If your child prefers the screen over the swing set, read this article to learn why preschoolers should play outside & how you can help them to enjoy it.

Trying to get an uncooperative preschooler out the door and to school on time can be a challenge. So prepare ahead of time to make the mornings easier.

Every child is different, and you never know when, or if, separation anxiety will become an issue. Some kids have no problem skipping into a child care center and are eager for Mom or Dad to leave. Others have a difficult time saying goodbye. Still other kids might have some days when they're excited for time with their friends and other days when they cling to a parent's leg. In these last cases, parents sometimes have trouble figuring out what triggers their child's separation anxiety. The good news is that there are ways to work through these separation anxiety issues. Compassionate caregivers at the child care center and understanding parents can help children through this important step that's just part of growing up.

Deciding whether to send your child to preschool or not is one of the earliest decisions you make for your child's education. Your child's future success in school begins with making positive decisions based on their needs. While many preschools begin taking children while they are still toddlers, this does not mean you and your child are ready. You may want to ensure your child is emotionally, socially, physically, and cognitively developed enough to attend an educational program with other children.  Continue reading to see if your child is ready to begin preschool.

Studies indicate that children who attend preschool are more prepared for kindergarten than those who do not. A quality preschool curriculum helps your child build a foundation of social and developmental skills that will them excel in school. Though there is no disputing the benefits of preschool, there is some controversy regarding when your child should start preschool and whether or not preschool benefits toddleraged children.  Most children start preschool between three and four years of age. However, you can find preschool programs for younger children as well. Young children, including toddlers, can benefit from these programs. Read on to understand a few of the benefits that preschool has for your toddler-aged child.

Obesity is an epidemic that affects one in three American children, according to the American Heart Association. With a growing trend towards a sedentary lifestyle, including a heavier reliance on screens on less time spent outdoors or being active, it's easy to figure out why the number of young children who are overweight or obese is growing. As a parent, you may wonder what you can do to help your preschooler reduce the risk of obesity. Along with the daily physical activity your child gets during their preschool day, you can help them to eat right and stay active at home. Not only will regular physical activity help to keep your child at a healthy weight, but it will also improve both their fine (small) and gross (large) motor skills. These abilities are necessary for your child to do everything from buttoning their coat to walking up and down the stairs. How can you help your preschooler to combat the obesity epidemic? Look at some of the common questions that parents of prekindergarten children have about weight gain and a healthy lifestyle. 

Early education can set your child up for success later in life. Enrolling your child in a preschool class can be a great way to jump-start your child's education. Many parents assume that their child will be ready to enter preschool when they hit the age of eligibility, but this isn't true. Children develop at different rates, both physically and emotionally. Sending your child to preschool before he or she is ready could end in disaster. You should use more than just age to help you determine when your child is mature enough to attend preschool classes. Here are some basic guidelines.

Your child's preschool teacher serves as a partner in their development, and strong communication between them and your family is essential to your child's success. However, it often feels as though there is little time to communicate during the rush of dropping off and picking up your child. At drop off time, you may worry about interfering with the teacher's other duties by asking to talk. Alternatively, you may not know exactly how to broach a difficult topic such as your child's special needs. Now that your child is in the right preschool classroom use these tips to foster excellent communication with their teacher that supports your child's learning.

Flu season fills many parents with dread each year. It can seem inevitable that all the little ones in class will get it at some point. However, there are things you can do to decrease the odds of your children contracting the flu this year. Consider and follow these tips to protect the health of your preschoolers throughout flu season and beyond.