Often summertime finds older kids and teens involved in lots of activities without too much time to be bored. Young children, however, may not have as many options besides the library and an occasional trip to the pool or Pump It Up. Television or video games may become a handy back-up. And while a little of screen entertainment for young children is fine, too much of it can result in increased reliance on screen technologies to feel satisfaction, taking the pleasure out of daily play experiences. The unintended negative consequence becomes children watch more and play less. The American Academy of Pediatrics cautions parents to keep TV viewing for children under the age of eight to one hour or less a day. Read more...

by Stacey Brown, WM Columnist

Socialize with any group of Woodlands mothers of preschoolers, and you’ll hear the inevitable question. “Are you holding your child back from kindergarten?” Most mothers I spoke with who intended to delay entry said a lack of “social skills” was the main reason.  Others said that since the current public school kindergarten curriculum includes some first grade requirements, a kindergarten transition class would provide an academic advantage. Clearly, kindergarten isn’t what it used to be.

Readiness Expectations. While every child is unique, there are some intellectual and social indicators that a child is ready for kindergarten.  A summer birthday doesn’t necessarily forecast a child’s readiness to attend school. Children are not required to master kindergarten curriculum before entering school, only be prepared to learn. Some indicators of kindergarten readiness are:

·         Manage bathroom needs independently

·         Bounce a ball

·         Count to ten

·         Recognize some alphabet letters

·         Recognize beginning sounds of some words

·         Talk in complete sentences of five to six words

·         Speak understandably

·         Trace basic shapes

·         Cut with scissors

·         Pay attention for short periods of time to adult-directed tasks

·         Listen to stories without interrupting

·         Recognize authority

Kids grow so quickly it’s difficult to keep them in clothes and toys without breaking bank, until now. Just Between Friends Consignment Sale is the place to shop, sell and save on gently-used toys, clothes and maternity items.  Musical instruments, sports equipment and furniture sections are being added this year.  Consignors make up to 70% on items they price by using the online tagging system.  Consignors, volunteers, along with first time moms, grandmas and teachers are invited to shop the pre-sale, August 12^th. Read more...

1.       Boredom Buster Jar: At the beginning of the summer, sit down with your family and brainstorm a list of activities that can be done alone or that you can enjoy doing together. Encourage your children to share their own ideas and help you decorate and label a simple jar as the family "Boredom Buster Jar."  They'll feel more involved in the project and more likely to think this is a "neat" idea, if they participate in the creation and idea generation. Next, write everyone's ideas down on slips of paper and as a group decide which ones should go in the jar. Anyone in the family can pull any idea out of the jar to fight the summertime boredom blues. Read more...