In keeping with the theme of helping young children develop caring behaviors, the kid’s blog, published on 9/9,  introduces the idea of caring for oneself . It  does so by asking questions about what a child can do to take care of him/ her self and how that makes a child more   grown up and independent.  A web site that offers practical ways of helping a young child develop these skills is www.extension.org/pages/Ways_to_Encourage_Self-Help Skills in children.

Today’s kids’ post is about helping “Can Do” Kid Willie decide if he is ready to take care of a dog. He is lonely because his mom is in the  Army, stationed overseas, and he lives with his grandparents. His grandparents see the value of him having a pet, but know that they are not up to caring for a dog. A tough decision.

Sites that can help with decision making if you are considering getting your child a dog are:

• www.activityvillage.co.uk/is_your_child_ready_for_a_dog.htm
• www2.scholastic.com/browse/article.jsp?id=1452

A young child (3ish)will ask, “Do you want a hug”? It is as if he or she knows that hugging you will make you feel better.  Some children cry when they see another child cry. Others spontaneously grab and kiss a brother or sister.  All these activities point to a young child demonstrating caring.

Adults know that children learn caring behaviors through being cared for and by being taught by example.  There are so many caring behaviors that adults want to develop in children. Some of these behaviors include a child caring for his or her self, for family and friends,   for personnel property and the property of others, for pets, and for people far away.

One of the first caring behaviors a child needs to learn is how to care for his or her self. Yet, with all that parents have to do, it is an ongoing challenge to find the time and the energy to convince a resistant child that taking care of his/herself by going to the bathroom unassisted  or bathing or dressing independently is a good thing when it is so much easier and attention-getting to insist that mommy help.

Parents, grandparents, teachers and other adults responsible for helping a child develop caring behaviors please write and share what has worked for you!

http://oaklandcountymoms.com

http://www.candostreet.com/
Thanks to reader Joe M for this suggestion! “Can Do” Street is designed for youngsters (3-7) maneuver through a street where they learn valuable lessons in life and learning. The animation is extremely attractive and age appropriate. It’s easy to see how youngsters would get lost in the content and learning while having fun. The content seems wonderful.

http://cdn.attracta.com

“Can Do” Street is a discovery learning website that offers 3-7 year old children fun ways to develop decision making skills about personal safety, friendship, sharing, appropriate behavior and other life skills. The site provides interactive activities for children through creative cartoon programs and educational games as well as downloads that include coloring and activity sheets, follow-up exercises, and instructional materials for parents and teachers.

Note: Both these organizations  and dozens of others expressed hope that our site could be made free so all could enjoy it.  “Can Do” Street is now free for all who want to use it and will  be supported through advertising.

• In the past month, tourists from 92 countries visited “Can Do” Street! After the United States, the top ten countries are France, Great Britain, Taiwan, The Netherlands, Spain, Germany, Canada, Russia, and China. The “Can Do” Kids welcome their new friends from around the world!

• Check out the new coloring sheets you can download!

Bring your child or your class to “Can Do” Street and let them play the interactive, animated programs and games for free!  Download  the Parent/Teacher guidelines (lesson plans) for use with the programs. Print out activity sheets that reinforce the lessons found in each program. They are great for kids to use in between  computer sessions.

There are membership certificates and completion certificates that can be downloaded. Don’t forget to print out the dozens of coloring sheets of the “Can Do” Kids and adults. Check out the parent/teacher blog and the kids blog each time you visit to see what’s new on “Can Do” Street.

Each month a new activity, program or game will be added to the site. Email us with questions and suggestions at info@candostreet.com.

Please tell your friends, fellow teachers and parents to come to “Can Do” Street where young children get to practice making good choices!