This post is sponsored by Everywhere Agency on behalf of Primrose Schools; however, all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
We recently celebrated Blake’s first year of life with a joyful party and some (behind closed doors) tears on my end. I can’t believe how fast that first baby year went by, but I’m equally excited to watch her experience the world through more independent eyes. With so many milestones to be hit, I want to make sure that I’m nurturing her as much as possible and giving her the tools she needs to thrive – which at this stage, starts at home. If you’re schedule is like mine…busy (which I’m certain it is), you know that setting aside dedicated time each day isn’t always a reality. I want to share some easy ideas for how we’re working on developing executive function skills with Blake that can be effortlessly worked into you day, inspired by Primrose Schools.
First, what are executive function skills and why are they important? These six skills (Adaptability, Teamwork, Problem Ssolving, Critical Tthinking, Self-Ccontrol and Memory) help set up our kids for success in life and teaching these skills early on is super important and easier than you think.
We teach self-control at the park.
I think having self-control is so important in life and and a tough one to teach. For us, the easiest way has been through helping Blake understand that she needs to wait in line whenever we’re at the park and whenever someone else is using a toy or piece of equipment, like the slide, that she wants to get on. This will be a great foundation for her as she gets older and deals with situations where self-control is really tested.
We teach problem solving with and puzzles blocks.
We recently got Blake her first block set, and it’s one of those classic toys that has the holes cut out in the shape of each block where she needs to learn where each piece goes. It might seem simple, but this small task taught a big lesson about trying different options until you figure out what solves the problem.
We teach adaptability through interactive play.
I never realized how important this skill was until I became an adult and moved around a lot, until we settled in New York and realized that I was able to quickly adapt to my surroundings no matter where we went fairly quickly. With Blake, we started teaching this skill with her new tea set that she got for her birthday and experimenting with interactive play. This pretend play helps them get ideas about life and use it as a guide.
And A Giveaway!
Primrose Schools is hosting a fun giveaway where you can win a $250 gift card to Barnes & Noble, plus 5 children’s books! All you need to do is subscribe to Primrose’s newsletter here and you will be automatically entered – good luck! What are some executive function skills that you work into your daily life? I would love to hear and (ahem) maybe even copy!
Fashionably Yours,
Allison
I love that you showed there are teaching moments everywhere. And you didn’t throw and overwhelming amount of examples out there. You made it sweet and to the point.
I love how you use these things to teach these skills at such a young age. I would be interested to see how you plan to teach critical thinking. I find that in general, that one is not taught as much with all the emphasis on testing in the schools. That really is a shame.
It is incredible how skills can be thought in early age. Sometimes we even don’t realise that an activity is in fact teaching an skill.
Is important to be with the kids in every step and every step is important. i work with kindergarten kids
Way to go Mom! You are teaching life skills at the right age. There’s no better time to start than now. Some parents ignore these early stages when the brain is a sponge. Keep these type of posts coming.
I like to include teachable moments in everyday life as much as I can. Self control is a great one to teach at the playground. Kids have to learn how to interact with each other, and to be kind and caring with their friends!
I appreciate how you present your views with practical examples. I am sure parents will find it extremely great resource.
❥ tanvii.com
Love what you’re doing! I don’t have kids, but they way you care and handle yourself definitely set the standard as a mother!
You rock girl!
Interactive play really is the best opportunity to help teach our littles while they are little 🙂 Play is a child’s work. It’s how they learn and grow. Great tips on giving our younguns the tools they need when they are tots. It keeps changing (so much!) as they grow. And grow… 😉
Great post, there are totally teaching moments everywhere. It really is important to give them what they need to grow!
It’s great to see you teaching your child skills right from the start!
I don;’t have kids yet but I can understand where you are coming from in your post. Raising Kids are a lot of work but I think it’s worth it in the long term. Looking forward to read more from you.
I don’t have any kids right now but I do have niece and nephews, I kind of helped with raised them and before they went to school we would always try to help them learn the basic skills like writing and reading before they started school.
I love interactive toys and activities.