February Newsletter 2024

Teri Ann Cox
Executive Director of The Children’s Center

Dear Center Families,

As I wrote about last year at this time of year, understanding the true meaning of love is a challenge for young children to understand. While we shower our children with love from the moment they are born, teaching children about what love really entails helps them develop deeper values such as empathy and kindness. In early education, there is not always a set plan to teach children to care about one another. I believe there needs to be. It is why “Be Kind” is one of our four program wide expectations we focus on each day.

Apart from role modeling acts of kindness to children during the early years, we can also incorporate lessons on love through age-appropriate activities that promote this essential concept. Given that it is February, of course one idea is creating or signing little valentines. Another is reading stories on love. Children’s books have always been my go-to for explaining abstract concepts and emotions.

When we teach our children about love, going beyond the family circle is important. We can do this by extending our actions not only to friends, but to the less fortunate in the community as well. Whether it is donating toys to the Salvation Army to help families in need or asking for cans of food for the local pantry in lieu of gifts at a birthday party, we tangibly show we care about others. Children learn to be kind, by being kind. Talking to your child about how they feel when spreading love and happiness to others will also further extend their understanding and circle of compassion.

Here's to a Happy Valentine’s Day and a month full of kindness!

Love, Teri Ann