While your child is an infant, it may seem that discipline is more a matter of disciplining yourself to deal with the rigors of caring for a baby. But as children reach the toddler stage, they have a natural drive to gain more autonomy. During the toddler years, effective discipline requires parents to perform a balancing act.
Memphis is a great city for children. It’s an accessible, open place, with a range of positive experiences offered in communities all over the city. The Memphis Public Library is a great way to introduce children to the world of books, and you can't start too early.
Independence is the ability to do things for ourselves. Once kids are school age, having a healthy sense of independence contributes to positive behavior, better decision-making, and persistence when faced with challenges. The foundation for later independence is built in early infancy, and is strengthened by sensitive, responsive parenting throughout the early years.
During infancy, children need endless love and affection, and they thrive when they understand that our presence and support is a constant. But somewhere around age two, things begin to change, and what children need is greater independence.
Research shows that curiosity and self-motivated learning are critical for school readiness, helping children to remain engaged in the classroom and to develop the confidence that they are effective and capable students.
Curiosity is school-fuel for kids. Children with high levels of curiosity are motivated to learn or accomplish something new for the reward of simply having mastered it. Science calls this hunger to learn and do mastery motivation.