How a predictable structure can help families gain quality time and reduce end-of-day frenzy. The word “structure” can evoke less than positive associations. It suggests constraints, which are never a good thing, right? Wrong. It turns out that everyone benefits from a certain amount of daily structure, so long as that structure...
“Time-out” is an age-old disciplinary method that most parents know of, and may have even experienced themselves in their own childhood. The method has been passed down through generations and often used by parents, teachers and caregivers in present day. The goal of time-out is to modify a child’s behavior by...
When children are outside their parents' supervision while in child care, preschool or kindergarten, it can be difficult to know how they’re doing. Even with recent increases in communication between parents and their children's daytime caregivers, such as text messages, email and other message boards, parents can learn more about...
Allergy season seems to be in full swing for Valley residents. Adults and children alike are packing extra tissues and hand sanitizer to battle sniffles, watery eyes, sneezing and coughing. Young children who already have allergies, or are at risk of developing them, are significantly more prone to allergy triggers. While...
When packing your child's school lunches or sending them to a school that offers them lunch, it’s important that children not only have healthy options, but are willing to eat them. Parents often find themselves challenged by their child’s “picky eating,” but there are a number of strategies that can be...
Southwest Human Development is hosting its first ever assistive technology challenge to benefit young children with disabilities. Sponsored by Insight, with support from Arizona State University and Intel Corporation, the MAKERS of Change Assistive Technology Challenge will bring together Valley high school Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM), coding, robotics and...
It’s back-to-school season and schedules are filling fast as backpacks. Depending on commute routes, number of children and schedules, parents may begin to feel overwhelmed. Some parents say that driving with their children can feel like the most stressful part of their day. With mindful preparation and tips to remain...
It’s not always easy for parents to relinquish their supervision to a babysitter, but regular doses of independence are healthy and can help parents to recharge and refresh. Choosing the right babysitter can feel overwhelming, but knowing which characteristics and qualifications to look for will help to make the process easier....
In a world full of digital distraction and scheduled enrichment, what can parents and educators do to promote the timeless pleasure of reading a book for fun? Harvard Graduate School of Education faculty members Joe Blatt, Nonie Lesaux, and Catherine Snow distilled a comprehensive body of literacy research into a short...
Editorial Note: The July 2018 Back-to-School Drive of school supplies has ended. Financial contributions can be made to our August Back-to-School Campaign in partnership with Quicken Loans via Crowdrise. Southwest Human Development is partnering with Famous Dave's locations for the fourth annual Back-to-School Supply Drive, giving the community an opportunity to...