Creekside Kids

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Divorce and the Big Holidays

 

Image by eanechiporenko from Pixabay

It’s sad to think of divorce and the Thanksgiving and Winter holidays. Being apart at a time where you want togetherness is hard on everyone. But divorce is a reality of many marriages, affecting children of all ages. Divorce can bring about emotional difficulties, especially during holidays like Thanksgiving, Eid, Hanukkah and/or Christmas. It’s essential to be aware of children’s potential challenges and take measures to support them. 

Here are some points to address when discussing the emotional difficulties of divorce during Thanksgiving and Christmas:

  • Acknowledge the Changes. Divorce significantly changes family dynamics and holiday traditions. Try to keep as many family traditions as possible. Children may struggle with the loss of a unified family unit and the changes in their holiday routines. They may blame you, or your ex-spouse. Or they may even blame themselves for the split. Empathize with your children’s feelings and validate their emotions during this time. Let them, and yourself, off the hook.
  • Communication is Critical. Focus on open and honest communication between co-parents. Try to set aside any personal conflicts and work together to create a holiday schedule that is fair and equitable for the children–and also honors the wishes of the children. As much as possible, include the children in the planning of events.  Some divorced couples are able to celebrate holidays together so that the children don’t have to have two separate Christmases/Haunnukas/Eids and pretend like they are happy at both or don’t prefer one over the other. Build a safe space for your children to express their emotions. Listen attentively and provide reassurance and support. 
  • Provide Consistency and Routine. Emphasize the importance of maintaining a sense of routine and consistency during the holidays. If the time is right, establish new traditions or preserve familiar ones that provide the children a sense of belonging which can be hard if the children move back and forth.
  • Avoiding conflicts. Prioritize the well-being of children and avoid conflicts during holiday celebrations. Set aside any disagreements and focus on creating a positive and peaceful environment for the children to enjoy the festivities.
  • Consider ‘Blending’. The one-holiday-on, one-holiday-off nature of custody arrangements can be challenging for everyone. If you and your co-parent have an amicable relationship, and enough time has passed that children will not be confused, consider forming an agreement where the hosting parent can allow the co-parent to come over and enjoy some holiday time together. Blending is especially an excellent step to take at Thanksgiving dinner, where it can teach a lot about the nature of the occasion—sharing a feast with all the relatives even if we don’t all get along all the time.
  • Ease off the Pressure. Pressure is on kids and parents to perform during big holiday functions. Give yourself grace as a parent and don’t worry about everything being perfect.  Gifts can sometimes be seen as conditional and dependent on emotional/behavioral compliance. Take time to let your children know that you’re there to support them and that it does not matter if they finish all their math homework or go on a pumpkin-picking trip with Grandma. The holidays are a time for families to come together; it doesn’t have to be perfect.
  • Create New Traditions for Any That the Divorce Has Damaged. Work with your kids to replace those traditions that cannot continue with an ex-spouse with new ones that affirm your family without obscuring or diminishing your parenting partner.  Perhaps you have remarried and can negotiate over what traditions to establish for your blended family.   
  • Seek Additional Support (if needed). If you feel overwhelmed or unsure how best to support your children during the holidays, seek help from a licensed therapist or counselor. These professionals can provide guidance and strategies to help you and your children navigate the emotional difficulties of divorce during Thanksgiving and winter holidays.

If you’d like to discuss a place at Creekside Kids for your kids, we invite you to click this embedded link to schedule an appointment. Let’s get to know each other! Like us on Facebook to follow our stories for news and updates. We’re located at 1201 W Cheyenne Road, Colorado Springs, CO 80906, and we can be reached at (719) 635-9111. Our new hours of operation are 6:45 a.m. until 5:45 p.m., Monday through Friday.

 

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Instilling a Love of Autumn in Your Children

Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash

The “autumnization” of Colorado Springs is already in effect! We’re waking up to chillier and chillier mornings. The leaves are turning majestically to gold and the rare flashes of red maples are so beautiful.   In the mornings we smell lovely woodsmoke in the air. Restaurants are restoring their autumny favorites to the menu. Halloween decorations have begun appearing on doorsteps and lawns. 

Do you love autumn as much as we do at Creekside Kids? We’ll likely fight you on this point because we love the change of seasons here. Fall has a special place in our hearts, and we look forward to engaging in the slower paced rhythms of fall. Each season has its own rhythm and traditions and establishing them with your children makes for treasured memories in the future.  Our Preschool-aged children have not experienced fall after COVID and you can now participate in more fall activities than in the previous two falls!

Instilling a love of autumn in your preschool-aged children can be a fun and engaging experience. Here are some ideas to help you create a positive association with the season:

  1. Go on an exploratory nature walk: Take your child on a nature walk to enjoy the changing colors and falling leaves. Point out the different colors and shapes of the leaves, acorns, and pine cones. Collect some exciting specimens to bring home to make crafts with.
  2. Share the rites of Halloween and Thanksgiving: You can remind your kids about the many fabulous family traditions on Halloween and Thanksgiving (as poignant, photo-snapping events) by pulling out old pictures and letting them imagine the spooky fun of this year’s trick-or-treat or the delicious family gathering for Thanksgiving.
  3. Turn the word AUTUMN itself into a teaching moment: For instance, take the silent N at the end of autumn; there’s a good lesson in how words aren’t always what they appear to be in our tricky English language!
  4. Engage in seasonal crafts: Crafts provide a fun and interactive way to celebrate autumn. Some examples include making leaf rubbings, painting pumpkins, decorating masks, or creating autumn-themed wreaths.
  5. Read autumn-themed books: Reading books related to autumn can spark a child’s imagination and create a connection to the season. Some great options include “Leaf Man” by Lois Ehlert, “We’re Going on a Leaf Hunt” by Steve Metzger, “The Apple Pie Tree” by Zoe Hall, and “The Scarecrow’s Hat” by Ken Brown.
  6. Bake autumn treats: Baking fall-themed treats like apple pie, pumpkin bread, or cinnamon rolls can create a pleasant and memorable experience. Invite your child to participate in preparing and baking the goodies.
  7. Create autumn sensory bins: Sensory play can spark curiosity and imagination in children. Fill a container with acorns, pine cones, leaves, and dried corn to create an autumn sensory experience. Add kid-friendly tools like sifters, scoops, magnifying glasses, and tongs to encourage exploration.
  8. Attend autumn events: Autumn events like apple-picking, pumpkin patches, or hayrides are great ways to excite children about the season. Attending these events can create lasting memories and provide opportunities for family bonding.

Overall, engaging in autumn-themed activities with your pre-school-aged children can help them develop a positive association with the season and instill a love of autumn that can last a lifetime. We hope you and your family will live it up this autumn!

If you’d like to discuss a place at Creekside Kids for your kids, we invite you to click this embedded link to schedule an appointment. Let’s get to know each other! Like us on Facebook to follow our stories for news and updates. We’re located at 1201 W Cheyenne Road, Colorado Springs, CO 80906, and we can be reached at (719) 635-9111. Our new hours of operation are 6:45 a.m. until 5:45 p.m., Monday through Friday.

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When the Honeymoon Is Over

Photo by Zachary Kadolph on Unsplash

Has your preschooler or school-aged child hit the “honeymoon is over” phase of the school year?  Some children adjust very nicely however, like my eldest daughter who decided to quit school after her first year of kindergarten, most kids hit a wall in October in which they realize that the school year can be a long time and involves far more work than they anticipated.

Perhaps it’s because they are getting older and have more responsibilities, especially when younger siblings are still in that freedom zone of innocence and unaccountability. Perhaps it’s just a matter of having enjoyed months off and being pushed back into what is essentially hard work and complex socialization for a small child. And perhaps it’s just part of the growing-up process.

In a few cases, the “honeymoon” ends when a child has an issue such as ADHD/ADD and has established enough trust in a teacher or school environment to stop being hypervigilant and trying to act like a typical peer.  It is exceedingly hard for a child with ADHD or other conditions to keep holding themselves in check for very long and it should not be seen as a negative. 

To minimize the “honeymoon is over” effect when young kids go back to school after a three-month summer break, we recommend you try the following strategies:

  1. Maintain a Routine: Creating a consistent daily routine can help children transition back to the school schedule. This includes setting regular wake-up and bedtimes, planning meals and snacks, and allocating time for homework and extracurricular activities. Keep these active during the summer, even when holidays and special events convince you to suspend these routines.
  2. Keep School in Mind: Engage in open and positive conversations about school with your child during the break. Discuss their expectations, concerns, and any changes they might experience. A light banter all summer long can help alleviate anxiety and build excitement about the new school year.
  3. Visit the school beforehand: Taking your child to the school before the first day can help familiarize them with the environment and ease anxiety about the unknown. Walk around the campus, locate their classroom, and introduce them to their teacher.
  4. Encourage social connections: Help your child develop friendships by arranging playdates or attending school-sponsored events before the school year starts. Social engineering can help them feel more comfortable and connected when they enter the classroom.
  5. Create a supportive home environment: Provide a conducive study space, designate homework time, and show interest in your child’s schoolwork. By emphasizing the importance of education and providing support at home, you can help your child maintain a positive attitude toward learning.
  6. Stay involved: Stay in touch with your child’s teacher and school community. Attend parent-teacher meetings, join parent groups, and volunteer when possible. Being involved shows your child that education is a priority and helps foster a sense of belonging.

Remember, every child is unique, and it’s essential to adapt these strategies to fit your child’s needs. Familiarizing yourself with their school’s policies and seeking advice from educators or other parents can also provide valuable insights and guidance for a successful transition back to school.

If you’d like to discuss a place at Creekside Kids for your kids, we invite you to click this embedded link to schedule an appointment. Let’s get to know each other! Like us on Facebook to follow our stories for news and updates. We’re located at 1201 W Cheyenne Road, Colorado Springs, CO 80906, and we can be reached at (719) 635-9111. Our new hours of operation are 6:45 am until 5:45 pm, Monday through Friday.

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Back To School Tips & Tricks for an Easier Transition

Image by candice_rose from Pixabay

With August arriving, everywhere you go, there are back-to-school sales and events. Returning to primary school can be difficult for older kids, but the transition is especially hard for kindergarteners who are still forming associations and memories in their neural pathways, and who may be feeling worried, anxious, or even scared about what kindergarten will be like.  They will need reassurance and time to talk about their feelings.

Preparing for preschool can be challenging for parents, too. To help make the transition easier, here are some tips and tricks for parents:

Keep within your routine: Start establishing any new additions to your children’s daily routine a few weeks before school starts. This includes setting regular bedtimes and wake-up times. Toddlers thrive on predictability and ritual. Consistent routines will help them adjust to upcoming changes.

Talk to them about the experience: Explain to your toddler what school is and why they will be attending. Use simple language and positive words to spark excitement and curiosity. Talk about the fun activities they will get to do and the friends they will make.

Visit the school: If possible, arrange a visit to the school before the first day. This will help your toddler become familiar with the environment, meet the teachers, and see other children in a school setting. It can alleviate anxiety and make them feel more comfortable on their first day. Walking away from a first meeting with a parent after visiting is so much easier than showing up the first day and being left to fend for themselves.

Create a visual calendar: Young children may not fully understand the concept of time. A visual calendar with pictures or symbols to mark the days leading up to the first day of school. This will help them understand and anticipate the upcoming milestone. Counting how many “sleeps” there are before the first day is helpful.

Shop the sales together: Involve your toddler in shopping for school supplies. Let them choose their backpack, water bottle, or lunch box. This will create a sense of ownership and excitement about starting school.

Practice self-help skills: Encourage your toddler to practice basic self-help skills, such as using the restroom, washing hands, and opening lunch containers. These skills will make them more independent and confident at school.

Read books about school: Read age-appropriate books about starting school. This can help your toddler understand what to expect and feel more comfortable about the whole experience. Find books that explore emotions, friendships, and the daily routine of a school day. Try The Nightmare Before Preschool, or Wemberly Worried, or Junie B. Jones Complete First Grade Set for stories that take on the worry and reassure your kids that everything will be okay.

Create a goodbye ritual: Establish a simple goodbye ritual when dropping your toddler off at school. This can be a special hug, a high-five, or a special phrase. Having a consistent and positive goodbye routine will help ease any separation anxiety.

Stay positive: Your attitude towards school will greatly influence your toddler’s perception. Stay positive and enthusiastic about school. Share your own positive experiences and reassure them that they will have a great time.

Connect with other parents: Reach out to other parents with toddlers who are starting school. Share experiences, concerns, and advice. Building a support network can be helpful during this transition period.

Remember, every child is different, and it’s normal for toddlers to experience some initial hesitations when starting school. With these tips and tricks, you can help make the transition smoother and more enjoyable for both you and your toddler.

If you’d like to discuss a place at Creekside Kids for your kids, we invite you to click this embedded link to schedule an appointment. Let’s get to know each other! Like us on Facebook to follow our stories for news and updates. We’re located at 1201 W Cheyenne Road, Colorado Springs, CO 80906, and we can be reached at (719) 635-9111. Our new hours of operation are 6:45 am until 5:45 pm, Monday through Friday.

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The Right Kindergarten Model

Photo by CDC on Unsplash

Setting Sail On The Right Ship

As the standard school year comes to an end, some of our learners are beginning to move off to kindergarten at last. We’re sad to see them go, but so proud of how much they’ve learned! We’ve enjoyed watching them grow from late toddlers into little kids, and are excited to see what their futures hold.

There’s so much information that you need to know before picking a kindergarten for your kids. It’s a big step for your child, and you want to make sure they’re in the best possible environment. This may mean  a great deal of worry for parents as they navigate the many choices available to them. 

The best kindergarten for your individual child can provide  your child with the necessary tools to succeed in school and beyond. It is important to choose a school that will help your child develop their social/emotional awareness, academic knowledge, and confidence.

Here are some things to consider when choosing a kindergarten:

  • How long has the school been in business? Is it new and finding it’s way, or established and with a good reputation? Is it fully staffed, or struggling with the numbers it has? Do they have the resources that they need to handle the kind of numbers they are accepting?
  • Does it have any accreditation from the state or national level? Is it funded and approved by the Colorado Department of Education or is it privately funded and financially stable
  • What is their curriculum like? It’s important to know what kind of academic standards will be expected for your child. Is it in the Reggio Emilia style, like Creekside Kids? Is it Waldorf, Montessori, STEM, or Visual and Performing Arts related? All of these options are important to finding that place your child will thrive in.

Resources and Assistance With the Big Step

Parents in the Colorado Springs area can consider several factors when choosing the right kindergarten for their child. Some of these factors include the school’s curriculum, class size, teacher qualifications, school facilities, location, and cost1. It is  important to research and visit different schools to compare their programs, facilities, and teaching methods before making a final decision. One of the most important things to look for when touring schools is to look at the faces and body language of the children already attending to see if there are lots of smiles and relaxed body language indicating that it is a comfortable place for children.

Parents can also consult online resources such as the Colorado Department of Education’s SchoolView2 to access information on school performance and rankings. It is important for parents to realize that these rankings are almost entirely based on standardized test scores which have been significantly negatively affected by COVID over the past few years.  

Additionally, parents should seek recommendations from other parents, friends, or family members who have had experience with the schools in the area3. There’s no reference quite like a personal one where you can see a child happy and thriving!

Sources:
  1. “Choosing a School for Your Child,” Colorado Department of Education, accessed August 11, 2021, https://www.cde.state.co.us/choice/choosingaschoolforyourchild. 
  2. “SchoolView,” Colorado Department of Education, accessed August 11, 2021, https://www.cde.state.co.us/schoolview. 
  3. “How to Choose a Kindergarten,” GreatSchools, accessed August 11, 2021, https://www.greatschools.org/gk/articles/how-to-choose-a-kindergarten/. 

If you’d like to discuss a place at Creekside Kids for your kids, we invite you to click this embedded link to schedule an appointment. Let’s get to know each other! Like us on Facebook to follow our stories for news and updates. We’re located at 1201 W Cheyenne Road, Colorado Springs, CO 80906, and we can be reached at (719) 635-9111. Our new hours of operation are 6:45 am until 5:45 pm, Monday through Friday.

Location & Hours

creekside building
1201 W Cheyenne Rd
Colorado Springs, CO 80906  
 
6:30 am - 5:45 pm
Monday - Friday
(719) 635-9111

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