This document contains information about child development and parenting topics. It includes: 1. A section about the game "peek-a-boo" and how it helps babies learn object permanence by hiding and revealing objects and faces. 2. A reminder that regular eye exams are important for children's vision, as vision problems are common but often preventable or treatable if caught early. 3. Tips for safe toothbrush storage and replacement to prevent the spread of bacteria and viruses.

1. p er sonal ing
p ar ent
February 2012
LITTLE RANCH
OLD SPANISH TRAIL OPEN ARMS
MILL AVENUE
Good Times for Babies
During the latter half
of their first year,
babies enjoy simple
games like Peek-aboo. They are
learning an
important concept object permanence.
Up until now, if
something left their
field of vision, they
thought it was gone.
As they develop,
they can form a
mental image of an
object that is out of
sight - so, of course,
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they look for it and
Better yet, let
are very excited
your child
when it pops back
remove it while
into their field of
you say “peek-avision!
boo!”
There are many
 Have a favorite
ways to play Peek-astuffed animal
boo. Here are just a
few:
 Cover your face
with your hands,
then remove
them and say
“peek-a-boo!”
 Put a scarf over
your head and
pop up and down
then remove it.
Health Check
Did you know that 1 in 10 preschoolers and 1 and 4
school-age children have vision problems? A recent
study showed that 80 percent of what a child learns in
school comes to him or her visually; however, only 14
percent of preschoolers get an eye exam (Peek).
Vision disorders are the fourth most common
disability in the United States (Current Ophthalmology). The good
news for parents is that early detection can help prevent poor vision
and help their child reach their learning potential.
The following are tips for parents to help with eye vision problems:
1. Observe Discomfort — eye rubbing, blinking, or squinting,
light sensitivity, keeping eyes closed too much, tired eyes or
complaining of headaches.
2. Look into child’s eyes to for unusual redness of eyes or eye lids,
lid droopiness, crusted eyelids, styes or sores, tearing and eye
direction.
3. Get comprehensive exams by an eye doctor.
A child may or may not show any symptoms or signs that he or
she may have a vision problem. If you have any questions or
concerns please contact your doctor or pediatrician for more
information.
Always remember to forget the troubles that pass your way BUT
never forget to remember the blessings that come each day.
Is play all day at home
ok?
Many parents regard free
play as rather trivial in the
lives of their child and
would rather see them
involved in formal games,
educational classes, and
organized sports. However,
research suggests that free
play at home may be
healthier for your children
than these more structured
activities.
Pretend play allows children
to test their ideas about the
world and modify them as
they go along. It provides
children with a way to work
through emotional conflicts
in creative ways. Finally, it
offers a miniature world
within which they can learn
about social interactions
and interpersonal
relationships.
Parents need to give their
children plenty of room to
play. That means being
willing to put up with some
loudness and horseplay, as
long as it doesn’t become
destructive. It also means
providing a few resources,
such as old clothes for dress
-up activities, blocks or
other building materials,
outdoor play equipment,
and an indoor playhouse or
similar enclosure for fantasy
play.
Giving your child a chance
to unleash his/her creative
imagination provides them
with some basic building
February Is National Children’s
Dental Health Month
Did you know that bacteria and viruses actually
remain on your toothbrush? What can you do about it?
The American Dental Association recommends:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Changing toothbrushes every three months
Storing toothbrushes in an aerated and ventilated
environment - never sealed-up in a closed container
Labeling each person’s toothbrush
Disinfecting toothbrushes daily (one way is to place
toothbrushes in the dishwasher with eating utensils
and allow to dry after the wash cycle)
www.smallmiraclesaz.com

2. Small Miracles
Whether children lose
their favorite toy to the
family dog, fall off their
bicycle, or face a bully,
one thing is certain: All
children experience
stress and difficult
times. Resiliency is the
ability to face a
challenge and bounce
back. Research
increasingly shows that
strategies for this can
be taught and built
upon. The following six
resiliency factors can
help you strengthen
your child’s ability to
bounce back:
FOR SUCCESS
Children need to know
others have faith in
their abilities and that
they can accomplish
their goals. The
message “You can do it”
is powerful and begins
early as parents delight
in coos and babbles,
first baby steps, and
homework done well.
3. OPPORTUNITIES FOR
MEANINGFUL
PARTICIPATION
Children
1. CARING AND
SUPPORT
Children need to know
they are supported,
taken care of, and loved
unconditionally. They
may have spilled their
milk or wet the bed, but
they’re still loved.
can become involved
with volunteering in
order to learn that their
actions make a
difference in the world.
4. MAKING
CONNECTIONS
WITH OTHERS
Children need
opportunities to be
involved with others so
they can develop close
peer and adult
relationships. Having
play dates or being
involved in hobbies or
sports increases their
sense of
connection with
others.
5.
2. HIGH EXPECTATIONS
need to know they have
input and some control
over their own lives.
Listening to their
opinions and ideas and
showing respect for
their beliefs make
children feel they are
valuable participants. As
children get older, they
CLEAR BOUNDAR1ES
Children need
boundaries, consistent
expectations, and rules.
They must be told to sit
down in the highchair or
not cross the street by
themselves. Support
children as they set
boundaries for
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6. LIFE SKILLS
All of us must develop a
number of skills in order
to be productive,
healthy individuals. The
ability to resolve
conflicts, listen, and
communicate with
others, as well as the
ability to be flexible,
cope with change, and
achieve goals are some
of the life skills you can
help children learn.
Back!
BOUNCING
Involving kids in groups
through school,
community, or faithbased organizations
gives children a chance
to learn that other
people value and
support them as well.
themselves. This proves
invaluable as they learn
to stand up for
themselves and not let
others take advantage
of them.