October is dedicated to Bullying Prevention Month. The truth is, preventing bullying starts much, much earlier. In preschool, it’s not about kids intentionally hurting each other; they’re just beginning to figure out how to navigate big feelings and new friendships. It’s too soon for anything like cyberbullying, but you’ll definitely see disagreements and moments of frustration.

At Early Bloom Academy, we believe in giving little ones the foundational skills they need to thrive, both in the classroom and in life. As they grow with us, we gently guide them in vital anti-bullying skills: learning to pause and think before they act, understanding and managing their emotions, figuring out how to solve problems with friends, and being flexible when things don’t go their way. These are the building blocks that help children manage friendships, work through conflicts, develop a strong sense of who they are, and build confidence – all fantastic bully-busting qualities!

While “bullying” can sound serious, there are so many fun and engaging ways to help your preschooler develop a healthy self-image and a genuine respect for everyone around them. Here are five simple activities you can try at home or with friends to help stop bullying before it ever has a chance to start:

Play “Guess Who?”

This classic game is a wonderful way to teach children to notice and appreciate what makes each person unique. Start by describing someone you both know, focusing on their favorite toy, the color of their hair, or something else simple. As your child guesses, you can gently introduce the idea that everyone has special qualities, and that’s what makes us all so wonderfully different.

Craft Family Portraits

Gather your child’s favorite art supplies and invite them to draw pictures of different families in your life, including your own. As you create, talk openly about the similarities and differences between your friends’ families and your own. Point out how each family brings something special to your lives. The beautiful takeaway? No matter how families might look different, love is always at their heart.

Chart Similarities and Differences

Differences are truly beautiful! This activity helps your child recognize and embrace what makes everyone unique, while also introducing some basic math concepts. Together, create a simple chart of characteristics, hobbies, or traits (like: “tall,” “funny,” “wears glasses,” “speaks Spanish,” “loves donuts,” etc.). You’ll see how all the people in your life add rich variety to your community, and how each person shines in their own special way.

Imagine Being Someone Else

Pretend play is a powerhouse for building empathy! When children imagine themselves as someone else (or even the family pet!), they’re stepping into the hearts and minds of others, which helps them see the world from a brand new perspective. The best part? Kids don’t need much to start pretending – just their imaginations! Dress-up clothes, household items, or even empty boxes can spark all kinds of adventures. And don’t forget, you were a child once too, so join in the fun and watch the magic unfold!

Help Give Back to Your Community

A strong community thrives when its members support each other. One impactful way to help your child understand this is by showing them their role as a helper. Young children naturally love to assist, so channel that energy into action! Brainstorm a list of ways they can show kindness and lift up family members, friends, or even classmates. Chat with your child about how their actions, big or small, help build a community where everyone feels safe and belongs.

Winter weather can be harsh on delicate skin, leading to dryness, chapping, and irritation. At Early Bloom Academy, we understand the importance of protecting children’s skin during the colder months. We’ve compiled some helpful tips to keep your child’s skin healthy and happy, allowing them to fully enjoy winter activities.

Prevention is Key:

• Hydration from Within: Healthy skin starts with proper hydration. Encourage your child to drink plenty of water throughout the day.
• Shield from the Elements: When outdoors, especially on cold and windy days, protect your child’s face and lips with a scarf or a hat that includes a face covering. For infants in strollers, consider using a plastic weather shield to create a barrier against the cold air.

Sun Protection is Still Essential: Don’t forget sunscreen in the winter! Snow reflects a significant amount of UV rays, making sun protection just as important as in the summer months.

Bath Time Adjustments:

Bathing can actually contribute to dry skin by stripping away natural oils. Consider these modifications:

• Less is Often More: If possible, reduce the frequency of full baths. A warm washcloth wipe can be a gentle alternative on non-bath days.
• Shorter Baths: Limit bath time to no more than 10 minutes, especially if your child has dry skin.
• Gentle Cleansing: Avoid bubble baths and harsh soaps, opting for mild cleansers designed for sensitive skin.
• Lukewarm Water: Use lukewarm water instead of hot water, which can further dry out the skin.
• Moisturize Immediately: Apply a generous amount of moisturizer to your child’s skin while it’s still damp after bathing to lock in moisture.

Lotion is Your Friend:

While essential during cold and flu season, frequent handwashing can also lead to dryness. Keep a gentle moisturizer readily available near the sink and encourage your child to use it after washing their hands.

Indoor Air Quality:

Heated indoor air can contribute to dry skin. A humidifier can help increase moisture levels in your home. However, it’s crucial to maintain and clean humidifiers regularly to prevent mold and bacteria growth. Consult resources like the Mayo Clinic’s guidelines for humidifier care for best practices.

When to Consult a Pediatrician:

If your child experiences persistent dry skin, windburn, or other skin irritations, it’s essential to consult with their pediatrician. They can provide personalized recommendations for over-the-counter or prescription treatments to soothe and heal irritated skin.

At Early Bloom Academy, we are committed to partnering with families to ensure the well-being of every child. By following these tips, we can help keep children’s skin healthy and comfortable throughout the winter season.

Starting daycare is a big step—a mix of excitement and maybe a little worry for both you and your child. But with the right approach, you can make this transition a positive and empowering experience.

At EBA, Every Child Matters: Empowering Through Family, Leadership, Environment, and Community Support. A Collective responsibility, a community working together.

Here’s how to set your child up for success:

• Build a Foundation of Routine: Children thrive on predictability. Establishing consistent wake-up, meal, and nap times at home, and mirroring the daycare schedule will make the transition much smoother. Start these routines a few weeks in advance to give your child time to adjust.
• Explore and Discover Together: Visiting the daycare center beforehand is key. Let your child explore the classrooms, and play areas, and meet the caregivers. This transforms the unknown into something familiar and exciting.
• Paint a Picture of Fun: Talk about daycare in a positive and enthusiastic way. Highlight all the fun activities, new friends, and learning experiences that await them. Reading books about daycare can also help build anticipation and ease any anxieties.
• Empower with Independence: Teaching your child simple self-help skills, like using the bathroom, washing hands, and putting on shoes, will boost their confidence and make them feel more capable in the daycare environment.
• Create a Comforting Goodbye Ritual: Saying goodbye can be tough for both of you. Establishing a consistent and reassuring goodbye routine, like a special hug, a kiss, or a shared phrase, can ease separation anxiety and provide comfort.

At Early Bloom Academy, we are dedicated to a true partnership with families, supporting you and your child every step of the way. We encourage you to reach out with any questions you may have. Our commitment is to ensuring a seamless and joyful transition for your child into our care.