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Research has shown that behavior and the emotional well-being of young children improves with structure and a consistent daily routine. Children know what to expect and there are no surprises. Routines provide continuity and children feel safe and trust those involved in their day which promotes emotional stability.

Through routine, parents are able to provide a framework for what they expect from their child. For example, children know that when they get up, they need to go to the bathroom, brush their teeth and get dressed. Compliance with these routines is often better if it is part of the daily routine. Transitions are also easier for the child if they know that they cannot move on to the next activity if their responsibilities are not done.

Parents are also able to communicate their values and beliefs. For example, children learn that when they receive a gift, they say thank you and when entering a building, they hold the door for those coming in or out.

Routines and structure also promote language. A child learns that when they greet a person they say hello, and they say good-bye when they leave. They also learn the names of common objects used throughout the day and the names of familiar places.

Things are going to come up throughout the day that might change the routine, especially during the summer. This is OK but prepare your child for the change by explaining what you are going to do ahead of time. Also, tell them how much time they have before the change is about to occur. If they are taking part in a preferred activity, such as play, let them know that play will be over in say 5 minutes. Set a timer if you need to.

Are you having a hard time finding peers for your child to play with over the summer? I recently came across a pamphlet for a playgroup in the area.

Rene Hackney is a graduate of the doctorate program at GMU. Before graduate school she worked as a preschool teacher at the Country Day School in McLean. Rene also completed an internship at the Developmental Clinic at Children’s National Medical Center. She is now the facilitator of Parenting Playgroups, Inc.

Parenting Playgroups, Inc. offers play groups, parenting classes, teacher trainings and a book club. Listed below are playgroups that meet during the summer months.

Drop-In Play
This program is available year-round, every Friday morning from 9:00am-12:00 noon. No reservations are needed.  Just bring your child and/or siblings to play in a preschool classroom for up to two hours with other children. The play space has a housekeeping area, science shelf, sand table, art area, reading corner, manipulatives, blocks and play-doh. Cost: $8 per single child per hour, $2 per hour for additional siblings over 16 months. Under 16 month siblings are free. Your initial hour in this program is a free trial.

Drop-Off Play
A weekly program for 3 and 4 year olds that is available over the summer on Tuesdays from 1:00-2:30 and Thursdays from 10:45-12:15. The class offers 90 minutes of play, an art project, story, snack and sing-along. Cost: $24 per class.

Location and Contact Information:

6161 Fuller Court
Alexandria, VA 22310
(703) 922-0044
e-mail: rene@parentingplaygroups.com

Directions:

495 South towards Richmond
95 South, exit 57A towards Richmond
Exit 169A towards Franconia
R on Grovedale
L on Fuller Court

It’s the beginning of the summer. Are you and the kids getting restless at home? Take a trip to Frying Pan Park.  Kidwell Farm is Frying Pan Park’s 1930’s working farm. Visitors have a chance to meet animals including horses, chickens, peacocks, sheep, goats, cows and more. You and your family can also take a wagon ride or visit the Kidwell Farm House and see how farm families lived in the 30’s. The park has a Country Store that sells food, books, toys and gifts. There are several events that the farm hosts in the summer months including Dairy day, the Fairfax County 4H Fair and the Frying Pan Park Farm Show. Go check it out and be sure to wear your sunblock!

Hours:

Frying Pan Park: Seven days a week, dawn to dusk

Kidwell Farm: Seven days a week, 9am-5pm

Wagon Rides: Seven days a week, 10am-4pm

Country Store: Monday-Saturday, 10am-4:30pm and Sundays 1pm-4:30pm

Directions:

• 66 West to Fairfax County Parkway north
• Go six miles and turn left on West Ox Road
• Follow West Ox Road for two miles and the entrance is on the right

Address:

Fairfax County Parks
2709 West Ox Road
Herndon, VA 20171
(703) 437-9101

Some children have a difficult time playing with peers. A common problem that I see in the classroom is the child’s tendency to play alone. This tends to be “easier” for the child. They are not in a situtation where they have to communicate, which might be challenging for them if they have a speech delay or are simply shy. They get to be in control of the activitiy and do not have to face sharing with others or participate in turn taking. Others gravitate to adults. Adults tend let the child pick what to play with and are much more patient. Adults have creative ideas for play and are good at sharing (well usually)! Children who might lack confidence in their communication and/or play skills might play “around” other peers. There is a sense of desire but they are not willing to make the first move to join in play. Parents and teachers can help children learn ways to play.

Playing alone: Encourage interest in materials that support group play or building with blocks. Set up a play date with one or two other peers. In a smaller group the child will have an opportunitiy to get to know the other children and won’t be overwhelmed due to the amount of activity if the group was larger. Help the child play by assisting them taking turns and requesting toys. Set up contrived situations to assist in increasing the amount of opportunities that are provided.

Playing only with adults: Help shift the child’s attention to peers their age. Try and set up play opportunities with other children who have the same temperment, interests and behavior. Invite a peer to play who is slightly younger to boost your child’s confidence. Play with them at first and assist them exchange information. Fade your assistance as you see the child improve.

Playing “around” others: Draw the child’s attention to what children are playing with. Ask them if they want to play with you and the others. It might help talk about play ideas that relate to what the others are doing or hand them a prop they could use. This will help the child enter the area of play with an idea already in mind. Help them call a child’s name and suggest their idea.

Remember to keep it fun! Play should be an enjoyable time for both you and the child.