Is that blob of mac and cheese just right -- or more than your kid's fair share? It's actually not complicated to figure out -- and you don't need to weigh or measure a thing, says childhood obesity expert and pediatrician Sarah Hampl, M.D. The answer is right in your child's hand: A child-size portion of meat is about what would fit in your guy's palm.

For whole-grain carbs, such as brown rice or pasta, a serving is roughly the size of his fist -- a measurement that also applies to fruits, veggies, and dairy products such as yogurt. A serving of cheese is about thumb-size, and for munching on snack foods, think a handful. "The great thing about this system is that it works no matter what your child's age -- because his hand grows as he, and his appetite, does. So you don't have to memorize portions," Dr. Hampl notes.

To see the original article and more healthy tips from parenting.com please click here: http://www.parenting.com/article/portion-control-for-kids

Parent-teacher relationships are most effective when participants have frequent and open communication with each other and demonstrate mutual respect for each other’s role in a child’s life. When families are positively involved in their child’s education, the child will flourish. Teachers prepare for conferences by thinking about each child’s interests and progress. Here are some ways parents can prepare so they too can be active participants in parent-teacher conferences. 

Be willing and ready to share information about your child and family. 

Families are the most important influence in a child’s life. You know your child better than anyone else and have valuable insights to share with the teacher. Advocate for your child. Share things about your child’s life at home—personality traits, challenges, habits, friends, hobbies, and talents.  Focus on the things you believe the teacher needs to know. What kinds of things do you enjoy doing with your child? How do siblings relate to their brother/sister and vice versa? What kind of discipline do you use? What are your dreams for your child? What are your concerns? 

Stay focused on your child. 

In our childhood, some of us might have been shy students who avoided the teacher’s gaze. Others were very active and seemed to always need the teacher’s help to stay on task. It is natural for our ideas about teachers and their role to be shaped by our own school experiences  Think about and then put aside your past experiences as a student. Stay focused on your child and his or her unique temperament, individual needs, and special interests.    

Attend every parent-teacher conference. 

If your work schedule makes it difficult to meet during regular hours, make this clear to the teacher and try to set up a meeting time that is good for both of you. If you can’t visit in person, schedule a telephone call to discuss your child’s progress. Whether in person or by phone, use the conference as a time to exchange information with the teacher and discuss ways to work together to enhance your child’s education. 

Arrive on time. 

Teachers usually have a tight schedule for conferences—typically 20 minutes per child and family. If you would like additional time to talk, ask for it ahead of time so you and the teacher will have plenty of time to discuss your ideas, concerns, and suggestions. Be considerate of other parents whose conferences will take place after yours. Remember that the teacher needs a few minutes between conferences to record the information shared and to prepare for the next parent.

To read more from the NAEYC please click on the link: http://families.naeyc.org/learning-and-development/child-development/parent-teacher-conferences

Children Love to Learn

• Open and honest communication will create a lifelong closeness with your child.
  
• Routines and responsibilities will let your child know what to expect. When a rule is broken, a natural consequence needs to follow.
  
• As you teach your child how to be independent, you also need to teach how to be safe.
  
• Learning how to be a good friend is an important skill you can teach your child.
  
• Your little one is starting to explore the world outside your home. This is exciting, but can be scary!
  

Children from 4 to 6 years old are:

• Beginning to develop their independence and form real friendships.
  
• Learning rules to more difficult games.
  
• Developing important life skills.
  

Set LimitsWhen children do something against the rules, explain simply and in a few words:

• That what they did was wrong
  
• What will happen if the behavior continues Consequences need to be logical, meaningful, and simple. For example:
  
• If your child rides a bike without a helmet, the bike is off limits for a day or two.
  
• When your child won’t share a toy, that toy can’t be used for the rest of the day.
  

Create and Keep RoutinesTeach about rules by setting up daily routines.

Children do best when they know what to expect.

In the morning:

• Use the bathroom
  
• Get dressed
  
• Have breakfast
  

At bedtime:

• Take a bath
  
• Brush teeth
  
• Read a story
  

Schedule specific times for TV, video games, and use of the computer. When you know what your child is watching, you can avoid violence and other unacceptable content. Limit “total screen time” to no more than 2 hours a day.

Read at bedtime. This helps your child:

• Settle down after a busy day
  
• Learn how to read
  

Have meals together as much as possible.

This is a great way to spend time together and share family traditions, while also teaching good eating habits and table manners.


To read more please click on the link: http://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/preschool/Pages/Growing-Independence-Tips-for-Parents-of-Young-Children.aspx