Breezy Mama

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preschool

Pre-K Versus Preschool – Which is Better?

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Now that there’s T-K (transitional Kindergarten), pre-K (that parents opt for instead of a final year of preschool) AND preschool itself, which is better? And are the pre-K/T-K kids getting an advantage over preschoolers? Is there anything parents can do to help them catch up? Melissa Lowry, founder of www.melissa-lowry-education-coaching.com and of www.theanswerkeys.com, answered these Breezy Mama questions and more on whether or not to send your child to preschool or pre-K.

Are there advantages to pre-K and/or T-K?

The answer to this question depends on [Read more…] about Pre-K Versus Preschool – Which is Better?

Dealing with Preschool and Elementary School Separation Anxiety

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Think separation anxiety ends with infants? Think again. In fact, children anxiety can lead some kids to suffer well into elementary school. In addition to tears flowing as mommy walks away, preschoolers and elementary school age students can experience physical pain as well. Breezy Mama briefly touched on the topic of separation anxiety last week, but followed up with Dr. Fran Walfish to find out why some children have a hard time saying good-bye, what parents can do about it, when to seek kids therapy and more on anxiety and kids.

My kids can’t get to school fast enough – is there something I should be concerned about? In all seriousness, why do some kids have such a hard time being dropped off at school?

You are pointing to Separation Anxiety. This requires you, the parent, to take a hard, honest look within. Are you able to praise every increment in your child’s moving away from you? This includes making his own decisions, choices, and even disagreeing with your ideas? Or, do you [Read more…] about Dealing with Preschool and Elementary School Separation Anxiety

Fresh Food Ideas for Picky Eaters

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apple slicingAre you blessed with a picky eater? Or, do you have a child that seems to gobble everything up at daycare/school only to turn his/her nose at what YOU have cooking? Breezy Mama turned to Sara Hooper, Owner/Director of Mission Montessori to get ideas on what foods they serve to get your kid eating this summer.

What are the recommended vegetable and fruit servings for preschool age and what is your best recommendation on meeting these servings?

According to the National Network for Childcare, a preschool aged child’s diet should include 3-5, ¼ cup servings of vegetables and 2-4, ½ cup servings of fruit. Children are natural grazers, so offer fruits and vegetables at every meal and throughout the day. Keep portions child-sized and keep snacks healthy. Some ideas are blueberries, dried bananas and pumpkin breads. Smoothies (see recipe at bottom) are also a great way to pack lots of fruits (and even veggies) into your child’s diet. They are also fun to make and children love to help add fruit into the blender and push the button.

Do you have any recommendations on getting kids to try new foods?

Role model! If your children see you eating different types of foods they eventually will too. Children eat what they know. Keep food exciting and your children will have an adventurous pallet. If you only offer your children “kid foods” they will turn their noses on anything else.

I ran a pre-school in Irvine for almost 10-years. We had a very high population of Korean families. You should have seen the variety of foods the children brought in their lunches. A very popular lunch item was anchovies–the children gobbled them up, heads and all! [Read more…] about Fresh Food Ideas for Picky Eaters