Your Guide to Helping Children Develop Emotional Literacy

Emotional literacy is the ability to identify, understand, name, and process feelings. Not just your own, but also the feelings expressed by others.

This deeply undervalued and unappreciated skill is a better indicator of intelligence and a better predictor of success than IQ. At least that’s what the latest research suggests.

So what is it and how can we help cultivate it in our children?

Appreciating the nuance

A big part of emotional literacy is understanding and embracing just how complex feelings can be. The English language has over 4,000 words that describe feelings.

Almost always, what a person is feeling at any given time is really a combination of more than one emotion.

For example, we may think of someone as angry when that’s really just an umbrella term covering emotions that may include frustration, emotional hurt, physical pain, anguish, fear, or even embarrassment.

The same is true of positive emotions. Happy is just an umbrella term that may include proud, excited, satisfied, and a number of other feelings.

A person who has emotional literacy understands the complexity and nuance of emotions.

Learning emotional literacy

No one is born simply knowing this stuff. It has to be learned.

We can instill it in our children. Start by reassuring them that feelings are normal. Help them put labels on their feelings as a way to describe them, but never as a way to judge certain feelings as “good” or “bad”.

Help them recognize the sources, or triggers, for various feelings. Simply knowing what caused you to feel a certain way is a big help to expressing that constructively.

Help them see how feelings change based on circumstances and environment. What each of us is feeling right now is not the same as what we felt an hour ago. Nor is it the same as what we’ll be feeling an hour from now.

These fluctuations are perfectly normal and healthy.

Putting emotional literacy to practical use

While there may be patterns to our general emotions and demeanor, we are not slaves to our feelings. Learning to understand and describe what we’re feeling takes away some of the power those feelings hold over us.

For a preschooler, this is a pretty big deal.

Gradually you will teach them — through understanding rather than punishment — that things like throwing a wailing tantrum over not getting a piece of candy is not a constructive way to express one’s feelings.

Children who learn to understand, accept, and regulate their emotions become far more resilient. They experience negative emotions less intensely and for shorter periods of time. They are also less prone to depression.

At the same time, their ability to embrace so-called positive emotions becomes stronger. They form closer friendships and even perform better academically.

Color with every crayon in the box

In the same way that a box of crayons has more colors in it than simply red, yellow, and blue, we as humans have a wide range of emotions too.

Use this analogy to help your child understand that there is more than one shade of green. There are also many kinds of happiness, or love, or irritation.

Giving your child a rich emotional vocabulary as a way to describe a wide array of emotions is key to helping them learn to manage their feelings.

Research has shown that the words we use to label something has a powerful impact on how we perceive that thing. Different people experiencing the very same trigger event, but using different words to describe their feelings toward it, had measurable differences in their bodies’ physiological reactions.

This fact can even be turned into a game that you play with your child. In books and magazines, find photos of people expressing strong emotions. Ask your child to label some of the things the person in the photo might be feeling.

You can even carry the game a step further and invent your own story about what happened to make the person feel the way they do. Maybe the woman in the yellow coat just got a promotion at work, or found a dollar in her pocket, or got to pet a kitten. The man in the green shirt may have bumped his toe on some furniture or spilled hot coffee on his new pants.

As your children get older and better at this, they will naturally add their own layers of complexity. Ask them what things the person in the photo might say, or what may happen next, or if there are other ways the person might express their feelings.

All of these things will help your child build a rich set of mental and emotional tools for expressing their own feelings.

Emotions in action

Kids respond strongly to behaviors that you model. Like it or not, they will observe how you act in various situations and take that as the way they should act as well.

So let your kids see you expressing a range of emotions. Perhaps you won’t want to stop and talk about it when you’re still feeling sad or angry, but at some point sit down with them to talk through your own emotions and how you handle them.

Like meditation, being accepting and mindful of your emotions and how to respond to them takes practice. It also brings peace of mind and a less turbulent experience of life.

This is a powerful skill to pass on to your children.

At The Pillars Christian Learning Center, our entire focus is on helping your children grow into the best adults they can possibly be. Call and arrange to stop by so you can see our approach in action.

 

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4 Ways To Prepare Healthy Snacks For Kids

Let’s face it. Being a parent in 2019 means being incredibly pressured for time.  Between work, family and everything that comes in between, it can be easy to overlook some tasks during the day. And it’s even easier to look for a convenient compromise. But when it comes to nutrition and preparing healthy snacks for your kids, there can’t be  any compromise. Ensuring that your kids eat healthy food is a necessity.

In addition to teaching children about the value of nutrition, it’s also important to teach them how  to make the best choices. You want them to make choices that are healthy, positive and lead to productive results, and  choices that stay with them for the rest of their lives. You want your kids to be active, energetic and well-balanced. And you probably won’t find those things  in a bag of potato chips.

Even kids who are the pickiest eaters can learn to love healthy snacks.  The earlier they start, the broader their tastes will become down the road. If you’re looking to teach your kids about the value of nutrition, here are some great tips on how to prepare healthy snacks for your kids that are fun, quick and above all… delicious!

Don’t Skimp On Fresh Fruit And Veggies

This might seem like an obvious choice, but believe it or not, many parents tend to forego healthy fruits and vegetables, and offer countless excuses for their neglect. For example, parents may say that fruits and vegetables are too expensive,  too inconvenient to prepare, or that their kids just have fussy taste. But fruits and veggies rich in nutrients and vitamins aren’t difficult to prepare. They’re inexpensive, tasty and versatile. Not only that, they’re appealing to look at as well!

A bowl of fresh fruit arranged by both shape and color on your kitchen table can go a long way in promoting your child’s growing visual coordination. Many  kids adore hummus for both its flavor and its texture. There are also plenty of alternative spreads and dips including almond butter, tzatziki and cashew butter, just to name a few.  And best of all,most of these options won’t take you more than a few seconds to prepare!

Go With Whole Grain

One of the great benefits about whole grain bread is both its fiber and nutrient density. But whole grain options don’t have to be confined to bread alone. There are plenty of tasty choices to choose from when it comes to whole grain snacks like brown rice crackers, cereal, pita wraps, tortillas and even soy-based breads and wraps. In lieu of nachos, baked pitas with salsa can provide more energy without sacrificing the taste. And if your kids are pizza lovers (and who isn’t?), try swapping out traditional pizza dough for a whole wheat wrap topped with tomato sauce and plenty of low fat mozzarella cheese. Chances are your kids won’t even be able to tell the difference!

Lean On Leaner Meats

It seems like everywhere you turn these days, people are moving towards leaner meats that are lower in fat and higher in protein, with popular options like turkey breast, ham, roast beef and chicken breast. These heart healthy choices are significantly lower in saturated fat. Even better, consuming higher amounts of protein means healthier muscles, tissues and organs. Leaner meat options are  not just relatively inexpensive, they also taste great! A quick roll-up can be made from a slice or two of deli meats and reduced fat cheese for an added burst of on the go energy they won’t be able to get enough of!

Don’t Be Afraid To Treat Them To A Treat Once In A While!

Treats are not always bad in and of themselves. But unfortunately, most of them are heavily processed with added preservatives and sweeteners that are great for a quick pick-me-up followed by an inevitable crash. However, treats you make yourself can be as healthy as they can be delicious! Fresh popcorn that isn’t drenched in butter can be a great between-meals munchie., Dark chocolate mixed with grated coconut and raw cocoa powder can be made into a variety of shapes and refrigerated for a hands-on experience that helps turn your kids into little dessert chefs! As long as you don’t go overboard with refined and processed ingredients, you might find that the occasional treats can be as rewarding as they are healthy.

 

Nutrition isn’t something to take for granted. And at The Pillars Christian Learning Center, we emphasize three fundamental pillars of health: a healthy mind, a healthy body and a healthy faith. Find out more at The Pillars Christian Learning Center.

 

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7 Benefits of Adequate Family Time

The importance of spending quality time with the family can’t be discounted. Quality time is paramount for strengthening bonds and raising happy children. However, in a world that’s dominated by technology, an adequate family is often overlooked and taken for granted. A lot of us are busier than ever with work, chores, and other things that distract us from what really matters. If you find yourself caught in this dilemma, here are just some of the benefits of family time that you should consider.

Building a lasting connection

Spending time together as a family is an excellent way to bond, and if you bond with your kids, then you are making your relationship with them even stronger. Healthy parent-child relationships help to nurture the overall growth and development of young kids. Make it a point to spend quality time with them on a daily basis, and to make it happen, no matter how busy you might be. If you can’t be with your kids for hours, at least make sure that you are making the most of your time when you’re together. Give them your undivided attention instead of multitasking.

The happiness of your children

Adequate family time is certainly good for all members of the family because it gives everyone a sense of security and belongingness. Besides that, it also creates a positive impact on your little one’s overall happiness and sense of well-being. Children love it when they get to interact with their family members, especially with their parents. It’s okay if you’re only together for a couple of hours. What matters is how you make these moments count. Put other things aside during family time, including work and mobile phones.

A decrease in behavioral problems

Spending quality time with your little one is also an excellent way to teach them good values and appropriate behavior. For example, engaging in a fun activity or game as a family usually involves the goal to win. This can teach kids about cooperation and teamwork. This also instills in them values such as good sportsmanship and respect.

Growing confidently

Parents who ensure that they have quality time with their kids are also helping them to grow in a secure and supportive environment. Quality time helps these young kids to grow with a good sense of self and confidence. Also, it gives them the chance to practice their problem-solving skills without the fear of making mistakes.

Nurturing their mental, emotional, and social health

As a parent, you should know that your child’s overall well-being is a priority. This means that besides their cognitive development, their mental, emotional, and social health are also paramount and should be given adequate attention. Connecting with them on a regular basis will help to make them more sociable and friendly. It will also positively impact their behavior and performance in school.

Building a child’s self-esteem

Kids who get the chance to regularly participate in activities with their parents build a sense of self-worth and self-esteem. They tend to feel more positively about themselves when they are valued by their parents. Don’t make your little ones feel as though they aren’t important because you don’t make an effort to spend quality time with them. 

You don’t have to go on expensive trips and vacations in order to have fun together. You can simply find nice outdoor activities or stay at home doing something that everybody in the family will enjoy such as watching movies, playing video games, or cooking.

Improving school performance 

A healthy relationship between parents and children creates a positive impact on a child’s academic performance at school. By spending time reading with your little one and helping them out with their homework, you are making them feel like they can always count on you to help with schoolwork and with just about anything else that they need help with.  Having this parental support can improve your little one’s academic performance in the long run.

Quality time with the family can benefit your child in more ways than one. Be sure not to take quality time for granted and always make it a point to emphasize the little moments. 

If you need more tips to help guide you through the wonderful journey of parenting or are looking for the best quality preschool to send your little one to, please feel free to contact The Pillars Christian Learning Center. 

 

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7 Tips to Help you Raise a Well-Rounded Child

In today’s world, where kids’ abilities are measured with high-standard tests, it’s easy for parents to forget that it’s not all about academics. While educational achievements are important, a child’s talents and skills are equally important. Their talents and skills are what’s going to give them the confidence that they need to prepare for adulthood. So, how do you raise a well-rounded child? Here are some tips to assist.

Establish a solid support system

Children need to feel like they have a solid support system at home that makes them feel both confident and loved. This is the kind of environment that parents should create for their kids. Help your little one grow up to become the kind of person who is both competent and ambitious; someone who is happy and satisfied with what they have achieved. And even if they fail at times, make them feel as though they are supported and loved, no matter what.

Encourage them to be outgoing

While it’s important for children to be surrounded by loving family members and friends, it’s also crucial that they are introduced to other people and to a variety of situations. They should be given the chance to step out of their comfort zones because this is what will help them to grow. For example, you can participate as a family in volunteer activities that are hosted by your community. You can also ask your children if they want to join a summer camp or a workshop so that they get to see new faces and meet new friends. This way, they learn how to establish friendships besides the ones that they already have with their playmates in your neighborhood.

Encourage curiosity

Curiosity feeds both creativity and imagination. In order to promote curiosity in your child, you have to make them feel as though they shouldn’t be afraid of failure. If they ask you questions, give them responses that will further encourage them to explore and discover. For example, you can say things like “Great question! I’m curious about that too!” Also, don’t be too strict when your child wants to explore the outside world. It’s okay for them to get their feet dirty and to explore their surroundings.

Encourage them to learn new skills

Isn’t it nice when your child finds something that they can be passionate about? Whether it’s related to sports, music, cooking, or other stuff, it’s great when kids discover new skills at a young age. Some children may not excel in academics, but they may begin to shine once they step out of the corners of their classroom. A new skill doesn’t have to be acquired  by joining workshops or clubs. They can be formed through things as simple as unstructured play or activities at home that encourage cognitive, physical, and/or overall development.

Praise them

Praising kids doesn’t mean that they always have to be rewarded with gifts. After all, we should raise our kids to grow up knowing how to value the things that money can’t buy. Give them your approval by showering them with both your love and caring words. Make sure that you don’t only focus on the outcome of their efforts because whether they succeeded or not, won or lost, the important thing is that they did their best.

Make time for reading

It’s never too early to encourage your child to read. Create the kind of environment that promotes reading by surrounding them with fun and exciting reading material. Take the time to read to them, especially before bedtime. Also, raising a well-rounded child requires you to be a good role model. Show them the importance of reading by indulging in your own favorite reads instead of thumbing through your mobile phone. 

Developing a love for reading at a young age promotes language development. It also promotes one’s imagination and teaches children about empathy.

Don’t push them too hard

While we want our kids to discover new hobbies outside of school, it’s imperative to remember not to push them too hard. Some kids quit activities when they feel pressured. Let them complete activities because they love and enjoy them, and not because that’s what you want for them. If they want to quit and try other hobbies, allow them to do so.

It’s not easy to raise a well-rounded child, but it’s also not impossible. Follow these tips to help you raise kids who are happy, confident, and successful.

Need more tips on parenting? Or are you looking for a school that promotes holistic growth and development? Feel free to visit The Pillars Christian Learning Center for more.

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How to Make a Child Interested in Studying

The desire and ability to learn vary with every child. Some are naturally born to be good learners while others are not. This is where parents come into play. However, many parents make the mistake of believing that learning is limited to the four corners of a classroom. Schools may be the primary source of education, but if you want to extend your child’s ability to learn, you can make that happen right in the comfort of your own home. Developing an interest in learning can benefit a person from childhood to adulthood. And if you’ve been wondering how to make a child interested in studying, here are some helpful tips you can use. 

Create an environment that encourages reading

It’s true that kids who develop a love for reading develop a love for learning. Therefore, be sure to fill your child’s world with reading. Create an atmosphere of reading at home by surrounding them with fun materials they are interested in reading. Look for a cozy and quiet spot somewhere around the house and create a reading corner. Take time to read with your child to demonstrate how important this activity is.

Reading can benefit your child in many different ways. Not only will it help enrich their vocabulary, but it will also improve their brain’s ability to communicate and process concepts.

Discover what their learning style is 

Every individual is a different type of learner and as a parent, it is important that you know which type of learner your child is. They might be a verbal, visual, auditory, logical, physical, social or solitary learner. They may have a dominant style but some kids use a mix of a number of styles. Help them discover and explore different learning styles so you can choose the techniques that will work best for them. For example, if your child is more of a visual learner, you can help them learn better by providing them with visual aids and photos. 

No learning style is better than any other but being aware of your child’s preferred style will help make learning faster and more effective.

Be a role model

Children look up to their parents and if you want your little one to have the right attitude towards studying and learning, you need to model it yourself. Show your own enthusiasm for learning new things. Look for opportunities to discover new information with them. Whether it’s math, history or science, the important thing is that they should see learning as a fun, exciting and interesting part of life.

Make studying fun

A lot of kids prefer playing over studying because playing is more fun. But it’s about time we break that mindset. Who says your kids can’t have fun while learning? With the help of game-based learning, you can motivate your little one to develop a love for studying. Game-based learning means that children are engaged in the learning process by incorporating fun games. This way, they have fun while developing non-cognitive skills. This will also motivate young kids to want to learn more and discover that studying is not a boring, dull thing at all. 

Celebrate their achievements

No matter how big or small, every achievement counts. Recognize and celebrate them. This is an excellent way to motivate children to study more and do better. Avoid nagging them for their failures. Instead, use these as opportunities to encourage them to strive harder. Reward them if you think they deserve it. If they got a high score on their recent test? Take them to their favorite ice cream parlor. Use positive reinforcement as a strategy to motivate your child to study and learn.

Learning is a continuous and never-ending process. With these tips, you can help your little one develop a lifelong love for learning and keep them motivated to study more. 

Be sure to send your little one to a school that provides young kids with fun learning experiences. Please feel free to contact The Pillars Christian Learning Center for more information. 

 

 

 

 

 

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8 Tips for Parents with Picky Eaters

You know you have picky eaters when your kids turn their head away from food, push away the spoons or get cranky at meal time. But why do kids turn into picky eaters?

The picky eating behavior can either develop due to a number of reasons or for no reason at all. Sometimes it’s because of an immature digestive system, parents that reward or punish them for their eating behaviors or they are beginning to develop their own food preferences. Dealing with this common behavior in children may be frustrating, but here are several tips you can use to help you tame a picky eater. 

Do not force feed

Even if it seems as if your child has only eaten very little food, never force feed them. They might have already had enough and they will eat if they still feel hungry. When they turn their head away from the spoon or start spitting food, don’t force it anymore. They might associate eating with discomfort and might dread meal times moving forward. 

Eat together as a family

Make it a habit to share mealtimes with the whole family and do it as often as you can. Be sure to avoid media distractions while at the dining table. There shouldn’t be TV or electronics. Make use of this time to model healthy eating. If your little one doesn’t feel like eating what is served, don’t prepare another meal for them as this will only encourage the picky eating behavior. 

Don’t fight with them when they refuse to eat

Instead of forcing your little to eat when they refuse a meal, let them listen to their bodies and allow hunger to make them eat. If they had a big lunch, you can’t expect them to eat much at dinner time. Never pressure or punish them when they don’t want to do it. Let them decide for themselves or they might dislike mealtimes and food all together. 

Be creative with recipes and presentation

Making food appealing can go a long way, so don’t be afraid to get a little creative. For example, if you want to introduce fruits and vegetables to your little one, you can cut carrots and apples into fun shapes and sizes or add a few spinach leaves to their favorite smoothie. Also, try out new recipes that incorporate veggies. Who knows what you can get your child to eat healthy without them knowing! 

Be a role model for your child

Many parents do not realize it but their food choices create a tremendous impact on their children’s diet. Young kids learn about eating habits and food preferences by observing others. If your child sees you incorporating healthy food items in your home cooked meals and eating fruits and veggies frequently, they are more likely going to follow suit. So, if you haven’t been doing it, it’s about time that you start making it a norm in your household to eat nutritious food. 

Don’t bribe your kids

As much as you want your child to finish their meals, bribery isn’t the best way to make it happen. Don’t get them to eat because there’s an exciting prize waiting for them. This will only give them the impression that eating the food they are served is an unpleasant chore which may lead to a constant battle at the dining table.

Get them involved in meal preparations

To encourage them to eat healthily, it is an excellent idea to have your kids tag along during grocery shopping and cooking. When you visit the grocery, let your kids select which fruits and vegetables they want to have for lunch and dinner. Then get them involved in the kitchen as you prepare meals and try out new fun recipes. 

Start with small portions

While we want to make sure our kids are getting enough calories and nutrients they need, feeding them smaller portions is better. One of the reasons why kids refuse to eat is because they feel overwhelmed with bigger servings. Start with small tastes and gradually increase the amount of their food if they do well.

One of the biggest struggles many parents face is dealing with picky eaters. But with the help of these tips, you can get your little one to appreciate and enjoy mealtime. 

For more tips on parenting and raising kids, or if you’re looking for a school that promotes holistic growth and development, feel free to contact The Pillars Christian Learning Center.

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6 Effective Ways to Improve your Kids Behavior

“Raising a well-mannered and responsible child is easy”, said no parent ever. Parenting is downright difficult. But no matter how overwhelming it may be, we still strive to do our very best to raise kids who are polite, have the right behaviors and who are going to be successful in the future. Proper behavior doesn’t only make parents feel proud, but it also helps children become happier and stress-free. It helps creates a positive impact on their emotional and social wellbeing, and it shapes them into becoming a responsible and successful grown up. There’s no better time to begin improving your child’s behavior than now and you can start it with the help of these tips.

Notice good behaviors

Just like in adults, praise and compliments are music to the ears of young kids. It makes them feel good when their positive behaviors are recognized. However, this is one of the several things many parents overlook. We tend to notice the bad behaviors more than the good ones. So, instead of constantly nagging your child about being stubborn or restless, catch them being good and let them know you notice it. Tell them how you like the way they showed kindness to a friend or shared their favorite toy with their sibling. It will encourage them to continue the positive behaviors in the future.

Handle stress with patience

How do you handle stressful moments when you’re with your kids? How do you react to poor customer service at a restaurant or deal with a traffic jam on a Monday morning? Dealing with situations that test your patience in front of a child can be very tough. However, these circumstances are excellent opportunities for children to learn about being adaptable. And during the rare times when you weren’t able to hold it anymore and lose your temper, don’t be afraid to apologize and explain to your child how things should be done differently.

Spend quality time with your kids

No amount of toys, gadgets and entertainment will ever replace the time parents spend with their children. Make quality time a daily priority. Make it a habit to have one-on-one time with your little one every day. Whether it’s preparing a meal, reading a book together, playing with their toys or just watching their favorite cartoons, the important thing is that you’re investing time in your children.

Be consistent with routines

Young kids respond well to routines. That’s why parents are encouraged to establish consistent and defined routines at home. Be sure to have mealtime, playtime and bedtime scheduled at the same time every day. However, it may also help if you ask them to decide how the routines will go. For example, you can ask them which part of dressing up they want to do first – brushing their teeth or combing their hair? The important thing is that you stick to the routine every day.

Communicate with your child

A child will always misbehave at one point or another. They don’t understand the concept of right or wrong. When correcting a child’s misbehavior, be sure to use the right communication. Never punish or correct them in public. Speak to them in private as soon as you get the chance. Find out what went wrong and hear them out. Let them explain their side and explain to them, too, why their behavior wasn’t acceptable.

Keep a positive and happy environment at home

A person’s positive and happy disposition begins at home. So, make sure that you create this kind of environment at home. Keep things fun and lighthearted even when you’re stressed out. Be a role model for your kids. Increase the energy and smile often. This kind of vibe is contagious and it will help your child develop a positive outlook, too.

As a parent, you have the ability to create the greatest impact on your child’s behavior. And if your goal is to start seeing better behavior from them, these tips will definitely come in handy!

Give your little one the best early childcare they deserve and send them to a school that doesn’t just teach them the right behaviors, but shapes them into better and more responsible adults. Please feel free to visit The Pillars Christian Learning Center for more information.

 

 

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