we do more? How can we teach our children about Jesus’ love for others and helping those less fortunate? It’s as simple as modeling this behavior for you children. At this young age, children are natural observers, so show them what it looks like to give. Here are some easy ideas you can try this holiday season:
- Collect items for a food drive.
- Have the children choose toys they no longer want or play with to bring to a women’s shelter or other donation site.
- Talk to your children about showing kindness and how giving to others can bring joy to yourself.
Thanksgiving…a time when families come together to give thanks for all the blessings in their lives. And let’s not forget all the yummy food. Those family dinners are special and create lasting memories. Why wait until holidays to enjoy a family meal? Eating together as a family has so many benefits. Children perform better academically, have higher self-esteem, greater sense of resilience, lower risk of substance abuse, and an overall feeling of being loved, safe, and secure. They may even be willing to try more foods when everyone is eating together!
Happy fall y'all! The school year is well underway, and good things are happening. Picture day was so much fun, and all the kids did great. As soon as they come in, they will be distributed and sent home. Our twos and threes celebrated Johnny Appleseed Day by tasting red and green apples. We greatly appreciate everyone's help with our early dismissal Friday. Each year our staff completes 12 hours of continuing education. This allows us to better facilitate the center and give your child the best care and education they can receive. Thank you!