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As you know, babies are little sponges. Their senses are ready and waiting to be awakened and stimulated. Instead of using a plain white burp cloth, try using a brightly colored, patterned hand towel. It’s right up close and personal in front of baby’s face, and will help to awaken that marvelous curiosity.

Is your 3-5 year old getting cabin fever? Put an old mattress in the play area or in the basement for jumping and tumbling. For a special treat, let your child cozy up there with her favorite blanket and Teddy (or mom!) for her nap.

Young elementary age kids like to have their own little drawstring bag or special pocket to keep a few dice. Math dice is a fun way to work on number awareness. Here are some ways to play the game.

• Parent and child each throw a die. Who’s number is higher?
• The child throws two or more dice. Add the numbers.
• Throw all the dice. Create two groups, odd and even.
• Throw two dice. Subtract the smaller number from the larger, or multiply the two numbers.

Help your child to make good decisions and keep your peace of mind in the process. When faced with a situation, give your child two choices. Be sure you like both choices. For example, Soozy doesn’t want to do homework. Some choice combinations could be: Would you like to do your homework in your room or at the table? Would you like one cookie before you begin or two cookies when you are finished?

This week, find some books at the library by Frank Asch. One of our favorites has always been Happy Birthday, Moon. For more information, check out his website.

Julie Mockerman is a wife, mother, and business owner. She has completed courses in Love and Logic, and was trained and licensed by the State of Michigan as a professional foster care and adoptive parent. Some of her articles have been published in The Teaching Home magazine as well as a local newspaper, Tidbits of West Michigan. Her favorite parenting authorities are Sylvia Rimm, Kevin Lehman and James Dobson. She has personally parented ten children (not all at the same time!), and counseled many parents in handling their children’s difficulties. She and her husband are currently parenting four children, ages 25, 23, 13 and 11.

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