Greater Dayton is home to a wide variety of school alternatives. While parents are fortunate to have so many choices available, the sheer number of options can leave one wondering where to start. Here we explain some of the key differences among the various types of schooling available in our area. Public and charter schools…
Student engagement is the spark that lights a flame of interest, which can ignite a fire that grows into a passion. In order to engage a curious student, an educational program must attract children on a real level – stimulating their interests and helping them grow into lifelong learners, not just yearlong students. Our local…
When her daughter was in second grade, Dayton mom Melissa S. knew that something wasn’t quite right. “She was inconsistent with her grades and wasn’t keeping up,” she recalls. Suspecting a learning disability, Melissa took her daughter to a psychologist to be tested, where she was diagnosed with ADHD. Following this, Melissa and her daughter…
From elementary school science projects to college applications, kids look to their parents for guidance. But at what point is our help no longer helpful? The boundary isn’t always clear and a parent’s good intentions to provide assistance can backfire when kids don’t learn to take ownership of their own work. Determining just how involved…
Navigating the waters of childhood friendships can be surprisingly difficult for parents. How do help your kids learn how to make friends? What if your child has a friend you don’t like? Should you intervene when a friend mistreats your child or let him resolve the situation on his own? Preschool and early elementary years…
A number of factors contribute to becoming overweight or obese. Genetics, lifestyle habits, or a combination of both may be involved. In some instances, endocrine problems, genetic syndromes and medications can be associated with excessive weight gain. However, regardless of genetics or health conditions, lifestyle choices play a significant role in determining someone’s weight. Much…
“Home”school is something of a misnomer – many homeschooling families are out of the house nearly every day. This academic choice is a movement on the rise, and local venues are responding in kind, offering dozens of homeschooler-specific programs and discounts. Check out this homeschool resource guide to take advantage of all the activities and…
Montessori or HighScope? Public or private? Morning or afternoon? Dayton area parents have many tough decisions to make when sorting through preschool options. Here we help you consider which program is right for your child to get them off to a great educational start. The importance of preschool To adults, preschool may seem like child’s…
Ask a child what presents he received last December and he’s probably forgotten – what kids do remember are the special holiday traditions their family does every year. Here’s a few ideas for some memorable activities to start with your children. Preserving the memories Reminiscing about holidays past is part of the fun of the…
Look at any class picture and you’ll see kids of the same age in all shapes and sizes. Some kids look small next to their peers, while others literally stand head and shoulders above their classmates. Kids grow at their own pace. Big, small, tall, short — there is a wide range of healthy shapes…
