Bye-Bye Binky: Ending the Pacifier Habit

What You Should Know About Pacifiers

As I write this, my 2-1/2-year-old, Sophie, is in our family room, loudly demanding her "binkies." I've spent the last few weeks talking to experts—pediatricians, pediatric dentists, child psychologists—about when and how to put an end to her pacifier habit, and have heard everything from "ignore it and it will stop eventually," to "no pacifier past 24 months, period."

Perhaps no discretionary decision causes parents more angst than the question of whether to introduce a pacifier—and later, when and how to take it away. There is no shortage of opinions on the subject. When our first baby, Jake (now 4), entered the world a colicky tyrant, my mother insisted there was but one solution: "Give him a pacifier." (We tried; he refused.)

Pacifier Safety

When purchasing a pacifier, be sure to follow these guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatrics:

• Look for a one-piece model with a soft nipple (some two-piece pacifiers can break apart).
• The shield should be made of firm plastic with air holes, and should measure at least 1 inch across so baby can't swallow it.
• Purchase dishwasher-safe pacifiers and clean them this way frequently until baby is 6 months; after this, wash pacifiers regularly with hot soap and water.
• Pacifiers come in two sizes: 0-6 months and 6 months and above; for baby's comfort, make sure pacifiers are the correct size.
• To prevent the risk of strangulation, never tie a pacifier around your baby's hand, neck, or crib railing. Use a pacifier clip instead.
• Never use a bottle nipple and ring in place of a pacifier; the nipple can separate from the ring and pose a choking hazard.
• Inspect pacifiers regularly for damage and replace them if the rubber has changed color or torn.
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  The Basics of Pacifier Use

  Babies are born with an innate need to suck, says Richard Dowell, PhD, a pediatric neuropsychologist at Evangelical Community Hospital in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania. Newborns rely on this "suck reflex" not only for sustenance but also for soothing. "Young infants have no other mechanism to control their distress," explains Dowell. "They can't get a drink; they can't ask for a blanket; they can't use their hands to control things. Sucking provides a way for them to calm themselves."
  Thus, babies will suck—if not on a pacifier, then on a thumb, finger, bottle, or breast, says Karen Breach, MD, a pediatrician in Charlotte, North Carolina. "If a baby needs to nurse more than every two hours, he's using Mom as a pacifier," she says, noting that, in such cases, a pacifier can help satisfy baby's non-nutritive sucking needs while giving Mom a needed break.
  Just be sure breastfeeding is well established before introducing the pacifier, cautions Kellen Glinder, MD, a pediatrician at the Palo Alto Medical Foundation, in Palo Alto, California. "For babies who do have trouble learning to breastfeed, the pacifier can teach bad habits." Once baby is an expert at nursing and Mom's milk supply is established (typically in a few days), it's fine to bring on the binky.

  Pacifier Pros and Cons

  While parents worry that binkies may harm baby's teeth, they typically have no affect on a child under 2. "From a dental-health perspective, it's best to limit the pacifier when a child is 2 and stop it entirely by the time a child is 4," says John Stritikus, DDS, a pediatric dentist in Dickson, Tennessee. Past age 4, pacifiers can cause an overbite, open bite, or crossbite—problems that affect chewing, speech, and appearance, and often require orthodontics to correct, notes Dr. Stritikus. Unfortunately, so-called orthodontic pacifiers don't make a difference. What matters is the frequency and intensity of the sucking habit.
  PROS: On the plus side, pacifiers may decrease the chance of cavities by keeping baby from using the bottle or breast for non-nutritive sucking, says Stritikus. "Babies who sleep with the bottle can develop "baby-bottle cavities" in all 16 or 20 of their teeth," he warns.
  CONS: Recent studies have linked pacifiers with a three times higher risk for ear infections, so if these are a recurring problem for your child, it may be worth eliminating the pacifier to see if it makes a difference, says Breach.
  PROS: On the other hand, pacifiers may help reduce the risk for sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). One study found that babies put to sleep with a pacifier were 20 times less likely to die of SIDS than were babies who slept without pacifiers. Researchers speculate that pacifiers may keep babies from rolling onto their faces or may keep their tongues forward and away from their airways. "I wouldn't introduce the pacifier just to prevent SIDS," says Breach. But it's another reason to feel okay about doing so.

  Weaning Your Child Off of Pacifiers

  When to Stop
  Here is where opinions diverge. Marolyn Morford, PhD, a developmental psychologist in State College, Pennsylvania, recommends discontinuing the pacifier by a year. "At that age, a child's developmental needs do not include sucking," she says. Dr. Breach allows more latitude: "It's okay to make pacifiers the last thing to go. Once a baby is weaned and potty trained, then focus on stopping the pacifier."
  It's a tolerant attitude echoed by Dr. Dowell: "Ultimately, children develop higher level strategies to manage their distress—usually beginning at around age 2," he says. "They phase out their pacifiers as they develop skills to replace them." Most kids willingly surrender their binkies by age 3 or 4.
  How to Stop: The Three-Day Plan
  Your child can be binky-free in just three days, says Mark L. Brenner, author of Pacifiers, Blankets, Bottles & Thumbs: What Every Parent Should Know About Stopping and Starting (Fireside). Here's how to do it.
  Day 1: In the morning and at bedtime, tell your child that you can see she wants to do lots of things that make her older. Tell her that's a good idea, and that in three days it will be time for her to say goodbye to her pacifiers. Tell her you know she can do it and that you'll work together on it. Keep the talk to 30 seconds and don't sound as if you're asking permission. If your child responds, reflect back her feelings—"I know you don't want to"—then move on. Don't worry that your child will become anxious if given advance warning. "That's a myth," says Brenner. "Like adults, children like to prepare themselves physically, psychologically, and emotionally for change."
  Day 2: Repeat the same 30-second talk twice daily, only replace "in three days" with "tomorrow." Don't try to sell her on the idea. Keep your tone and manner matter-of-fact.
  Day 3: Remind your child that it's day three and time to gather up his pacifiers. Act as if you're going on a scavenger hunt and ask your child if he'd like to help. Even if he refuses and protests, proceed to collect his pacifiers, place them in a plastic bag, and put them on the front step for "pick-up by the recycling truck." Explain that the pacifiers will be made into new tires or toys. "Children recognize that recycling is purposeful and intelligent, and will be far less upset than if you throw their treasured pacifiers in the trash," says Brenner. Which is not to say your toddler won't have a meltdown. Be empathetic, but firm, Brenner says, adding that most children get over losing their pacifiers within 48 hours.
  The Gradual Approach
  Start by removing the pacifier in "zero-distress" situations, like when your child is home, happy, and playing. Once she's used to not having her pacifier at home, eliminate its outdoor use. You don't need to offer an explanation. "We sometimes over-talk to our kids," Dr. Dowell says. "All you need to say is: The pacifier doesn't leave the house."
  From here, it's usually a painless leap to: "The pacifier stays in the crib." Convincing your child to make the final break, however, may be more challenging. Some parents use the "Binky Fairy" or Santa to help smooth the transition. "Near the holidays, you might tell your child that Santa collects all the pacifiers for new babies and brings toys for all the big girls and boys," suggests Ivy Faske, MD, a pediatrician in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. Or you could tell your child that the dentist or doctor collects pacifiers for new babies, and that if she donates hers, she'll get a special toy.
  Don't be surprised, however, if the child who traded her pacifiers for a Dora doll suddenly wails for her binky. "You have to be willing to put up with a few really bad nights," says Faske. "But most kids soon find other sources of comfort."
  Weathering the Storm
  Whatever method you choose, brace yourself for one to five nights of crying, and whatever you do, don't give in. "If you give a child back the pacifier after he's cried, screamed, and kicked for 45 minutes, you'll only solidify that such carrying on will get him the pacifier—and everything else he wants," says Glinder. If you're tempted to cave, remember: Children (and parents) have endured this rite of passage for millennia. "We all get rid of our pacifiers eventually," he says.

 

Our Curriculum

Our Curriculum

One philosophy we strongly believe in is Howard Gardner’s notion for multiple intelligences. This theory states that there are a lot of different ways to have intelligence. Most programs base intelligence off of the ability to learn in a spatial (visual) or logical manner, but not everyone is only intelligent in that area. Some people, especially children, are more intelligent in bodily-kinesthetic, interpersonal, intrapersonal, or many other areas.

Incorporating this view into our curriculum means that we focus on a lot of different subjects and activities. It is very important to us to let children participate in activities that will build their self-confidence. The best way to do this is to help the child feel good at something through different ways of expressing themselves.

All of our lessons are tailored to fit the different developmental needs and ages of the children in our programs since the children we work with range from infants to preschoolers. Our experienced teachers use this as a foundation to bring a variety of structured and free-play activities to the students.  It is important to us that children have a lot of opportunities to learn in different ways.

Making Education an Investment

Making Education an Investment

It is also important to us that parents know that we are team players. To limit the variability that children sometimes experience at school and at home, parents and teachers work together to create the most ideal situation for every student. When all the adults cooperate, it makes the learning process much more effective. Parents and teachers not only work together, but respect one another and their opinions. We encourage communication between all parties involved to help keep everyone informed and invested in the student’s education.

At SSA, we know that all work and no play makes learning harder, especially for young children. Our emergent teaching includes providing meaningful experiences for students through many opportunities, including through play and exploration. These experiences contribute a lot to our learning environment by using different methods to give variety and ultimately help each student to reach his/her highest potential.

 

Healthy Snacks For Kids 

Not sure what snacks to pack your children for lunch? Check out these 20 snacks that a will not only satisfy their tummies but also are healthy! 

1.)  Whole Grain Cereal

 With vitamins, calcium, and fiber, a bowl of enriched whole grain cereal with milk and fruit is a power-packed snack or healthy start to the day. For a fun and flavorful twist, try our cute clusters with yogurt-covered cereal and dried strawberries.

2.)  Cheese

 The protein in this kid-friendly snack keeps energy levels high until dinnertime. We like to stick salt-free pretzel sticks into cubes of low-fat cheese to make "satellite snacks," but you can also make cheese more interesting to kids by cutting it into fun shapes with a cookie cutter and making kabobs with your favorite fruit.

3.)  Smoothies

 spices, and a leaf-shaped cookie cutter!

11.) 

Peanut Butter

This versatile childhood favorite has plenty of protein and fiber. For a change, try making silly PB&J saKids go crazy over these delicious sippable treats, and they're packed with nutrients. Use nonfat vanilla yogurt, 100 percent orange juice, and a banana as the smoothie's base, then experiment with a combination of cut-up fresh or frozen fruit. It's a great way to sneak two or three servings of fruit and fiber into your child's diet.

5.) Strawberries

 If you feel like all your kids eat are bananas and apples, try introducing vitamin C-packed fresh strawberries to their diet. For a perfect snack when you're short on time, try this vitamin- and protein-rich snack with only three ingredients. To add an extra-healthy option, choose whole wheat crepes.

6.)  Healthier Baked Goods

Your child will never guess you're sneaking fruits or vegetables into her diet when you bake them into yummy muffins or breads. Banana bread, zucchini muffins, and carrot bars are a few of our favorites for kids. Our tasty Yam and Jam Muffins contain beta-carotene and potassium from the sweet potatoes, but only you will know.

7.) Yogurt

Low-fat yogurt is an excellent source of calcium, and children love it dressed up. To add taste and nutritional value, whip up a yogurt parfait with berries and granola or make a homemade fruity yogurt pop that beats sugary store-bought frozen treats any day.

 8.) Quesadillas

You can mix anything with a calcium-rich cheese quesadilla: chopped vegetables, leftover cooked chicken, or even shrimp. Try our Bean and Cheese Quesadillas, which are easy to make and fun for kids to hold. Don't forget to buy a chunky veggie salsa -- with the folate in the corn, the lycopene in the tomatoes, and the fiber in the beans, this snack packs a nutritional punch.

 9.) Sweet Potatoes

Sweet spuds are some of the most nutritious vegetables around: They're packed with vitamin A and are good sources of B6, C, and folate. These simple, delicious chips are great alternatives to the greasy, store-bought variety.

10.) Leaf Chips

 These crispy and crunchy leaf chips are super easy to make -- all you need are tortillas, herbs and spices, and a leaf-shaped cookie cutter!

11.) Peanut Butter

This versatile childhood favorite has plenty of protein and fiber. For a change, try making silly PB&J sandwiches with toasted mini waffles or rice cakes instead of bread, or try it with yogurt and raspberries in a yummy frozen treat that's super fun to eat.

12.) Eggs

One egg provides a 4-year-old with almost one-third of her protein requirements for the day. Keep a bunch of hard-boiled eggs in the fridge (they last for seven days), or scramble an egg and roll it up in a flour tortilla. Another great idea: our easy breakfast pita that can be made the night before for an on-the-go meal.

13.)  Hummus

Made from pureed chickpeas, hummus is an excellent dip for kids. It has an appealing nutty flavor, is thick enough not to be messy, and contains folate, vitamin B6, and iron. Serve hummus with cut-up vegetables or salt-free crackers for dipping, or use it to make a pita bread sandwich.

 14.) Noodles

Pasta is a fabulous source of complex carbohydrates. Pick some in your child's favorite shape, and cook up a batch to keep in the refrigerator. At snacktime, microwave a half-cup serving tossed with veggies or cooked chicken and jarred tomato sauce. Our easy protein- and fiber-rich penne has only four ingredients and is done in 20 minutes.

15.) Pears

Rich in fiber and available year-round, pears come in many delicious varieties. Serve up equally nutritious canned pears with a small bowl of low-fat cottage cheese or pack a juicy whole pear in your child's lunch box. For an after-school snack, our Pear Pinwheels are perfect picks with three easy ingredients.

16.) Indy Fruit Racers

 These snacks are turbo-charged with vitamins! Kids will love how apple slices and grapes are turned into speeding cars.

17.) Snack Mix

Toss together a healthy combo of nuts, pretzels, whole grain cereal, banana chips, and popcorn for a handy, portable snack. Nuts contain must-have minerals such as magnesium, iron, and zinc. Try our kid-friendly Nutty Popcorn and Fruit Mix, or make up one of your own yummy combinations!

18.) Low-Fat Ham

It tastes just as good as regular ham, but the low-fat version is much healthier and a great way to boost your child's protein intake. Roll up a slice on its own or with a piece of cheese, make mini crustless ham sandwiches, or try our Ham and Cheese Crepes with diced ham, melty cheese, and tomatoes baked inside.

19.) Raisins

Raisins have a lot of good things going for them such as fiber, potassium, and vitamins. Even if your picky eaters aren't going for a handful of raisins out of the box, we have a super yummy raisin snack they won't be able to pass up. Kids will love to dip and swirl apple wedges or carrot sticks for a healthy and delicious scoop of creamy covered raisins.

20.) Apples

Apples are the go-to healthy fruit, but if you're feeling the boring apple blues and want to switch up your applesauce routine, try this delicious Instant Apple Crisp to get the vitamin C and fiber you've come to count on from apples. For an added treat, sprinkle with fresh blueberries and a dollop of low-fat vanilla yogurt.

https://www.parents.com/toddlers-preschoolers/feeding/healthy-eating/the-20-best-snacks-for-kids/

Learning Social Skills

 

Good social skills enable any child to grow and develop into functioning members of society. Since social skills determine how children relate to one another and the adults surrounding them, it is imperative that we take the time to explicitly teach these important skills to children, starting a a very young age. But teaching these skills doesn’t have to be boring! In fact, Puzzle Play provides many opportunities to teach children about social skills while making learning fun!

Food Groups

Teaching Your Child about Food Groups

• How well do you think your child knows the names of the food groups?
• Do you think they would be able to identify which food group a food item belongs in?
• Could they tell you which portion should be on their plate of each?

DIY Kids Learning Activity

Great activity to have your little ones learn the alphabet.

Teaching to Address Different Developmental Needs

Everyone – especially children – learns in different ways. It’s not all about putting something in front of them and expecting them to simply remember it and repeat it later. Our philosophy has always been that there are different ways to have intelligence, and not everyone is intelligent in the same area, so we’ve always made that part of our curriculum.

It can be a challenge to address so many different teaching methods into a single class, but it’s worth the effort to increase the number of subjects and activities because that’s how we can reach so many more students and help them discover how enjoyable learning really is.

There are a few basic types of learning styles. Where some children may respond to visual cues, others may require auditory methods or more kinesthetic approaches. There are several ways to address these developmental needs that are fun and memorable for everyone.

Visual Learning Styles

Children who have a more visual style of learning will respond better to pictures, diagrams, handouts, flip cards, and other things that convey ideas through imagery. As they get older, they tend to be the kids who enjoy making and following lists and detailed written instructions (when they get old enough).

In our pre-school and daycare programs, we might address these needs by:

Using flash cards
Drawing pictures together
Using bright colors in different activities
Working with visual patterns and memory games
Making sure our demonstrations use clear body language and facial expressions

Auditory Learning

For some children, it’s not about what they see, but what they hear. They may be young, but they enjoy listening, and they like to hear themselves be part of the process. For these kids we can focus on:

Providing clear, verbal instruction
Minimizing distracting sounds so they can focus
Talking to them, and listening when they speak
Having them repeat the things they just heard
Reading instructions out loud together
Using songs or poems to help the learning process

Tactile Learning

These learners need to have activities that let them use their hands. Any kind of practical, hands-on experience will often help them assimilate knowledge better because they are physically doing something. This could mean that a good experience for them would include:

Drawing or doodling
Tracing words and diagrams
Using different sizes of paper, pencils, crayons, etc.
Using clay or other mediums
Letting them do as much of the activity on their own as possible

Kinesthetic Learning

Some children just need to be doing things. They need to be up and moving. The best way to address this learning style is to let them move and explore their world and discover new experiences. In this case, they might enjoy:

Acting out different roles
Moving objects around the room and seeing how they interact
Pretending they are part of a certain story
Using physical gestures and movements (snapping, clapping, marching) to help remember certain things

Determining the Learning Style

So how do you discover a child’s learning style? The simplest answer is through observation. It’s important to pay attention to how they act, where their interests lie, and what helps them process information. It isn’t about looking at the results of some kind of test. Does the child enjoy drawing? Does he or she seem more comfortable in a quiet or energetic environment? What picture books seem to capture their attention?

There are a lot of ways to discover which learning style is the most productive, even at such an early stage in their education. By addressing these individual needs, our teachers can bring a number of structured and free-play activities to the students that will enjoy and remember.