Those of us who have children desire the absolute best for them. We desire good health, good family relationships, good grades, excellence in all of life's exploits.
 If our child has a physical illness and a medical doctor prescribes a medicine that will make a child well, we are quick to pursue the solution. If daycare is necessary, we want someone who will nurture the child. If our child has physical health, mental health or cognitive challenges, we pursue professional help because we believe that they know what is best. As a parent, you  have probably been through many of these scenarios. However, the most critical and professional advice that one may have received is from the child's teachers. My child's teachers recommended that I read to my child. I replied that my child (in first grade and reading at a sixth grade level) could now read by himself. The teacher replied, "No, you still read to him. He needs to hear your voice. Children love the sound of their parents voice. The inflection of your voice is also important to their understanding. Also, cuddling beside you is critical to their well being." I took the teacher seriously. My husband and I still read together with our child (14 years old and excels in language arts). It is a great and profitable family time. Our child loves to be with us. Wow! That's a miracle as he is a teenager! As a Physical Educator, I also practice the same advice. My husband and I spend time with our son  pursuing physical activity together.
When our son was a baby, we played and danced with and tickled him. We involed him in a lot of fun music. As he got older, we taught him motor skills, how to catch and throw, we played tag, rode bicycles, rollerbladed, ice skated, rock climbed, particpated in gymnastics and other sports. At the same time, we were building and establishing our love and strength as a family. As a professional Physical Educator, I cannot express enough to you how critical your interaction with your child is to his mental well being.  I understand that the requirements of our careers and other issues can cause fatigue and make us think that we don't have time. Where there is a desire, there is a way. Don't become the father in Cat Steven's "Cat's In The Cradle". Take control of what belongs to you, your children. Provide them the excellence that is available in a family relationships.
Don't ever relenquish your influence on your children. They may learn from other people, and that is important too. But, don't rely on others to be the primary builders of your children's morals, and memories.
This web page is being presented to give you some resources to help your children and you as a family. I am not an expert, but I know as a parent, I have been assisted by many individuals. I will post physical development information for children as well as anticdotes to promote mental health prosperity.

Move:    Physical, Social, Intellectual and Social Development
                              of Five and Six Year Olds

Grow:    Activities that Help Fives and Sixes to Grow

Skills:    What Motor Skills Do Fives and Sixes Have?


Safety:  Moving and Growing Involves Safety Awareness

Water Safety: Summer is fast approaching. Safety =Fun

Girls are more involved in athletics more than ever before.