Greetings and Happy Monday, everyone! May this blog post bring you what you need in the present moment. May my light exude positivity and kindness, and may my love be extended to all who could use a little extra. Asé! Let's seize the moment!
Because of my busy schedule, my blogs will start aligning with "A Monday Moment with Dr. Mal," my live-streamed episodes on YouTube, Facebook, and Twitch. Check them out at the aforementioned links!
I’m grateful for this very moment to be here with you. May blessings flow abundantly in your life!
Now, you know I love me a good definition, and I'm team #factsoverfeelings, right? So, let’s get into it!
Shout-out to primarybeginnings.com for the following facts:
Did you know there are only 2,000 days between the time your child is born and the time they start their first day of kindergarten?
From birth to age 3, children undergo a rapid period of brain development. Their experiences during this time play a crucial role in their development. Exposure to positive experiences can lead to successful outcomes.
Up to age 8, early childhood experiences also affect the development of the brain’s structure. From vital cognitive development to more complex brain functions, your child's brain development begins as early as they grow in the womb! This provides the foundation for all future learning, physical, mental, social-emotional health, and behavior.
Children who are read to frequently are more likely to count to 20 or higher than those who are not. They are also more likely to write their names, read, or pretend to read.
While it’s important for children to be read to at school, it’s equally important for parents to continue at home. The more a child is read to, the greater the benefit. As parents, that's the least we can do to immerse them in the language.
This week, the message is simple: education starts at home. I'm speaking about the parents surrendering children to a school system not fully equipped to serve all students. Of course, there are measures in place with the intention of serving all students, but the reality is that schools are inundated with so many children and families that need help, and the financial resources run dry pretty quickly.
Schools can do what they can, but ultimately, parents are the primary and most influential educators in a child's life, particularly in the early years. We are responsible for shaping our child's learning, behavior, and attitudes through everyday interactions.
This should make sense because the home environment is the first learning space for a child. Activities such as talking, reading, playing, and exploring with parents lay the foundation for cognitive, social, and emotional development. I composed the following list to highlight important reasons why parents should take their role as first educators as serious as possible:
Anecdotically speaking, children learn by observing their parents. Parents model behaviors, values, and attitudes that children often imitate. This includes language use, social interactions, and problem-solving skills. Ask me how many cuss words Kindergarten students use...This is a perfect segway to my next point...
Parents play a crucial role in their child’s language development. Engaging in conversations, reading aloud, and exposing children to a rich vocabulary from an early age significantly boosts language skills. A fun fact that goes well here: when I took a class on reading during my undergrad, my mind was blown by the fact that when we're born, we're born with an understanding of how language works and have the capability to produce all the sounds to speak every language in the world. Over time, we lose this ability, so it's imperative to immerse children in as many different languages as possible when they're young.
Early socialization with parents and family members helps children develop essential social skills such as sharing, empathy, cooperation, and conflict resolution. Parents transmit cultural, ethical, and moral values to their children, helping them understand their heritage and develop a sense of identity and belonging. So, keep those backyard parties and family gatherings popping!
A nurturing and responsive parenting style creates a secure attachment, vital for a child's emotional development. This sense of security supports exploration and learning. Hug and kiss your babies! Also, extend so much grace to them. It's ok for them to make mistakes while learning.
While it's true that children benefit most from attending a high-quality early childhood program, it's also equally true that active parental involvement in a child’s education is linked to better academic performance, higher self-esteem, and a more positive attitude toward school. This includes helping with homework, attending school events, and encouraging learning at home. Ultimately, if you're going to send them to any school, be involved as much as possible. Don't put the responsibility of rearing your child solely on the school. Your attitude about school can directly reflect in their behavior AT school.
Parents who establish routines and structure at home provide a sense of stability and predictability, which is beneficial for a child's learning and development. This is a perpetual struggle because I'm a go-with-the-flow type of person, so I'm thankful my son puts his own routine in place. He's a by-the-clock child!
Parents are responsible for ensuring their children receive proper nutrition, healthcare, and physical activity, essential for overall development and readiness to learn. Keep those babies away from those Takis and Hot Cheetos!
By fostering curiosity and encouraging exploration, parents help children develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Asking questions, exploring nature, and hands-on activities stimulate intellectual growth. Get those children outside. Nature provides the best classroom for everyone, especially inquisitive, creative, and explorative children. Take them to the grocery store with you and have them help you plan meals. Then, have them help you cook the meals! Real-world experience is the best experience!
Parents teach essential life skills such as time management, responsibility, and self-care, which are crucial for independence and success in later life. Don't pour from an empty cup. They'll see how you function in chaos and emulate this way of life. This is your permission to take care of yourself.
Parents provide individualized attention and support that children may not receive in formal educational settings, addressing their unique needs and learning styles. As you already know, historical perspectives and accounts of marginalized people are being sabotaged, deleted, and banned from school environments. Therefore, we as parents have to do our due diligence to make sure our scholars are being informed in the most positive and comprehensive way.
Through guidance and support, parents help children develop resilience and the ability to cope with challenges and setbacks, promoting mental and emotional well-being. That's why it's important to do the work to become mentally and emotionally intelligent.
Lastly, parents who actively partner with their child’s school and teachers create a supportive network that enhances the child’s educational experience and outcomes. Sending your child to an educational institution requires a trifecta relationship between the parents/guardians, teachers, and students. They need to know and recognize that the team in place exists for their success.
Thus, my call to action is to empower your parent educator's abilities through your own education. School districts offer Parents As Teachers services, where they pair you up with a parent educator who comes to your home and gives you resources. I took advantage of this when my son was little...even as a certified early childhood educator. Also, look for parent educator groups or businesses in your area and reach out. Supplemental Education is a parent-educator business that first comes to mind. It is based here in Kansas City and was founded by Cassandra Bruington. Check her out on social media outlets!
Finally, I think it's important to start educating wherever your child is and assist them with whatever they need. Don't compare them to other children or even put educational parameters in place; help them from where they are. Being an autism mom, I subconsciously worried when my son didn't meet the milestones the paperwork said he should be meeting. And when I decided to meet him where he was, it made all the difference. He's thriving at his own level and in his own way!
And to wrap up, I leave you with a quote and a list of affirmations:
Well, that's all for me this week! In honor of travel season, join me for next week’s episode entitled “The Pros and Cons of Traveling with Others.” I think it’s a worthy topic to discuss, especially if you’re planning trips with someone you don’t share the same space.
Alexa, play “Because You Loved Me” by Celine Dion. This makes me feel all my love for my son! It's BECAUSE I love him that his quality of education is so important to me.
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