“Every child is an artist,” Pablo Picasso said. “The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up.” Look at toddlers banging pans, wiggling their bodies to the music, and scribbling on the floor. They are exploring their world and making their mark on it — […]
In early September, my first grader sat on her bed thumbing through a picture book that was way above her reading level. “I’m reading this book all by myself, mommy! I’m reading the pictures. My teacher says that’s one way to read a book.” In the first week […]
On August 21, 2017, the United States will witness a solar eclipse. Parts of fourteen states will experience a total solar eclipse, but people in every region can observe at least a partial eclipse of the sun. We talked to Dr. Amy Mainzer, a NASA astronomer who is […]
As parents and caregivers, we don’t need special training in science or engineering to help our child develop inquiry skills. Young kids love to experiment, explore, and figure out how the world works – and that is the heart of thinking like a scientist! The Ruff Ruffman Show […]
Let’s start with a little self-reflection, as parents: When you are learning a new skill, what’s your first reaction? Are you excited? Nervous? Do you want to walk away or dive in? What happens when you try to solve a problem, but the first attempt fails? Is your […]
One reason I love Sesame Street – and why it continues to delight audiences 48-years after its debut — is this: On Sesame Street, there is room for everyone. Humans, animals, and monsters of different ages, colors, backgrounds, and personalities live together in harmony. Characters don’t always get along. […]
As parents, every week brings new reminders that our kids are still learning how to manage big feelings and social dynamics: public tantrums, private meltdowns, bedtime struggles, mealtime battles, separation anxiety, school fears, sibling rivalry and friendship dramas. We’ve all been there, managing the moment and then searching […]
Few things fascinate my five-year-old daughter more than ice and snow. Unfortunately for her, we live in Texas. Yesterday, after weeks of wishing for a winter wonderland, she poked around the kitchen drawers, looking for a solution to her problem. Her eyes lit up when she discovered that […]
Kids love funny books. Scholastic’s “Kids and Family Reading Report” found that 70 percent of children between the ages of 6 and 17 say they want to read books that “make me laugh” — a higher percentage than any other criterion received. But silly books can be good […]
Gratitude is good for you — and for your kids. Psychologist Martin Seligman, who has conducted studies on benefits of expressing thanks, writes, “Gratitude can make your life happier and more satisfying. When we feel gratitude, we benefit from the pleasant memory of a positive event in our […]
