Latest news with #ParentingConnectionTuesday
Yahoo
21 hours ago
- Health
- Yahoo
How to make school mornings easier
LANSING, Mich., (WLNS) – It's Parenting Connection Tuesday, and 6 News is here for you with tips, strategies, and helpful reminders from local child development experts on how we can be better parents and guardians. Today's topic: How to make school mornings easier. Thousands of Michigan students are getting back to class this week and next. There's a lot of excitement, anxiety, and I'm sure, a hope by all parents and caregivers that this year will be great — but for that to happen, many experts say, it starts with a smooth Velez, the spokesperson for says, mornings can be a universal pain point for many, especially when seasons change and kids are headed back to school. I had the chance to speak with her about some practical ways to have a smooth morning, avoid issues, and create a calm goodbye even when running late. 'We always say, start the night before,' says Velez. 'You are checking the weather, picking out the clothes, anything to avoid those morning scrambles.' Sge adds, 'A smooth morning before school starts reduces stress, helps provide a sense of calm, and makes them feel prepared and confident for the day.' Here are some top tips for a smoother morning: Start the night before. Easy things like laying out clothes, packing the snack and/or lunches, and double-checking backpacks. Use gentle, predictable wake-ups. Velez says, it's a great way to start the day from your child's perspective. You can use soft lighting and/or music, or you can use a Wake to Rise clock that gradually makes the room brighter, with an option of sounds or music. Build in mini moments of connection. This means chatting with your child during breakfast or the ride to school to get updates about the day or week ahead. Remain calm, even when running late. Velez says, take a few seconds to regulate with a proper goodbye to send everyone off with peace. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
03-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
6 things to do during the final week of school
LANSING, Mich. (WLNS-TV) – It's Parenting Connection Tuesday, and 6 News is here for you with tips, strategies, and helpful reminders from child development experts on how we can be better parents and guardians. Today's topic: 6 things to do during the final week of school Some of us older parents can already hear Alice Cooper's 'School's Out' gradually getting louder as we enter the final week of the school year. Summer vacation starts for most mid-Michigan kids Friday afternoon. This week is usually fun, which includes things like field days, yearbook signings, and parties… but with all the excitement, sometimes families forget a few things they wish they had done before the year wraps up. Child development experts say, try to do these 6 things before school's out for the summer that'll all go a long way for creating great memories: Take a last day of school picture and don't just keep it in your smartphone, print a copy out. Work with your kid on a memory scrapbook. This can include pictures, but other things like awards or symbolic items. Make a time capsule. Fill something up that includes items that were popular or newsworthy over the past school year. Have your child write a letter to their future self. Have your child write thank-you notes to their teachers, coaches, and adults who helped. Plan a last day of school surprise with your kid, like going for a scoop of ice cream. None of these takes much effort — and many years from now, child development experts say, your kids will thank you for making them do it. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
6 ways kids can stay safe while riding a bike or e-scooter
LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) – It's Parenting Connection Tuesday, and 6 News is here for you with tips, strategies, and helpful reminders from child development experts on how we can be better parents and topic: 6 ways kids stay safe while riding a bike or an electronic scooterI'm sure many parents already have the bikes off the rack in the garage or out of the very popular nowadays, kids are riding electric scooters. Street and sidewalk traffic involving both modes of transportation is growing by the day, thanks to the weather, which will only increase further once school is out for the summer. We want our kids to get outside, but many times their safety awareness is limited because they're only thinking about having fun. That's where parents come in… and so here are 6 ways kids can stay safe while riding a bike or an electronic scooter: Everyone needs to wear an approved helmet that meets all safety standards Make sure kids know and understand road signs and traffic laws Wear highly visible or reflective clothing Ride electric scooters on smooth, paved surfaces without traffic Don't ride scooters at night. Don't bike or text while riding Motorists, e-scooter traffic is growing more and more… and those e-scooters can zip around really fast. So, it's important that when you're driving in neighborhoods, to be aware of your surroundings, follow traffic laws, and share the road safely. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
01-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Negative perceptions of video games are fading
LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) – It's Parenting Connection Tuesday, and 6 News is here for you with tips, strategies, and helpful reminders from child development experts on how we can be better parents and topic: Negative perceptions of video games are fading.A new report conducted by game-based learning company Prodigy reviewed 1,000 American parents, and it showed half do not have a problem with gaming and actually believe video games positively impact their children's mental health and social quite the opposite of what the attitude was when video games exploded in the 80s and 90s, when Atari, Nintendo, and Sega allowed families to bring the arcade into their living in the survey say they also witnessed their child's communication and teamwork skills improve as a result of esports. Furthermore, new research shows that gaming has benefits, such as better problem-solving, decision-making, and strategic thinking skills. Studies show gaming can provide kids with increased cognition, help kids connect with peers through a shared interest, and provide equal opportunities among kids because gaming, unlike traditional sports, is a form of competition that's open to people of all abilities. Too much screen time isn't healthy either. Doctors also say parents should encourage a balanced approach that includes limiting gaming hours and setting aside time dedicated to schoolwork. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
