Why You Shouldn’t Obsess About Milestones

As a parent it can be easy to overthink every milestone in your child’s life, especially if you’re friends with other parents whose children are around the same age.

Comparing your kids to others is natural, and worrying about developmental milestones is a common worry among parents. However, you don’t need to stress!

According to Parents.com, “Child development is a continuum, a gentle ramp or incline, not a series of discrete steps on a staircase. Although the differences between a 6-month old and a 6-year old are very dramatic, the differences between a 6-month old and an 8-month old are much less so. Some kids walk at 9 months, others at 15 months or later. That doesn’t predict their future SAT scores or athletic scholarships.”

Kids can be surprising, taking leaps and bounds in development and learning to do things like reading and writing very early, while some might struggle to do these things at the same age.

As long as you give your children the best opportunities to learn and explore, the developmental steps will come in time!

If you’re worried that kids your child’s age seem to be developing more rapidly, remember that everyone has their own learning speed and style! However, if you have serious concerns about developmental progress in your child, you should speak with your doctor for reassurance.

At Little Angels Preschool & Daycare, we’re the trusted and preferred preschool in Ann Arbor. We believe that children learn by doing, and use the Reggio-Emilia approach to learning in order to provide them with a nurturing, creative space to learn and grow.

For more information about developmental milestones and for some ideas of what you can do outside of daycare to help your child grow, please contact us today or visit our website!

Practicing Words With Loose Parts

An interest in reading and writing may start early in some children, but developing small muscles may lead to frustration when the children can not accurately produce the symbol of their choosing. If your child likes to do puzzles or work with blocks and shapes, there’s an activity that could help them learn to spell at the same time!

Our friends at An Everyday Story are raving about Spielgaben, which is essentially a set of materials in curved and straight lines to mimic parts of letters. Your son or daughter can look at a word in front of them, and then re-create the word using these pieces.

Instead of spending money on a kit like this, you can use natural materials and craft materials, such as sticks, pipe-cleaners and even cut pieces of thick construction paper.

This activity encourages freethinking and requires your child to use their problem solving skills to choose the correct shaped pieces to form the word. Once they create it using the materials, try to get them to write it on a lined piece of paper.

If your son or daughter likes to create patterns, this activity would be perfect for them!

To find out more about how to encourage your kids to be creative while learning, visit our website! We believe in a natural play philosophy at Little Angels and want to encourage your child to use his or her imagination at all times.

Call us today to schedule a tour of our preschool in Ann Arbor!

7 Best Small Pets to Consider For Your Child

If you have small children and are trying to figure out a creative and fun way to teach them responsibility, consider getting them a pet!

Pets are a great way to teach values such as compassion, caring and responsibility, and having a pet will give your child a friend to spend time with.

We’ve compiled a list of seven small pets that are good for children, with help from Parents.com. Remember, when considering a pet for your child make sure to get your son or daughter tested for pet allergies before deciding. Long hair and short hair can make a difference!

1. Hamsters are easy to care for and can be trained to use litter. However, hamsters have a tendency to be rather nippy, and females can sometimes be aggressive. Larger breeds, such as the Syrian hamster, can adapt easier to being handled and would be better for small kids.
2. If you’re worried about hamsters being too aggressive for your kids, consider a guinea pig! These small animals have a gentle demeanor and don’t mind being handled as long as it’s done correctly. Guinea pigs also have a longer life span (5-7 years) so consider that and your child’s age when deciding to get one of these cuddly pets.
3. If you want to teach your child responsibility, get him or her a gerbil. According to Parents.com, “unlike hamsters and guinea pigs, gerbils have a relatively short lifespan -- about two years. Gerbils are not usually aggressive, so they can also be held, but they are very fast, so it won't be easy to hold them for long. This quickness means a lot of activity in the cage, which could pique your child's curiosity.”
4. If your child wants an interactive pet to form a bond with, a rat is a good choice. Rats are small pets that can learn tricks, are calm and laid back, and don’t mind being handled. Rats are easy to feed and are easily occupied by basic toys, but they also have short lifespans (2-3 years), so consider that when choosing this pet.
5. Rabbits are good for young children as long as there is also adult supervision. Like guinea pigs, rabbits are good for younger kids because they usually have a very gentle and sociable nature. This is especially important if you want to keep more than one rabbit in the same space. A rabbit can live from 8 to 12 years, can be litter-trained, and is easy to care for.
6. Chinchillas are a more exotic option for kids who want to watch what their pet does rather than have direct interaction with it. Although they're gentle, chinchillas can be very agile and quick and may not be appropriate for young children who aren't able to handle them. A chinchilla needs a dust bath two to three times a week, given outside of its cage; the cage should be multilevel so it can climb up and down. With a lifespan of around 12 to 15 years, chinchillas tend to live much longer than guinea pigs and other rodents.
7. Fish are also a great pet for small children, especially those who aren’t comfortable with a hands-on experience, but want to observe, instead. Feeding the fish and learning to clean the tank will teach them responsibility.

For more ideas, talk to your child’s teachers to find out how they can learn responsibility through having a pet!

At Little Angels Preschool & Daycare, we believe that experience-based learning is the best way to let kids grow. To find out more about why we're the most trusted preschool in Ann Arbor, schedule a tour of our facility today!

Simple Play Space Transformations

Trying to keep your toddler or infant occupied at home can be a full time job. With your busy schedule filled with errands, work, extra-curricular activities and taking care of your family, you might feel overwhelmed trying to keep playtime exciting!

So, what can you do at home to keep your kids active and stimulate their imaginations? Creating a play space in your home is easier than you might think, and you probably have the supplies for it sitting around, gathering dust.

Here are a few tips and suggestions below for creating a fun, natural play shelter space in your home or backyard:

1. Using a tent, blankets, or teepee like structures, creating a shelter or fort for your children is easy! Children will have fun decorating their spaces and making them their own. Pop-up shelters or half-tents (typically used outdoors) can be bought cheaply at garage sales. These are easy to move around indoors too, which is great for bad weather days.
2. For more natural play spaces, try using sticks, logs and branches, and drape an old sheet, blankets, or colorful fabric over the top. 
3. The best shelters and play spaces are the ones that your kids make by themselves. Provide them with the supplies, and see what their imaginations can come up with!
4. Filling a fort or tent with blankets and pillows will make it a comfortable space for your child to read, color, watch movies, and play with their friends. This shelter, indoors or outdoors, can also double as a place for naptime, and even a good spot for an impromptu picnic. 

Get creative! Almost anything you have in your home can be put together to make a fun playtime shelter for your kids. Add some toys, books and other items for them to play with, and let their imagination do the rest.

At Little Angels Preschool and Daycare, we believe in using natural play to encourage kids to use their imaginations and create their own fun. If you want more information on our natural play philosophy, schedule a tour of our center! We are the trusted and preferred daycare in Ann Arbor, and would love to welcome you to our family! Contact us today!

Ways to Ease Separation Anxiety

Separation can be hard for many children, but it’s a normal stage in development. Our teachers at our preschool in the Ann Arbor area understand the difficulty separation has on parents and their children. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of things you can do to help your child ease through this important challenge in their lives.

1. Allow your child to get comfortable with change. Change is scary even for grown-ups! It’s important to communicate that both you and your child are safe when you’re apart.

a. Find things your child enjoys at preschool

b. Talk about the good things about your child’s preschool in Ann Arbor while at home and on the way to preschool.
 
c. Ask your child what they enjoyed when you pick them up and what they plan to do when you drop them off.
 
d. Help your child label their feelings and give them better ways to comfort themselves.
 
e. Describe different emotions to them, ask if and when they feel those emotions. Talk about how it’s okay to have these feelings, and that we can change them if we try. Singing a happy song can help make your child feel happy instead of sad or angry. A pair of sunglasses or a super hero mask may also help make them feel brave when they’re scared.

View this as a learning opportunity to establish trust, emotional regulation, and resilience. By learning these skills now, they have a chance to fine tune them before they’re in a larger class in kindergarten.

2. Establish a routine!

a. Bedtime routine – Getting enough sleep the night before never hurts the next morning. Read a story about preschool or tell a story about it. Talk about positive things at school.
 
b. Morning routine

Wake up at the same time every day, allow your child to pick out their outfit, chose a comforting tool for the day (a blanket, family photo, photo album, stuffed animal, etc.). Drive the same route to school, pointing out landmarks, and ask what landmarks comes next. Discuss their plan for the day. Give them a job – make them in charge of pushing the button to open the door to the building or entering the door code.
 
c. Drop-off routine/ Goodbye routine
Keep it short. Walk into the classroom and allow them to put away their coat and comfort tool. Decide beforehand how you’ll say goodbye; hug, high five, secret hand shake, song (silly laughter never hurts). A teacher will lead them to an activity of their choice (maybe what was discussed in the car?)
 
d. Classroom routine
Teachers can discuss with them what the plan is.
Example: Breakfast, then story, outside, then blocks or art, lunch then nap, snack then story, outside then Mom or Dad come to get you.

Please tell the teacher who will pick up your child and at what time, this way we can communicate with your child and be consistent.

Little Angels Preschool in the Ann Arbor area has been serving Ypsilanti, Saline, Ann Arbor, Milan, Pittsfield Township, and the surrounding areas for more than 20 years. Your child will gain positive self-esteem, confidence and a healthy sense of value through Experienced-Based-Learning at our daycare center. We have infant, toddler, and preschool programs available. Call (734) 998-0233 to schedule a tour!

5 Tips for Safe Travel To & From Our Preschool in Ypsilanti

Are you preparing for another brutal winter?

It’s hard getting back into the groove of winter driving, but we live in Michigan, so we just have to deal with it!

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there are certain things you should know before hitting the roads this winter, including:

1. Get your car serviced- Have them check your battery, hoses, cooling system, tires, washer fluid, windshield wipers, defrosters, etc.
2. Know your car- Take the time to practice driving in the snow before you hit the main roads, because every car handles differently.
3. Plan your travel and route-Check the weather, road conditions, and traffic; plan to leave early if necessary.
4. Stock your vehicle- Carry a snow shovel, ice scraper, kitty litter, jumper cables, flashlight, flares, blankets, cell phone with charger, water, food, and medicines.
5. Learn what to do in a winter emergency-Stay with your car, don’t run your car for extended amounts of time, put bright markers on the antenna or windows, and keep the dome light on.

We hope this information will help you keep you and your family safe this winter season. Are there any other winter driving tips that that we didn’t mention that you’d like to suggest to other parents? Please let us know in the comments!

Frequently Asked Questions

Are winter tires necessary?

Winter tires are designed for colder temperatures, and slush, snow, and ice. Their traction is better than all-season tires. If new tires aren’t in your budget right now, make sure all your tires have a least a good tread. A good tread is 4/32-inch or deeper, “replace soon” at 3/32, “replace now” at 2/32-inch.

Does Michigan offer any winter driving classes?

Yes, Michigan does offer winter driving classes in different areas. Places that teach winter driving classes include Motor City Driving Academy and Michigan Tech Keweenaw Winter Driving School.

How do you brake with anti-lock brakes versus not having them?

If you have anti-lock brakes, apply firm constant pressure to stop. If you don’t have anti-lock brakes, you need to pump your brakes to a stop, which requires a little planning in order to stop in time. 
 
At Little Angels Preschool in Ypsilanti, we’re dedicated to our students’ health and well-being. If you need help with alternate routes due to the winter driving season backups check out the following traffic apps: Sigalert.com, Waze Social GPS, Maps, and Traffic, and Beat the Traffic Plus+.

Daycare in Ypsilanti Suggests Ways to Fit Exercise in the Family Routine!

Do you set aside time to exercise as a family?

Is strong health and wellness something you wish to achieve and maintain?

Doing it as a family can be so much fun! 

Many people struggle to find the time to exercise during a full day of tasks. However, if you make it a routine as a family like other things you do on a daily basis, it will be easier to stick to.

We checked the “Let’s Move” campaign created by First Lady Michelle Obama for some great tips for the entire family to get moving, including:

1. Setting goals that everyone can achieve together
2. Scheduling your activity an advance
3. Tracking your progress
4. Staying flexible! If something comes up, reschedule the exercise instead of cancelling
5. Sharing new ideas with neighbors, friends and family and ask them to join in the fun!

We know that starting a healthy lifestyle can be a challenge, but it is so worth it in the end. According to WebMD, “about three out of four children ages 5 to 10 get less than one hour of physical activity daily.” By making a change to include exercise as a family routine, it will help control weight, build lean muscle, reduce fat, promote strong bone, muscle and joint development, and decrease the risk of obesity.

If you already fit exercise into your family’s routine, what are some tips you can offer parents who find it a challenge to fit it in their schedule? We’d love for you to share your thoughts in the comment section!

We hope this information will help you become more aware of the amount of daily exercise your child receives. At our Daycare in Ypsilanti, we’re dedicated to our students’ health and well-being. We want to ensure the safety of our students and their families.

Preschool in Ypsilanti Suggests Teaching Your Kids the ABC’s of Sunburn Prevention

Everyone knows when you stay in the sun too long you increase your risk of sunburn. But did you know that sunburns can be especially painful for young children?

According to WebMD, “most of their (children’s) lifetime sun exposure is in their first 18 years of life.” So it’s important that you protect their skin, to help decrease their risk of skin cancer and delay the development of wrinkles as they get older.

It’s hard to educate young children about the sun’s harmful rays, so parents need to make sure their kids are protected and aware of its effects. 

We would like to suggest some tips to help you teach your kids the ABC’s of how to protect their skin from sunburns, as suggested by WebMD.com

• A = Away. Stay away from the sun in the middle of the day from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• B = Block. Use a sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or higher to protect babies’ and children's very sensitive skin.
• C = Cover up. Wear clothing that covers the skin, hats with wide brims, and sunglasses with UV protection. Even one-year old children should wear sunglasses with UV protection.
• S = Speak out. Teach others to protect their skin from sun damage.

Our Preschool in Ypsilanti staff at Little Angels Preschool & Daycare incorporate learning into your child’s daily life.  We’re always happy to share lesson plans and ideas so you can continue the learning at home.  We all need to work together to support children as they expand their knowledge and grow to be intelligent, respectful, global citizens! 

It's never too early to begin brushing your child's teeth!

Are you unsure when to begin brushing your child’s teeth?

Are you worried about your toddler getting cavities?

It’s never too early to begin proper oral care!

Baby Teeth Are Important
It’s important to start teaching children about proper dental care and nutrition as soon as their teeth start coming in.  Baby teeth are important because they hold the place for where the permanent teeth are to grow.  If your child loses a baby tooth too early it can affect the development of the permanent tooth.  It can also affect your child’s bite and his or her speech.  

Formula, breast milk, and juices all contain sugar and lead to tooth decay which can result in pain, infection and tooth loss.  Clean your infant’s gums twice a day with a wet washcloth.  This will get them comfortable with the act of cleaning their mouth and make the transition to brushing easier. 

7 Tips for Cavity Prevention in Toddlers
1.  Try to avoid giving toddlers extra sugary or starchy snacks such as crackers.  How can you tell if it’s too starchy?  If the food is still visible in their teeth after twenty minutes it would be wise to eliminate. 

2.  Also avoid giving them chewable vitamins that list sugar as their first ingredient. 

3.  If your child takes a bottle to bed it should only be filled with water. 

4.  Try to wean them from using a bottle, the breast, and a pacifier by the age of one. 

5.  Use a spill-proof or sippy cup as a transition to a regular cup, not a long-term solution.  Only allow your child to use a sippy cup filled with water throughout the day.  Save other drinks for snack and meal time when their saliva activity helps clean their teeth. 

6.  Sugary drinks, like juices should be sipped through a straw. 

7.  At the age of two you can begin using a small pea-sized amount of toothpaste on the bristles of a toddler brush.  Concentrate on the back molars that are more prone to decay.  By the age of five your child should be able to brush on their own.

The Best Way to Get Your Kids to Brush...

Is to model the behavior yourself!  Demonstrate proper oral care, including flossing, dental visits, and nutrition to show your kids that their teeth are important.  If they witness you practicing what you preach they are likely to do the same. 
 
http://preschooldaycareypsilanti.com/

Have you enjoyed reading this blog?

Our next blog shares some tips to encourage your child to brush regularly! 

Please feel free to leave us a comment below. 

7 Amazingly Easy Tips to Help You and Your Child with the "Winter Blues!" as shared by Little Angels Preschool & Daycare Ypsilanti

Have you or your child been feeling sluggish, irritable, or extra anxious?


Are you or your child struggling with concentrating on regular tasks?

Does your whole household have trouble waking up in the morning? 

It’s very possible that Seasonal Affective Disorder is the culprit!  This winter has been especially ruthless!  Between the snow, bitter cold temperatures, and gray skies, it’s no wonder we’re all feeling a bit down.

Studies show that approximately six percent of Americans suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) with an additional 14 percent of people with a milder form of SAD, generally called “the winter blues.”  While children under the age of nine are less likely to get SAD, they may experience what many people call “cabin fever.”  Ultimately, if you’re concerned about the state of your child’s mental, or emotional health it’s always best to consult with your pediatrician for guidance! 

What causes SAD?

Experts aren’t 100% sure, but they believe it may be caused by a lack of sunlight.   A lack of light may affect the brain chemical serotonin that affects your mood.   Anyone can get SAD, but it’s more common in women between the ages of 15 and 55, who live in geographical areas where winter days are short.  Most suffer symptoms from October through the end of April.

Symptoms of SAD

You feel sad, moody, anxious, or grumpy.
You may cry more often.
You lose interest in your day-to-day activities, and hobbies.
You eat more, especially carbohydrates, like breads, pasta, and cookies.
You gain weight.
You feel more tired during the day and sleep more than usual. 

Here are a few tips to help during a minor case of the winter blues!

1. When the weather permits, bundle up and get outside for at least 15 minutes for some sunlight therapy.  If it’s too cold, find an indoor location that has large windows with sunshine spilling in: a greenhouse, a sun porch, an indoor pool, or play area with numerous skylights.
2. If you’re stuck at home, tackle a family project together.  This could be projects like cleaning out closets, or putting together a family scrapbook.  Once you complete the chore, reward everyone with a movie night or a dance party in your pajamas!
3. Keep your family hydrated with water.  This will combat fatigue, ease headaches, and can also help decrease food cravings.
4. Help release energy by playing a game like indoor tag, or use a game system ( X-Box or Wii.)  If you’re limited on space, we once heard of a woman who liked to hula hoop while standing on top of her bed.  This works well because there is enough space to move the hoop without hitting anything.  This also challenges your muscles more while you try to stay balanced.  Not only is the physical activity great for increasing your happy endorphins, but there’s sure to be laughter involved too, which is always therapeutic!
5. Listen to relaxing music, and read a book before bed.  Try using a white noise machine to promote relaxation and help with noise distractions.
6. Have an indoor picnic.  Spread out a blanket, pack a picnic, and pretend you’re outside.  Look at family pictures from a summer vacation or event.  You could even stage a family photo with funny props and costumes to remember your mini indoor vacation from winter.
7. Try some aromatherapy in a bath or by placing potpourri around your home.  Citrus, Peppermint, Lavender, and Rosemary help reduce stress relief, anxiety, and fatigue.   

As one of the best Preschool Daycare Ypsilanti has to offer, we understand that being stuck indoors during the winter can be challenge to everyone, especially children.  We hope our suggestions above may help re-charge your batteries and get you excited for spring.  

Contact us today to schedule a tour, or check out our photo gallery to see all of the wonderful things we have to offer you and your child.  http://preschooldaycareypsilanti.com/

We'd also love to hear what you do to fight the "winter blues".  Please leave a comment below! Thank you!