Yeah, different segments of society have different opinions about the leadership of the current president. Some like him, some don't, some don't care.

But, when a dad becomes president, then there is a very keen interest in the education of kids across the country, even those too young to go to formal school.

Heard that there are proposals for a presidential fund that will boost enthusiasm for improving the country's Early Learning Program.

The funding will support programs that will encourage states to

• work towards a higher standard of quality of early learning programs
• let more kids participate in high-quality programs
• deliver the training and support needed to prepare the kids with the cognitive, social, and emotional skills necessary for kindergarten success.

If used correctly, I think that USD10 billion will be one of the best investments yet in the history of.

Hope one of the thrusts is to help kids become multi-linguals... Chinese, please? hehehe

Labels: Children Development, Education Improvements

Great article about a pre-school full immersion Mandarin in NY in a mixed race school.

Key Quotes:

“It’s a competitive world, and I want my children to be competitive,” Mr. Kinsale says. “If they’re going to be successful in a white-dominated society, they need to be exposed to this, and I believe they will excel.”

“People who start their children on a language so young understand it’s a multicultural world and they want their children to be part of it,” per Ms. Kinsale.

Labels: Children Development, Chinese Schools, multicultural

Some ideas on how to increase Self Confidence in your child:

1. Have them take acting classes. A play my daughter was in had a boy who was taking classes, and he had excellent presence and was even part of the adult play. By being part of a class children learn how to control their body language (a great skill), how to project, stand, and more. There is usually a performance at the end of the class where your child gets to be in front of an audience. The class is meant to be fun for your child and not a chore. Here is some advice I found on how to pick a class.

2. Have them join Girl or Boy Scouts. Lots of group activities and chances to be leaders. Not all troups are created equal, but check around.

3. Find something your child is good at and focus on that. The goal is to make it fun for your child and make it a habit to participate in. Habits are built by doing actions repititively, and it takes time.

4. Have them take some type of Martial Art so they feel more comfortable with themself.

5. Talk to them (teach them) about peer pressure and get feedback from their teacher how your child interacts with other children. If new to a school, pack trading goods (extra stuff in your child's lunch) to break the ice with other children.

6. Singing Lessons. Again teaches how to project, good posture, and should be fun.

7. Watch your child on how they interact with other children.

8. Avoid negative self talk. A book I enjoyed reading to my daughter was The Little Engine That Could who said, I-think-I-can!

Labels: Children Development, Self Esteem