Kids Reading

Parents are desperately trying to lure their children away from video games and the TV for fear of obesity. Many children today are substituting good reads for TV remote and game controllers. Cindi Brown, a daycare owner expresses “Children who read at an early age seem more content with a good book and do not rely on TV and video games for entertainment as much as non-readers.”

Evelyn Petersen, author of 8 books for early childhood and parenting, a writer in newspapers for over 20 years, “Detroit Free Press” and “KRTN Wire” previously, as well as writing for weekly parenting columns for the “Nashville Tennesean”. Also has been published in “Children and Families” magazine comments “Many first grade teachers are noticing that children who stare at the TV screen for hours each day are often damaging the muscles in their eyes so they cannot “track” their eyes to left to right as you read.”

While many parents are often too busy to take time to read to their children, it is associated that “children who are read to, are children who read,” as commented by MaryAnn Kohl, author of over 15 books on creative art for children, and a columnist for many parenting magazines including Scholastic’s “Let’s Find Out.”

Early childhood reading is considered a key element in a child’s success for their future. Sue Reszka has been teaching in preschools for 25 years and has found that “children that have the opportunity to experience books at a young age, have a much easier time when learning to read on their own. Reading to children at an early age helps them learn new words, relate the spoken word to the printed word, develop listening skills and an understanding of what words mean. Books let children experience whole new worlds, people, places and ideas. The greater the variety of experiences a child has, the greater the chances that he/she will succeed.”

While often children don’t want to read books because their either consider to childish for their age or not entertaining enough, a current release from LH Publications and Productions has been found to entice readers of all ages while secretly unveiling a lesson or two in each story. Mysterious Chills and Thrills by author Laura Hickey is an anthology of spooky twists of fiction that weave the age old question of “what if” that many generations can apply to their own lives.

Mysterious Chills and Thrills shows promise to delight kids across the nation at a price to please parents. With book reviews such as “A young person’s thriller written in their own language, 5 stars” and “Age appropriate for children six and up, these stories will have you chilled and thrilled!” from “Book Review Cafe”, Mysterious Chills and Thrills isn’t your average sci-fi children’s book. Funny, creepy and educational, it’s a triple threat of a gem of a book for kids to start reading at a young age. This holiday season remember, good readers promote communication and SOLIDIFY important skills for life.

Help Your Child Do Better in School
Has Johnny seemed a little frazzled lately? Today, kids have more worries and face more pressures than ever before. Here a few tips to help your child focus on and do well in school.

1. Create a personal schedule

Recording everything that must be done on a calendar or ‘to do’ list will help him to keep track of important dates and deadlines. If he keeps it in a visible place he will have no problem acknowledging upcoming events and will be better able to plan how and where to spend his time.

A ‘to do’ list would also help him to prioritize his tasks. When it comes to homework, whatever is most important should be tackled first.

2. Watch the clock

Setting an alarm for the morning is a must. I also recommend setting his clock or watch five minutes ahead since it’s always easy to run late. When it comes to something like catching a bus, just five minutes can make a significant difference.

3. Focus

He should train himself to be able to concentrate solely on one specific task. This is much easier in a noise-free environment. No T.V or radio should be on to distract him.

4. Get enough sleep

Lack of sleep is proven to take a toll on us physically. The more sleep we get, the more alert we are. We thus have more energy to handle life’s daily tasks. The average adult needs at least six hours of sleep a night and the average child needs at least eight.

5. Stay in shape

Through spending time outdoors or playing sports with friends, he can ‘blow off some steam’ so to speak, as well as re-energize. Encourage him to get outside.

6. Talk through your problems

Being able to share his concerns with you will alleviate the frustration of keeping things bottled up. Sharing feelings often makes them easier to deal with. If you make it clear that you understand him and are willing to help, not only will you contribute to his emotional health but you’ll help build an open and honest relationship as well.

GC Nexus: Finding qualified caregivers and nannies for your family! With locations in Montreal, Vancouver, Toronto-Canada wide.