If you're just discovering this weblog about life on the homefront, welcome! DotMoms provides daily headlines about parenting, and momoirs written by women all over the world. You can read more about our approach at "Better babies through blogging."
If you're interested in contributing to DotMoms, please send a bio and sample post of about 300 words to founding editor Julie Moos. I am looking especially for new voices, mothers who are unpublished and bring a different sensibility to parenting. It may take several months to review and respond to queries, so please be patient. Meanwhile, keep writing and keep reading!
For media inquires, contact:
Kia Weaver at ChatterWorld, LLC
[email protected] or call (443) 742-4979
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Raising Brainy Bilingual Kids:
Introducing foreign languages to young children is smarter than you may think
BALTIMORE (Feb 2008) – It’s true! Learning a foreign language at an early age actually enhances a child’s overall intellectual growth. In fact, the earlier a child is introduced to a foreign language the better. Babies, as young as 6 months old, can start learning a foreign language and toddlers are capable of learning and speaking several languages.
Contrary to what many believe, introduction to a foreign language is not confusing. Nor, does it hinder a child’s ability to learn his/her native tongue. In fact, children who are bilingual or even multilingual have a better understanding of their primary language. In addition, exposure to foreign languages also increases their abstract and creative thinking skills. Bilingual or multilingual children also achieve higher levels of proficiency in math, science and music.
Children are curious and their minds absorb information like sponges. Studies suggest that there is a “window of opportunity”, from birth to around 12 years of age, where a child’s brain is ‘wired’ in such a way that makes learning his/her native tongue and other languages easier. Children can learn a foreign language at any age, but it becomes more difficult the older they get.
“I want to inspire children to become ‘little linguists’”, comments Zakiyyah, author and illustrator of ChatterWorld: My Numbers in Spanish/French (Little Linguists Press), a colorful flipbook that introduces young children (ages birth to 8) to the numbers one to ten and basic vocabulary words in English, Spanish and French. She continues, “When children are exposed to foreign languages, a new world of words, sounds and opportunities emerges for them.”
“The key to raising brainy bilingual kids is to keep learning fun, fun, fun,” says the author and mother of two young children. As the owner of ChatterWorld, LLC, a foreign language enrichment program for preschoolers and elementary school children, Zakiyyah understands the importance of creating an energetic, stress-free environment that encourages children to want to learn a new and exciting language. She created ChatterWorld: My Numbers in Spanish/French to spark children’s interest in and enthusiasm for foreign languages.
For more information visit: www.chatterworld.net or call (443)742-4979. An iParenting Media Award winner, ChatterWorld: My Numbers in Spanish/French (ISBN 0977708500; $14.99) is available online at Barnes and Noble, Target, Amazon and other major online retailers.
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Posted by: Kia Weaver | February 05, 2008 at 06:24 PM
Cookie magazine has named the top 12 finalists in their "Kid-Style Contest" at www.cookiemag.com. More than 1,000 mothers sent in photos to the contest which will name one of their kids as the most "style-savvy kid." The contest's grand-prize winner will win a trip to NYC and will appear in the pages of Cookie. By voting for your favorite finalist in each age bracket, you would win a $1000 shopping spree at crewcuts!
Posted by: Erin | October 23, 2007 at 01:41 PM
Erin - It is very difficult working with a child prone to violent rages. In our area of TN there is an organization called Make a Difference that will go into a child's home, observe them, and help the parent's develop intervention plans to stop or control the behaviors. I am not sure where you live, but your friend should contact your school system's special education department and ask about programs in your area. There are programs that specialize in working with children who have violent tendencies, as well as behavior problems. It would be worth researching. I know this is not an easy solution, but it will take months of behavior changing plans to control his behaviors. Let your friend know there is help and hope available, unfortunately you have to dig for it. She may try contacting a local program that specializes in autism -I AM NOT SAYING HE IS AUTISTIC - because these programs generally have access or information about a behavior modification program that could help her.
Posted by: Shawn | October 02, 2007 at 10:16 AM
See my blog here, http://mypc.press-citizen.com/blogs/blog.php?id_blogs=11
Love what you ladies do!
Posted by: KB | September 28, 2006 at 12:28 AM
I just found the site and love it. It's got lots to offer.
Posted by: Heidi | August 25, 2006 at 07:51 PM
Hi, I love this web site and have just discovered it during a quiet moment. I simply love Julia's posting "One Flaw in Women." What a wonderful verse to stick on my fridge and tatoo across the butt of my husband and three sons! Lisa (myfamilyjungle.com)
Posted by: Lisa | August 24, 2006 at 05:28 PM
Hello! I was sort of surfing the net on parenting when I came across your blog. I was browsing the comments and felt compelled to write to the mothers and women experiencing the struggles with violent children. I am a parent coach and see these issues often. There are many circumstances which can cause this type of behavior and each situation is so individual and unique. One key factor is: They are picking up these ideas from somewhere. Especially at such a young age, much of what children do is imitation of either something they see someone else do or something they watched on TV. Once you find out where the behavior is coming from, it's much easier to stop. If I had more details about the situations that Erin and Julia are speaking of, I might be able to guide them a little more effectively. Feel free to email me or post back. This is one of my new favorite places to visit!!
Posted by: Denise | June 17, 2006 at 02:24 PM
Just looged on and I love
Julia's "One flaw in women" I'd love to make copies and give them to every woman I know. I'd like to be able to credit it to Julia and be able to put her last name with it.?
Posted by: allison | June 07, 2006 at 04:37 PM
One Flaw In Women
Women have strengths that amaze men.
They bear hardships and they carry burdens,
but they hold happiness, love and joy.
They smile when they want to scream.
They sing when they want to cry.
They cry when they are happy
and laugh when they are nervous.
They fight for what they believe in.
They stand up to injustice.
They don't take "no" for an answer
when they believe there is a better solution.
They go without so their family can have.
They go to the doctor with a frightened friend.
They love unconditionally.
They cry when their children excel
and cheer when their friends get awards.
They are happy when they hear about
a birth or a wedding.
Their hearts break when a friend dies.
They grieve at the loss of a family member,
yet they are strong when they
think there is no strength left.
They know that a hug and a kiss
can heal a broken heart.
Women come in all shapes, sizes and colors.
They'll drive, fly, walk, run or e-mail you
to show how much they care about you.
The heart of a woman is what
makes the world keep turning.
They bring joy, hope and love.
They have compassion and ideas.
They give moral support to their
family and friends.
Women have vital things to say
and everything to give.
HOWEVER, IF THERE IS ONE FLAW IN WOMEN,
IT IS THAT THEY FORGET THEIR WORTH.
Posted by: Julia | May 31, 2006 at 01:11 AM
What else can she so my friend with the meliciously violent three year old boy he pushed his brother off of a coffee table that he was standing next too... that was just in five minutes of getting out of bed this morning. My three year old daughter is so stressed out by this sweet but terrifying little boy that everytime that we are around him later that night she throws up. he is constantly kicking hitting punching and using weapons (toys) on these children the only child i have seen him NOT be mean too is my 18 month old daughter. We just need help we are out of ideas
thanks
Posted by: Erin | May 29, 2006 at 12:38 AM
yes well.... i am doing this for a very good friend of mine. her three year old son wont quit being mean and beating up other kids in particular my three year old daughter and his 1 year old brother. My friend has tried everything thing. does ne one have ne suggestions... PLEASE HELP!!!
Posted by: Erin | May 28, 2006 at 02:21 PM
I can totally relate to the story I just read about the flip side: Although my girls are now 18 and 21, those memories never fade. The joys, triumps, pain, and sorrow of their years stays with me. Now they have new ones, and I find myself still caught up, when I was thinking :What am I going to do with me when they graduate?
Posted by: Trina Harnden | May 12, 2006 at 04:26 PM