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9 Mistakes Parents Make With Toddlers By David Freeman – WebMD Feature
Got a toddler? Avoid these 9 parenting mistakes.

Children don’t come with owner’s manuals. Alas. Toddlers — full of energy and eager to test your limits as well as their legs —can be particularly tricky to parent. Here are nine parenting mistakes every mom and dad of a toddler should avoid.

Mistake No. 1: Being Inconsistent.

Toddlers do best when they know what to expect, whether it’s what time they bathe or go to bed or what consequences they’ll face for misbehaving. The more consistent and predictable things are, the more resilient and agreeable a toddler is likely to be.

Fix it: As much as you can, keep regular routines for your child. Consistency can be a challenge when parents (or other caregivers) don’t see eye to eye.

Not sure how best to react if your child dumps food on the floor or ignores bedtime? Sit down with your partner ahead of time to decide on an appropriate response — and stick with it.

“You don’t want to send mixed messages,” says Tanya Remer Altmann, MD, the author of Mommy Calls: Dr. Tanya Answers Parents’ Top 101 Questions about Babies and Toddlers and a pediatrician in private practice in Los Angeles. “You really want to be consistent.”

Mistake No. 2: Focusing on Family Time

It’s delightful to spend time with the whole family. But some parents go overboard on family time.

“Kids cherish time alone time with one parent,” says Thomas Phelan, PhD, a clinical psychologist in suburban Chicago and the author of several parenting books, including 1-2-3 Magic. “One-on-one time is fun for parents too, because there’s no sibling rivalry to contend with.”

Fix it: What’s a good way to spend one-on-one time with a toddler? Phelan recommends simply getting down on the floor together and playing.

Mistake No. 3: Offering Too Much Help

Some parents jump in to help a toddler who is having trouble doing something. Before you do, consider the possibility that by helping your child complete a puzzle or put on a shirt, you may be sending the message that he/she can’t do it alone — in other words, that the child is incompetent.

“Parents who offer too much help may be sabotaging their young children’s ability to become self-reliant,” says Betsy Brown Braun, the Los-Angeles-based author of You’re Not the Boss of Me.

Fix it: “We need to teach children to tolerate struggle,” Braun says.

Of course, there’s nothing wrong with offering praise and encouragement. “Be a cheerleader,” Brown says. “Say, ‘You can do this!’”

Mistake No. 4: Talking Too Much

Talking with toddlers is usually a terrific idea. But not when it’s time to rein in errant behavior.

Imagine a mom has just said “no” to her 2-year-old’s request for a cookie. The child fusses. Mom explains that it’s suppertime. The child grabs a cookie anyway. Mom takes it away, and tries again to explain herself to her now tearful child. Back and forth it goes, with mounting frustration on both sides.

“Talking can lead to what I call the talk-persuade-argue-yell-hit pattern,” Phelan says. “Toddlers are not adults in a little body. They’re not logical, and they just can’t assimilate what you are saying to them.”

Fix it: What’s the smart way to lay down the law? Once you tell your toddler to do something, Phelan says, don’t talk about it or make eye contact. If the child disobeys, give a brief verbal warning or count to three. If the child refuses to toe the line, give a time-out or another immediate consequence. No explaining!

Mistake No. 5: Serving Only Kiddie Food

Does your toddler seem to eat nothing but chicken fingers and fries? Are goldfish crackers the only fish he or she eats? As some parents realize too late, toddlers fed a steady diet of nutritionally iffy kid’s foods may resist eating anything else.

Fix it: Encourage your child to try “grown-up” fare. “A good percentage of kids are willing to try a new food if they see mommy and daddy enjoying it,” Altmann says. “If they push back, keep putting it on their plate. Some kids need to try things a dozen or more times before they take to it.”

But don’t worry too much if your toddler is a picky eater. “Most toddlers are,” Braun says.

“Children love the fight over food. If we make a fuss about it, it becomes a much bigger deal than it needs to be,” Braun says. Her advice:  As long as there’s something your child can eat on the plate, don’t worry. Do not allow yourself to become your child’s short-order cook.

Mistake No. 6: Getting Rid of the Crib

Cribs do more than keep little ones safe. They promote good sleep habits.

A toddler moved too soon into a “real” bed may have trouble staying in bed or falling asleep, and so may end up climbing into bed with mommy and daddy.

“Some moms wear themselves out because they have to lie down with their child every night,” Altmann says. “They don’t realize they’re the ones who set the pattern.”

Fix it: When is it time to get rid of the crib? When your child asks for a bed or starts climbing out of the crib. For most kids, that comes between the ages of 2 and 3.

Mistake No 7: Starting Potty Training Too Soon

Some parents cajole their children into using the toilet when they think it’s time — and issue harsh reprimands when things go awry. That can lead to a power struggle.

Fix it: “Children learn to use the toilet when they’re ready,” Altmann says. “The process shouldn’t be rushed.”

But you can set the stage. Show your toddler the toilet. Explain its use. If you feel comfortable doing so, let your child watch you use the toilet — and offer praise if he or she gives it a whirl.

What if your child is still in diapers at age 4? “Don’t worry,” Altmann says. “No child is ever going to go to college in diapers.”

Mistake No. 8: Allowing Too Much Screen Time

Toddlers who watch lots of TV often have more trouble learning later on. And studies suggest that kids under the age of 2 can’t really take in what’s being displayed on TV and computer screens.

Fix it: Keep your toddler busy with reading and other, more creative pursuits. Have conversations-and encourage talking as well as listening. “The longer you can hold off exposing your child to TV, the better,” Altmann says.

Mistake No. 9: Trying to Stop a Tantrum

Some parents worry that an out-of-control child makes them seem like ineffectual parents. But all toddlers have tantrums. When they do, it’s pointless to try to talk them out of it — even if the drama is unfolding in front of company or in a public place.

“When we are in public and dealing with a child, we feel judged,” Braun says. “We feel like there is a neon sign over our heads saying we are incompetent parents.”

Fix it: Braun says parents must remember that the child matters more than the opinions of other people — especially strangers.

If people glare or offer unwanted advice, simply smile and say something like, “Gosh, do you remember what it was like?” Then scoop up the wailing child and find a place away from prying eyes for the tantrum to run its course. Once it does, offer the child a hug and go on with your day.

Please contact us today for more information about The Learning Center Preschool

Best of Boca Preschool

The Learning Center Preschool is happy to be voted “Best Preschool” in Boca Raton for the fifth time since 2005. Owner Marie Richard has resumed her role as the full time director and is having a wonderful time. Miss Beverly Jones is pleased to be working with Marie as the
Assistant Director and Curriculum Coordinator. The TLC education team provides a supportive environment that encourages a lifelong enthusiasm for learning.

The Learning Center Preschool has been awarded the Gold Seal Award of Excellence from the state of Florida and continues to uphold the high standards that the award represents. The school recently received a perfect score (200 out of 200) for the students who
participated in and graduated from the VPK program. The Learning Center Preschool is currently accepting students for the summer program which begins June 1, 2010 and for the fall program which begins September 7, 2010. The school operates all year long and is open from 7:30am to 5:30 pm.

Best of Boca Teacher

We are proud to announce that Teacher Beverly Jones was voted Best of  Boca Teacher by the Times Readers.

A child’s early educational experience is the foundation for his or her future success. At The Learning Center Pre-School, teacher Beverly Jones understands this concept. “I believe a child learns from birth and must be nurtured according to their individual needs and abilities,” says Jones.

With 20 years background in early childhood education, she brings a wealth of experience to her responsibilities at the school. In addition to teaching Pre-K, where 4- and 5-year-olds are prepared for kindergarten, Jones serves as assistant director for curriculum development.

The children respond to her kind and caring demeanor and she encourages them to investigate, create and discover the world around them. Jones’ attitude is typical of the wonderful teachers at The Learning Center.

Our camp hours are 7a.m – 5:30pm daily. Each week includes fun filled summer activities that are socially and academically appropriate for children ages 1-5 years old. At Camp TLC, your children will spend their summer mornings learning multi-cultural songs, making cool crafts, cooking, movement activities, water play and playing exciting new games, and meeting new friends.

Below you will find the themes for this years’ camp.

Our Themes for our Summer Day Camp
Week 1: Water Fun (WATER SLIDE HOUSE)
Week 2: Wild, Wild, West (RODEO)
Week 3: Mad Science Week (SCIENTIST VISIT!)
Week 4: Red, White & Blue Week (4TH OF JULY PARADE)
Week 5: Hawaiian Luau Week (TABLE CLOTH LUAU!)
Week 6: School Spirit Week (TEAM JERSEY/ PEP RALLY!)
Week 7: Sports Week (PLAYBAL)
Week 8: Wildlife Exhibition Week (ANIMAL EXHIBITION)
Week 9: Crazy Carnival (KIDDY CARNIVAL W/ BOOTHS)
Week10: Cooking Around the World (Chef Visit)
Week 11: 1, 2, 3 Blast Off! (Rockets Galore!)

Camp Fees
Please call (561) 391-1140 for a tour and camp fees.

Camp Closed
Independence Day

Lunch, Snacks & Essentials for our Summer Day Camp

A morning/afternoon snacks will be provided by the school. Water or juice will be given during these times and anytime we go outside.
It is essential that children bring a water bottle if they dehydrate easily.
Please send a lunchbox with a nutritious meal for your camper to enjoy. Sunscreen is to be applied at the parents discretion.
Extra clothes and a comfortable pair of closed toe shoes are also required. Closed toe water shoes are needed on water play days.
Individual water play schedules will be sent home by your child’s teacher.

For more information about our Preschool Summer Day Camp please contact us at
(561) 391-1140 or visit the school office. We will be happy to answer any questions or concerns.

Contact Us for more information about Boca Raton Summer Camp at the Learning Center Preschool.

We are proud to announce that we have launched a new website: www.bocavpk.com where you will find information about our VPK Program and requirements.

If your child will be four years old before September 1, 2010, you are eligible to participate in the Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten (VPK) program. The VPK program is a legislatively mandated program designed to prepare your four-year-old for kindergarten. This program gives your child an “educational head start” with quality programs that include high literacy standards, accountability, appropriate curricula, manageable class sizes and qualified instructors.

The Learning Center is a qualified VPK provider. The requirements for your child to attend our VPK program is they must be enrolled full-time and attend 5 days per week.The VPK portion of the day runs from 9:00am to 12:00pm and your child must be in class by 9:00am.

For the three hours per day that we teach the VPK standards developed by the Florida Department of Education Office of Early Learning, we will be reimbursed by the state. For the convenience of the parents of full-time students, at The Learning Center Preschool we provide care before 9:00 and after 12:30 at a rate of $130.00 per week. This rate is called the “wraparound rate”.

Please contact us today for more information about our VPK Program in Boca Raton, Florida.

The Learning Center Preschool located in Boca Raton, Florida is a VPK School offering the Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten Program, for more information call us at (561)-391-1140.

Voluntary Pre-kindergarten Program (VPK) is a legislatively mandated program designed to prepare every four-year-old in Florida for kindergarten and build the foundation for their educational success.

The VPK program gives each child an opportunity to perform better in school and throughout life with quality programs that include high literacy standards, accountability, appropriate curricula, substantial instruction periods, manageable class sizes, and qualified instructors.
All eligible four-year-olds are entitled to participate in one of the Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten Program options. You can view additional information at http://www.familycentral.org/.

For more information about Voluntary Pre-kindergarten Program (VPK) or a VPK provider in Boca Raton, please contact us today.

We would like to share the following article with you:

Your Baby Is Smarter Than You Think by By ALISON GOPNIK

GENERATIONS of psychologists and philosophers have believed that babies and young children were basically defective adults — irrational, egocentric and unable to think logically. The philosopher John Locke saw a baby’s mind as a blank slate, and the psychologist William James thought they lived in a “blooming, buzzing confusion.” Even today, a cursory look at babies and young children leads many to conclude that there is not much going on.
New studies, however, demonstrate that babies and very young children know, observe, explore, imagine and learn more than we would ever have thought possible. In some ways, they are smarter than adults.

Three recent experiments show that even the youngest children have sophisticated and powerful learning abilities. Last year, Fei Xu and Vashti Garcia at the University of British Columbia proved that babies could understand probabilities. Eight-month-old babies were shown a box full of mixed-up Ping-Pong balls: mostly white but with some red ones mixed in. The babies were more surprised, and looked longer and more intently at the experimenter when four red balls and one white ball were taken out of the box — a possible, yet improbable outcome — than when four white balls and a red one were produced.

In 2007, Laura Schulz and Elizabeth Baraff Bonawitz at M.I.T. demonstrated that when young children play, they are also exploring cause and effect. Preschoolers were introduced to a toy that had two levers and a duck and a puppet that popped up. One group was shown that when you pressed one lever, the duck appeared and when you pressed the other, the puppet popped up. The second group observed that when you pressed both levers at once, both objects popped up, but they never got a chance to see what the levers did separately, which left mysterious the causal relation between the levers and the pop-up objects. Then the experimenter gave the children the toys to play with. The children in the first group played with the toy much less than the children in the second group did. When the children already knew how the toy worked, they were less interested in exploring it. But the children in the second group spontaneously played with the toy, and just by playing around, they figured out how it worked.

In 2007 in my lab at Berkeley, Tamar Kushnir and I discovered that preschoolers can use probabilities to learn how things work and that this lets them imagine new possibilities. We put a yellow block and a blue block on a machine repeatedly. The blocks were likely but not certain to make the machine light up. The yellow block made the machine light up two out of three times; the blue block made it light up only two out of six times.

Then we gave the children the blocks and asked them to light up the machine. These children, who couldn’t yet add or subtract, were more likely to put the high-probability yellow block, rather than the blue one, on the machine.

We also did the same experiment, but instead of putting the high-probability block on the machine, we held it up over the machine and the machine lit up. Children had never seen a block act this way, and at the start of the experiment, they didn’t think it could. But after seeing good evidence, they were able to imagine the peculiar possibility that blocks have remote powers.
These astonishing capacities for statistical reasoning, experimental discovery and probabilistic logic allow babies to rapidly learn all about the particular objects and people surrounding them.

Sadly, some parents are likely to take the wrong lessons from these experiments and conclude that they need programs and products that will make their babies even smarter. Many think that babies, like adults, should learn in a focused, planned way. So parents put their young children in academic-enrichment classes or use flashcards to get them to recognize the alphabet. Government programs like No Child Left Behind urge preschools to be more like schools, with instruction in specific skills.

But babies’ intelligence, the research shows, is very different from that of adults and from the kind of intelligence we usually cultivate in school. Schoolwork revolves around focus and planning. We set objectives and goals for children, with an emphasis on skills they should acquire or information they should know. Children take tests to prove that they have absorbed a specific set of skills and facts and have not been distracted by other possibilities.

This approach may work for children over the age of 5 or so. But babies and very young children are terrible at planning and aiming for precise goals. When we say that preschoolers can’t pay attention, we really mean that they can’t not pay attention: they have trouble focusing on just one event and shutting out all the rest. This has led us to underestimate babies in the past. But the new research tells us that babies can be rational without being goal-oriented.

Babies are captivated by the most unexpected events. Adults, on the other hand, focus on the outcomes that are the most relevant to their goals. In a well-known experiment, adults saw a video of several people tossing a ball to one another. The experimenter told them to count how many passes particular people made. In the midst of this, a person in a gorilla suit walked slowly through the middle of the video. A surprising number of adults, intent on counting, didn’t even seem to notice the unexpected gorilla.

Adults focus on objects that will be most useful to them. But as the lever study demonstrated, children play with the objects that will teach them the most. In our study, 4-year-olds imagined new possibilities based on just a little data. Adults rely more on what they already know. Babies aren’t trying to learn one particular skill or set of facts; instead, they are drawn to anything new, unexpected or informative.

Part of the explanation for these differing approaches can be found in the brain. The young brain is remarkably plastic and flexible. Brains work because neurons are connected to one another, allowing them to communicate. Baby brains have many more neural connections than adult brains. But they are much less efficient. Over time, we prune away the connections we don’t use, and the remaining ones become faster and more automatic. Moreover, the prefrontal cortex, the part of the brain that controls the directed, planned, focused kind of intelligence, is exceptionally late to mature, and may not take its final shape until our early 20s.

In fact, our mature brain seems to be programmed by our childhood experiences — we plan based on what we’ve learned as children. Very young children imagine and explore a vast array of possibilities. As they grow older and absorb more evidence, certain possibilities become much more likely and more useful. They then make decisions based on this selective information and become increasingly reluctant to give those ideas up and try something new. Computer scientists talk about the difference between exploring and exploiting — a system will learn more if it explores many possibilities, but it will be more effective if it simply acts on the most likely one. Babies explore; adults exploit.

Each kind of intelligence has benefits and drawbacks. Focus and planning get you to your goal more quickly but may also lock in what you already know, closing you off to alternative possibilities. We need both blue-sky speculation and hard-nosed planning. Babies and young children are designed to explore, and they should be encouraged to do so.
The learning that babies and young children do on their own, when they carefully watch an unexpected outcome and draw new conclusions from it, ceaselessly manipulate a new toy or imagine different ways that the world might be, is very different from schoolwork. Babies and young children can learn about the world around them through all sorts of real-world objects and safe replicas, from dolls to cardboard boxes to mixing bowls, and even toy cellphones and computers. Babies can learn a great deal just by exploring the ways bowls fit together or by imitating a parent talking on the phone. (Imagine how much money we can save on “enriching” toys and DVDs!)

But what children observe most closely, explore most obsessively and imagine most vividly are the people around them. There are no perfect toys; there is no magic formula. Parents and other caregivers teach young children by paying attention and interacting with them naturally and, most of all, by just allowing them to play.

Contact us today for more information about The Learning Center Preschool located in Boca Raton Florida


4 year olds raise money for sick kids
Reported by: Tania Rogers

BOCA RATON, FL — At sports week at The Learning Center Preschool in Boca Raton 4-year-olds are putting their helmets on and gearing up for a Trike-a-thon.

“The serious part of this is that children are learning about bike safety, wearing helmets,… but they are also learning about Saint Jude’s Hospital. They are also being exposed to sick children,” said Cece Hurwitz, Learning Center Director.

The 4 year-olds are trying to make a difference by biking or riding their scooters to raise money for sick kids. The preschool wants these children to learn how to help others who are struggling with health issues. “So far we have collected over 1000 dollars and the parents have until next week to give us money. Our owners of the school are also going to match whatever we raise,” Hurwitz said.

After a few laps in the blazing sun, the kids were ready for a break and ready to talk about why they want to help St. Jude Children’s Hospital. Here’s a sample:

“Sick children that are in the hospital.”

“For sick children.”

“To raise money for sick children.”

“You have to help them so they can feel better and so that they can sleep so they won’t get sick anymore.”

Contact us for mre information about Boca Raton Early Childhood Learning Center

During our Preschool Safety Week, Officer Kevin came to The Learning Center Preschool in his police cruiser and gave our students a visual perception of who “Police Officers” really are. He spoke to the 2 – 4 year olds about seat belt and car seat safety, the purpose of 911 and why Police Officers are our friends.

Officer Kevin was very impressed that our VPK students were able to tell him their phone numbers and addresses.