Helpful tips for parents
The Benefits of Learning Chinese for Children
We’ve done a lot of reading on the subjects of early language learning, and the issues around Chinese language acquisition for young children. Studies have shown that learning Chinese develops unique cognitive skills and enhances musical ability in children because of its tonal sounds, and that language-learning in general can help your child’s ability to… read more
Introverted Children and Playtime
Does your child like to play with toys alone? Is he gentle, quiet, or prefers to watch kids play from the side? It sounds like your beautiful girl or boy has an introverted temperament, just like the one third to nearly half of the population in the U.S.. Thank the nervous system Introverts draw their… read more
Social Lessons From Our TV Episodes in Playdate with Miaomiao
Here are a few points you can talk to your child while watching the Playdate episodes: Picnic Benben was so excited to be outdoors with his friends, that he didn’t realize he was ruining Doudou’s camera shots or Miaomiao’s picnic. Sometimes when we’re playing with our friends we don’t notice how they feel about our… read more
Sandwich Game – Explaining Benben’s Reactions and Labeling Feelings
When we watch children play the Sandwich Mini Game in Playdate with Miaomiao, they’re mostly excited to see Benben’s reactions. We’ve seen preschoolers spend twenty minutes carefully devising and thinking about the ingredients. The biggest achievement for children is when they realize what ingredient causes what reaction. We’ve seen them pile up hot peppers or… read more
Hyperactive Children and Playtime
Is your child like the sun, beaming energy as she jumps from one couch to the next, tosses stuffed toys across the bed and dances wildly to a singing reindeer? Playdates with a hyperactive child don’t always include books on the agenda, but it doesn’t mean you have to get burned out chasing your bundle… read more
How Preschoolers See TV
A lot of times small children see something different in a show than adults. Often children look for perspectives to unsolved problems at their social and emotional level. It could be that little Michael misses his mom during the day, is sad that his baby brother gets all the attention, or doesn’t know how to… read more
Preschool Parenting Tip – Meeting New Friends
Children have different reactions when meeting kids for the first time and a lot of it has to do with setting an example. The way you and your child communicate at home affects how your child interacts with others. Be an active listener and have rich conversations with your child. Talk about something new, something you like or… read more
