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Talking About Death and Difficult Subjects

Talking About Death and Difficult Subjects 

Preschoolers and early elementary children are very interested in talking about death and difficult subjects. Typically, children will ask parents a variation of one of these questions:

  1. Why did the insect die?
  2. Did my cat go to cat heaven? Can I see her?
  3. I know great grandpa was very old and sick? Why did he die? Where did he go? Will I see him again?
  4. Will you die soon?

A Parent’s Response

When asked these questions, parents are typically overwhelmed about how to simply answer the question. When their great grandparents died, we told our preschoolers and early elementary grandkids that their great grandparents were very sick for a long time and that they died from old age and being very sick. We assured them that we would not die tomorrow and are taking very good care of ourselves. We also do not project fear and were very loving about the fun times the grandkids shared with the older relative. [Read more…]

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Heroes Among Us

Heroes Among Us

School shootings, children separated from their parents, suicide, volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, floods…these are just a few of the devastating headlines coming through the radio and across my newsfeed. Not to mention, there are so many more personal stories of families experiencing a serious health issue of another family member, children caught in the middle of a custody battle, or even children being intimidated by a menacing bully on the playground. If you are like me, these news reports and life events leave me feeling sad and helpless. Imagine, then, how much more devastated and vulnerable our children may feel. What can we do to help our children develop core values so they can be strong in difficult situations?

Be a Hero

Parents should help instill positive, core character values in their children. Are the traits of Hope, Courage, Perseverance, and Integrity being modeled and practiced at home? Think about the words and tone of voice you use when you hear about discouraging news. When we react to a less than ideal situation, our children observe and mimic our behavior. Are children being taught to respond positively? When children are confident and affirmed that they possess these qualities, then they are able to practice and extend Compassion and Generosity towards others. This is the first step in helping children see that they can be a positive change agent. In the face of difficult situations, they can be a hero to their brother, sister, friend, or stranger. [Read more…]

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Get Ready for School with Siblings, Twins, and Multiples Play Activities

Get Ready for School with Siblings, Twins, and Multiples Play Activities 

Infants and preschoolers love pretend and play with lovies as soon as they can grab for toys. Many infants will react happily to cause and effect play and will soon grow into loving pretend play with their preschool siblings and family members. Suggested activities can include the following:

Materials:

  • Yikes! Brandon and His Twin Sisters Go to School book
  • Twin and multiplies play kits (e.g. Calico Critters Stroller Set with mother and twin guinea pigs)
  • Community stickers (i.e. My Town Reusable Sticker Pad)
  • Building kits (i.e. 80 Mega Blocks)

[Read more…]

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Get Ready for School with Siblings, Twins, and Multiples Reading Activity

Get Ready for School with Siblings, Twins, and Multiples Reading Activity 

Yikes! Brandon’s Twin Sisters Get Ready for Big Girl Preschool!

Hi! My name is Brandon and I have twin sisters who look alike. Their names are Anna and Maria and they love to follow me around and be my best friends! When they were toddlers, their grandma took them to school because they were naughty. Both liked to chew rocks, Maria chewed the arms off her baby doll, and Anna would run and hide from grandma when it was time to eat. Finally, my grandma said they had to go to baby school to learn how to listen and play with others.

Now my twin sisters are turning three and they are getting ready for big girl preschool. Both are excited about what they will learn. They can sing their ABC’s, they know their colors, they can count to 10, and they love to do projects. I have taught them how to draw, paint, and use shaving cream for finger-painting and coloring Easter eggs. We have painted rocks, cooked with plants, and enjoyed many hours of waterplay throughout the summer. We camp, hike, ride trikes, and climb in the park.

Although my sisters have lots of fun with me, my parents want them to go to school to learn how to play with other children. They are best friends and at times get angry at each other. Although they still look the same, they now have very different personalities. Anna likes to explore and wander off while Maria loves to follow me around and play imaginative games with me. Anna will finish her art projects quickly so that she can explore on her own while Maria wants to do projects all day!

[Read more…]

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Get Ready for School with Siblings, Twins, and Multiples

Get Ready for School with Siblings, Twins, and Multiples 

Each summer families are busily preparing for the new school year for their children. Various rites of passage include:

  • Having your children complete summer homework assignments to submit to teachers on the first day of school
  • Completing all new school year registration forms
  • Taking your children to the doctor to complete any physicals and immunizations
  • Visiting the school to locate the grade level classroom and learn more about the newly assigned teacher
  • Going shopping for school supplies
  • Taking your children shopping for some new school clothes

[Read more…]

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