Research That Supports The Development of Healthy, Happy, Young Children
October 23, 2006

• Play is the cornerstone of development and it takes time for good play to happen.  Play equals learning and forms the foundation for all higher learning.

• Family meals are important for not only nutrition, but can be a predictor of academic success and social skills.

• It is better to do less and have more down time with family.

• Cherish family traditions.Limit Screen Time – too much “screen media” and we see attention problems, and nutritional concerns.  Children under the age of 8 years spend an average of 5.5 hours on media every day.  Recommendation is no more than 1 -2 hours/day of educational, non-violent programming.

• Push down academics does not make brighter children.  Many of our school environments are not “developmentally friendly.”  Children are getting their first taste of failure, before they learn to write their name.  Natural development and the needs of the curriculum should match.  The emphasis should be on turning curious children into lifelong learners. 

• Social-Emotional development should be the focus of early childhood programs.  The emphasis should be on learning to play cooperatively, how to function in a group setting, listen and take directions, and to learn to regulate their emotions.