What do children need? Over the years I have asked many of my peers in the field of early childhood this same question. Interestingly, none of them said anything about fancy educational toys or expensive lessons for dance, art, music or athletics. Nearly all of them mentioned that children need consistent nurturing from an adult who loves them unconditionally. They also said that children need parents who provide predictable routines and use a positive approach to discipline.
Two nationally recognized child development experts, Dr. T. Berry Brazelton and Dr. Stanley Greenspan wrote a book entitled, The Irreducible Needs of Children: What Every Child Must Have to Grow, Learn and Flourish. In the July 2006 newsletter, Growing Together, the editors summarized some of the main points found in Dr. Brazelton’s and Dr. Greenspans’ book. Here’s what they said children must have.
 

•  Ongoing nurturing relationships: During the first three years of life children need to have steady, warm relationships with at least one or two individuals. This is one reason why your Parent Educator has shared information with you on the importance of parent/child attachment. A child’s emotional growth precedes and is critical to their intellectual development.
   
•  Physical protection, safety and regulation: Parent Educators are happy to share information with you about safety-proofing your home. We also give information about the importance of providing predictable routines.
   

•  Parents who appreciate their child’s uniqueness: Parents As Teachers believes that there is not just “one right way” to parent. The individual differences in children, like temperament, should always be considered when deciding what approach to take with them.
   
•  Developmentally appropriate experiences: Each time your Parent Educator comes to visit your family, she makes a point to share an activity and additional ideas of things you can do with your child that match their developmental level and interests.
   
•  Guidance through limits and structure: Children learn best by being shown how to interact positively with others. Parents who have realistic expectations about behavior seem to manage the challenges fairly well. Parent Educators teach parents about what to expect, what is typical and how to deal with difficult phases of development.
   
•  Stable supportive communities and cultural continuity: Children need to grow up in a stable environment that provides a continuity of values from family, peers and the community at large. Columbia is very family-friendly with many resources to assist parents of young children. Ask your Parent Educator for resources that you might use.
  Parents As Teachers is proud to assist all parents in meeting the needs of their children. Please let your Parent Educator know what your needs are and how we can best serve your family.

Belinda Masters, Coordinator Parents As Teachers
 

MESSY NITE
for 3 to 5 year olds
Monday, June 5
6:00 to 7:30 pm
Cosmo Park-Lamb Shelter
Business Loop 70 West
 Enjoy paints, water play, mud, sand and much more!
 Wear old clothes & tennis shoes or aqua shoes.
 Bring a towel and a change of clothes for your little one.
Severe weather date: Wed.  June 7. 

Parents and Infants to 12 Months

Monday, June 5...Outdoor Safety at Lions Stephens Park

N. Williams St. and Windsor St.

Rain Location: PAT Office

Hearing & Vision Screenings

for ages 6 months to 5 years (pre-Kdg)
 

 Thursday, June 22, 4:00 - 6:00 PM

Wednesday, July 19, 10:00 AM-12:00 PM
 

Thursday, August 31, 4:00-6:00 PM

PAT office, 555 Vandiver.
No appointment is necessary.
Please sign in upon arrival.