On a busy morning between the recycling relay and the beekeeper demonstration, the parent of one of our campers stopped me in the lobby of the Shelby Farms Park visitor center. His child was one of our repeat customers.
Summer is here! And aside from sun, fun, and endless reasons to consume ice cream, this means that things have slowed down enough that you finally have time sit down with a book (or two). But just one look at the parenting section on Amazon.com and you’re overwhelmed by the endless resources offered. What are the experts recommending? What will be enjoyable to read? What matters for my kids?
There’s an old saying that “play is the work of childhood,” and this issue of Research to Policy looks at the ways in which play works to shape the developing brains of young children in Memphis. Research shows us that play supports early brain development in impressive ways.
Hall of Fame baseball player Harmon Killebrew told a story about how his father kept his eye on the ball when it came to raising his children. "My father used to play with my brother and me in the yard," Killebrew said.
There is much that parents can do to provide the greatest opportunities for their son or daughter right from birth. In Memphis, many of our children are already at a disadvantage in learning before they even step through the schoolroom door. Only 42 percent of our city's children arrive at kindergarten prepared to learn. And studies show that when a child starts behind, he will probably stay behind.
The baby announcements have been sent out. You’ve gotten the hang of that tricky car seat. And now all you can think about is... sleep. While you may not be thinking any farther than that next nap, believe it or not, your baby’s brain is way ahead of you. That’s right, amidst those cries, feedings, and photo-worthy coos, your baby’s brain is making vital, critical connections and developments that will determine how ready they are for their first day in kindergarten.
