Family Matters Newsletter - July 2007

Little Things make a BIG difference

Glenda Wentworth, Colorado State University Extension - Condado de Weld

Keep in mind that little things go a long way with your child.

It is important to remember that material possessions are insignificant and irrelevant in relation to the building of a strong positive self-esteem in our children. Kind words, positive actions and family togetherness are critical to the healthy development of a child.

Every day is a special day. Parents and care-providers need to do a “little something” each day to nurture children to make them feel special. Care givers need to model the qualities that are valued, such as a love of language or close connections to family and friends:

  • Write a friendly, positive note, a message of love, support, or just a simple, “Have a nice day!” Use bright paper. Tuck it under his/her pillow, in their shoe, or in their backpack. If your child is too young to read, a heart, smiley face, or a drawing of a favorite toy is also great.
  • Teach your child to think of others. Help your child purchase a postcard and write or draw a note to someone: grandparents, friends, someone special to them.
  • Encourage children to share their feelings and thoughts. Give your child a “special” pen and encourage them to write down or draw special thoughts or feelings. Use magnets on the refrigerator to display their work.
  • Buy a white board and colorful markers for the family to exchange thoughts, feelings and news.
  • Ask grandparents or aunts and uncles to send a note or postcard to your child. Children still love getting mail addressed to them in this world of electronic communications.

Establish new rituals and reinvigorate old ones. Such as:

  • Take regular trips to the library or bookstore. Check out special events and children story hours.
  • Buy (or borrow) a new book to read the first of every month.
  • Go on a nature walk, even just around the block, to look, listen, smell, touch and feel. Engage your child in describing what they are “feeling” with their senses.
  • Poems can be bedtime stories.
  • Have your children read to you.
  • Make reading time special. Pick a “nontraditional” time of day.
  • Read the Sunday morning paper together.
  • Let your child have a “make it myself” or “make it for Mom or Dad” meal – even if it’s just letting the child fill up a bowl with cereal, make toast or pour juice. Parents and care providers put constant pressure on themselves to be the very best parents. But it is important to remember that it is the simple connections our children will remember and cherish for a lifetime. Think back to your own childhood and see what memories come to mind!
  • Stop and think about three things you could do regularly that would make your child feel special.
  • Stop and think of two “little” things that you could do with your child that you both enjoy.

Childhood is made up of the many small moments of caring, sharing, loving and connecting.

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Increasing Physical Activity

Physical activity is just as important as nutrition. Whether it’s running, dancing or tumbling, regular physical activity is an important part of health. With a little thought and help, you can get children to exercise each day to promote their healthy growth and development.

  • Develop a schedule or plan that includes different physical activities throughout the day.
  • Arrange a child’s toys so that they promote physical activities and makes exercising fun and easy. Set up a small obstacle course either inside or outside; include riding and push toys and encourage outside play whenever weather allows.
  • Limit activities that involve sitting or remaining in one place like watching videos or playing computer games.

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Healthy Choices

Preschoolers can be easily distracted. Make sure they sit at the table for meals and snacks. Turn off the TV. Notice if there might be a reason, other than feeling full, why your child is always ready to leave the table quickly. Maybe your child is in a hurry to get back to playing or always leaves the table when an older sibling or adult is done eating. Remember that your child is watching what others do and listening to what they say. If parents and siblings all model healthy eating habits, a preschooler will have lots of good examples to follow.

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