September Fun Family Events in Washtenaw County!

Are you bored of doing the same old thing every night?
 
Are you looking to do something fun and unique with your family this month?
 

It’s almost fall, so there are some fun events in town sure to get you excited about the upcoming holidays! Our kids experts here at Little Angels Preschool in Ypsilanti have brainstormed a few great ideas for you:
 
To name just a few…

• Visit the Ann Arbor Farmer’s Market
• Go see “Close Encounters”: a benefit for The Creature Conservancy
• Attend Downtown Storytime at the Ypsilanti District Library
• Check out Wiard’s Orchards and Country Fair
• Go to the 42nd Anniversary Jamboree: Dawn Farm
• Spend some time at “The Littlest Scientist”: Ann Arbor Hand-On Museum
• Run the Corn Maze at Talladay Farms
• Celebrate at the 7th Annual Harvest Festival: Pittsfield Township Parks and Recreation

All of these events are family friendly, with many events, games, and fun for everyone!
 
For more events in your area visit: Ann Arbor Family.
 
Happy harvest!

6 Ways to Deal with Aggression in Toddlers and Preschoolers

Is your child aggressive toward other toddlers or preschoolers?

Does your child have a history of biting, kicking, or hitting?

What have you done to help solve the problem?

If you’re having a hard time dealing with an aggressive child at home, you’re not alone! Many toddlers display aggressive behavior around two years old mostly because they’re frustrated. Toddlers have a limited vocabulary to express how they’re feeling, which results in frustration. 

Photo Credit: George Hodan

How would you like to get a good report from your child’s teacher every day? You would have less frequent trips to the preschool and daycare in Ypsilanti, and have more YOU time!  

According to Parents Magazine, “if your child has a tendency toward aggressive behavior, it's up to you to help him develop judgment, self-discipline, and the ability to express his or her feelings in appropriate ways. Here are six ways to do that:

1. Set firm consistent limits.
2. Help your child find new ways to deal with their anger. 
3. Instill self-control in your child.
4. Avoid encouraging your child to be tough.
5. Don’t spank as a form of discipline.
6. Control your own temper.”

Give these recommendations a try. It’s important that you portray how your child should behave yourself because, after all, they learn from you! Your child will pick up on your signals. If they continue to struggle, it may be beneficial to speak with a doctor regarding your child’s behavior.

If you decide to try some of these things with your child, we’d like to know how it works for you. In addition, are there any other alternatives that already work for you that you’d like to suggest to other parents? Please let us know in the comments! At Little Angels Preschool in Ypsilanti serving Saline, Ann Arbor, Milan and the surrounding areas, we’re dedicated to our students’ health and well-being.

Preschool in Ypsilanti Encourages the Importance of Outdoor Play

Does your child like to go outside and play?

Is your child’s development improving happening at a pace you’re happy with?

Does your child appreciate nature and what it has to offer?

There are many benefits to playing outdoors, but some kids don’t take full advantage of them. According to Early Head Start National Resource Center, reasons why children don’t go outside can be attributed to “adult fears about crime and safety; increased use of television, computer games, DVDs, and other digital media; more time spent indoors in structured activities; childcare arrangements with limited free time; and loss of natural habitats.”

Photo Credit: Petr Kratochvil

Does any of this sound familiar? You’re not alone. Many parents struggle to find chances for their children to run free, sometimes because of fear of bumps, bruises, and scrapes. It may be hard to believe, but those bumps, bruises, and scrapes they get in nature, help them develop mentally, physically, and emotionally!

According to the Early Head Start National Resource Center, outside play has many benefits including:

1. Helps improve overall fitness level
2. Builds stronger immune systems
3. Helps absorb Vitamin D for healthy bones and teeth
4. Helps regulate and balance sleep patterns
5. Helps protects against life stresses 
6. Increases creativity and imagination
7. Enhances opportunities to make decisions, solve problems, and collaborate with peers
8. Improves awareness, reasoning, and observation skills
9. Strengthens ability to focus and pay attention
10. Helps children learn about nature, life cycles, and how plants and animals depend on each other for survival

At Little Angels Preschool & Daycare in Ypsilanti, we focus on growing the WHOLE child, not just academically, but also their character and well-being. We’re dedicated to helping your child spend much of their day exploring nature. We feel that it’s the best and most effective way for children to learn and grow.

Do you know of a parent looking for a quality daycare in Ypsilanti, Milan, Saline, Ann Arbor or the surrounding areas? Please encourage them to contact us to schedule a tour of Little Angels Preschool & Daycare.

7 Ultimate Ways To Deal With a New Sibling

Thinking about expanding your family?

How will your child handle a little brother or sister?

Are you worried that your child won’t accept a new child into your home?

Every parent has the same worries; you’re not alone! There is good cause for concern because not all siblings get along. If you had brothers and sisters growing up you know it wasn’t a cake walk. It was probably a struggle sharing, playing nice, and competing for your parent’s attention 24/7.

According to the University of Michigan Health System, help your child adjust to their baby brother or sister by doing the following:

1. Set aside special time for your older child.
2. Listen to how your child feels about the baby.
3. Make sure it’s very clear that no hurting is allowed when they’re angry.
4. Have some special “big brother” or “big sister” gifts to give your child as friends and relatives start showing up with baby gifts, so your older child won’t feel left out.
5. Give them special jobs that they can do to help the family and let them help with the baby’s care.
6. Make sure the older child has things of their own.
7. Point out the benefits of being an older child.

Give these recommendations a try. Your child will be able to adjust better to a changing family dynamic if they’re aware of what’s going on, rather than being left in the dark. Your child will be able to grasp the concept better if you prepare them ahead of time. This will allow you to feel less worried as your older child and new baby learn about one another.

If you decide to try some of these things with your child, we’d like to know how it works for you. In addition, are there any other alternatives that already work for you that you’d like to suggest to other parents? Please let us know in the comments! At Little Angels Preschool in Ypsilanti serving Saline, and the surrounding areas, we’re dedicated to our students’ health and well-being.

7 Tricks to Master Toilet Training!

Are you struggling to potty train your child? 

Is your child having a hard time grasping the concept of going to the bathroom?

Are you worried your child may fall behind in development?

Don’t worry! In time, your child will conform when they’re ready. Often, parents worry too much because they want their child to be considered normal. What is normal exactly? Everyone is different and progresses at their own pace, so give your child a chance!

We have compiled a list of tricks to master toilet training. We hope you see successes after using these tricks at home, including:

1. Schedule potty breaks.
2. Help your child notice the signs such as squirming, squatting or holding themselves.
3. Consider bribes.
4. Throw away the diapers!
5. Know when to take a break if your child isn’t getting the hang of it.
6. Praise your child when they do it right.
7. Avoid shaming your child when accidents happen. 

According to the Mayo Clinic, “occasional accidents are harmless, but they can lead to teasing, embarrassment and alienation from peers. If your potty-trained child reverts or loses ground — especially at age 4 or older — or you're concerned about your child's accidents, contact his or her doctor. Sometimes wetting problems indicate an underlying physical condition, such as a urinary tract infection or an overactive bladder. Prompt treatment can help your child become accident-free.”

If you decide to try some of these things with your child, we’d like to know how it works for you. In addition, are there any other alternatives that already work for you that you’d like to suggest to other parents? Please let us know in the comments! At Little Angels Daycare in Ypsilanti serving Saline, we’re dedicated to our students’ health and well-being.

Do you know of a parent looking for a quality daycare in Ypsilanti, Saline or the surrounding areas? Please encourage them to contact us to schedule a tour of Little Angels Preschool & Daycare.