Social and Emotional

Social and Emotional

Why Did the Snowman Cross the Road – Winter Jokes for Kids

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One of the best ways to warm up a cold winter day is with some laughter and these winter jokes for kids will brighten up any grey.

why did the snowman cross the road?Q. Why did the snowman cross the road?
A. He was on a roll.

Q. How does a snowman get to work?
A. By icicle.

Q. Where does a snowman keep his money?
A. In a snow bank.winter jokes for kids

Q. What do snowmen like to drink?
A. Ice tea.

Q. What do you call a snowman in the summer?
A. A puddle.

A sense of humor develops with experiences and it needs some complicated thinking skills. As children watch or hear something happening, they compare the situation to other similar occurrences. They quickly figure out if it is the same as usual or if it is unexpected. Then kids need to react, possibly by being scared, anxious, or delighted.

Understanding a joke is even more complex because kids have to carefully listen to all the words and how meanings of words can be unusual. While even very young children will clue into the intention, taken as a whole, humor can be very tricky. No wonder that kids often mix up the punch lines in jokes or laugh at anything. They are still learning how the entire process is connected.

Kids love to laugh. While it might be a myth that kids laugh 300-400 times a day, they certainly do so far more often than adults. I wonder if the number of times we laugh is related at all to the weather. In any case, could you and your kids use some winter laughs? What are some other winter jokes for kids?

Social and Emotional

An Un-resolution for the New Year for Kids and Families

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new year's resolution jokeBy mid-January many new year’s resolutions are already hard to keep or some may be broken, so how about an un-resolution for kids and families?

Q. What is a new year’s resolution?
A. Something that goes in one year and out the other.

A new year’s resolution is something we want to change or do better, like going outside in nature, eating healthier foods, being kind to others, and getting lots of exercise and sleep. If a resolution is hard, then an un-resolution would be easy. Often we forget to recognize our past efforts. Maybe an un-resolution is not something we need to do because it’s already done. And what could be easier than saying thank you and feeling grateful? In all the countless things that happen each day there will be something positive. Some days, this might only be that the day is done, done, done.

When kids are tucked into bed at night, some families like to remember one thing and say thank you. Kids might say thank you for playing with a friend or having fun outside. Parents may want to thank kids for doing something kind for a brother or sister and for helping around the house. It’s important to thank kids for their efforts. Accomplishments in anything take time and practice and are  not the the only things that count. Results come in baby steps as well as giant leaps.

new year's resolution for kidsCelebrating is another aspect of an un-resolution, not just birthdays and special events, but every day. Each day we get one more day to be a family, and worth celebrating anytime. Do you like this un-resolution?

P.S. Here’s a secret code for Thank You. 10 Q. Ten like T’an and Q like Q’you, or T’an K’you. And another: You can be gr8ful, (gr Eight ful = grateful).

Social and Emotional

10 New Year’s Resolutions: #9 Chores for Young Children

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Often, doing things ourselves is easier than letting kids help, but having kids do a few chores and tasks has tremendous benefits for them on many levels. A new year’s resolution for children could be having them do some chores and tasks on a regular basis. For kids, sometimes doing work is as much fun as playing, at least it is when they want to do it.

helping children do chores

We all like to feel included and that we are an important part of the family. When children are allowed to help, they feel valued and grownup. It encourages the development of a sense of self-worth. Having them do certain jobs every day, such as pulling up the covers on their bed and picking up some of the toys, gives them a chance to practice responsibility. According to parenting expert and psychologist Dr. Michael Carr-Gregg, there is a temptation to make things easy and simple for kids and that’s “admirable because we all want the best for our kids, but it teaches them absolutely nothing about resilience….” Having to participate in the some of the work of the family lessens children’s vulnerability and increases their self-reliance.

Chores need to be appropriate for the age of kids and the amount of supervision that’s included. A 3-year old may be able to help unload the dishwasher when there is an adult close by for the heavy or sharp items. Fun can be part of the process, such as being robots that have to walk with stiff legs to carry folded clothes to bedrooms. Kids can be toy monsters that pick up any toys on the floor and feed them to the toy box. Letting them use salad tongs instead of their hands adds to the fun and so do sound effects.

Do your children have chores and tasks to do at home? Could this be part of your new year?

Social and Emotional

10 New Year’s Resolutions with Young Children #7-Being Kind

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We all want our children to be smart and do well at school but, more than that, we want them to be happy and responsible, respectful and kind. Helping children learn and practice kindness can be a new year’s resolution that impacts them for a lifetime. There are different approaches that we can use to … Continue reading 10 New Year’s Resolutions with Young Children #7-Being Kind →

Social and Emotional

Dinovember: Dinosaurs, Manners and Magic Words

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Before the approaching holiday season goes from busy to even busier, it’s helpful for kids to practice some basic social skills. Even dinosaurs need to learn manners. Integrating Dinovember and the holiday season is easy to do with the book Suppose You Meet A Dinosaur, A First Book of Manners by Judy Sierra and Tim … Continue reading Dinovember: Dinosaurs, Manners and Magic Words →

Social and Emotional

Emotions, Not Just Academics, Important For Kindergarten

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Series Part #13: Emotions Can Impact Getting Ready for Kindergarten The world can be a confusing place for children but sometimes emotions are a big challenge, even for adults to figure out. The early years between the ages of birth and 5 years old are the most sensitive for learning about emotions and how to … Continue reading Emotions, Not Just Academics, Important For Kindergarten →

Social and Emotional

Basic Social Skills Helpful for Starting Kindergarten

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Series Part #12: Social Skills or Academics Needed for Kindergarten? This isn’t a quiz or a test, it’s a thinking question. Would you say that academic achievement or social skills would have more impact on success after graduation from school? Would it surprise you to learn that it’s social skills? And how about at the … Continue reading Basic Social Skills Helpful for Starting Kindergarten →