The Parent Voice

Three years ago, my son’s preschool class made mini-pumpkin pies. I still admire his teacher for leading the baking project. The pumpkin pie was small, cute, and the smell was both comforting and mouthwatering. Luckily, my preschooler shared some of his little pie with me and I am not sure if it was because my son made it but that little pumpkin pie was so yummy! It made me think that things are to be enjoyed no matter how big or small. Quality over quantity, a good motto to have this holiday season.

This past weekend I was able to hold a sweet baby girl while mom used the restroom and it took me back to those baby-era days. My sons are in preschool and elementary school so it is a different ball game, still demanding but in different ways. When my boys were babies, basic human necessities were a process and a lot of work to make happen. For instance using the restroom in peace and quiet was an unrealistic expectation. I frequently felt like I was sneaking away to do simple things like showering.

We recently celebrated my younger son’s third birthday! With his third birthday came a noticeable development in his language. He is quite articulate with thoughtful questions and comments. After a recent visit with his pediatrician he said, “My doctor takes care of me.  He loves me.” The entire family is enjoying Samuel’s comments and questions. We are entertained by Samuel’s newly developed communication skills.

One of the main reasons I enjoy working in early learning is the strong focus and importance of social emotional development. Social emotional curriculum, support and education has become more normalized over the years. Which makes sense, we are only humans and emotions are a big part of our biology. Knowing how to regulate our emotions properly and teach skills to our littles is possible.

Fall is in the air, children are back to school, and I continue to chip away at introducing protective factors. This month we will be focusing on Social Connections and for starters, I am taking the side of social connections for parents. Parenting can be a bit isolating and more so when the weather is not favorable to be outside, eh hem during the winter months. I remember being a new parent and happily wanting to be home which is appropriate; however, when does it become unhealthy?

Last blog I spoke to Knowledge of Parenting. As we parents know, some parts of parenting come naturally and some parts are learned. Personally, parts of parenting that have been learned have a lot to do with child development, this blogs' focus. The better informed I am around understanding appropriate child growth and milestones the more responsive and understanding I am to my children. Knowing timely child growth helps me in creating secure attachment with my sons and encourages brain development.

We welcome National Learning Month this August, which goes hand in hand with this month’s protective factor of Knowledge of Parenting and Child Development. In this blog, I will be focusing on Knowledge of Parenting. If you know me you know I love science and checklists. When I found out I was pregnant I had to read about what the latest research said in regards to having a healthy pregnancy. I made doctor appointments, signed up for prenatal yoga, Lamaze class, read books, printed information for my partner, and downloaded apps for more information.

A year ago, I was learning about a new parent engagement opportunity for our region, something called “Parent Cafes”. Parent Cafes are structured conversations for parents that are focused around Strengthening Families™  protective factors.

Before we call it a summer there are a few more topics to blog about. This week’s topic is in honor of National Youth Sports Day and week held July 15-21. I am happy to write about youth sports. Sports were a big part of my childhood. Both of my parents are Mexican, to me that means soccer (fútbol ) is part of who I am, it is in my blood and it is my favorite sport without discussion.

The smell of barbecuing on the grill, sunscreen lathered on the kids, and fresh cut watermelon are more reasons why I enjoy the fourth of July! Along with parades, family, friends and firework, it truly is my favorite summer holiday!