Content by Audrey Rider
Running Around Like Crazy! It’s Ok!
Who remembers hearing their dad say, “You kids should go outside and run around and let off some steam?" This statement couldn’t be truer today than it was 20-40 years ago. Even if you live in town and don’t have direct access to nature, go visit a playground or park and spend time outdoors in a natural environment.
Let Kids Pretend!
Pretend play is as natural as eating and sleeping to kids and should not be dismissed. It is teaching them to practice being in the world and problem solving.
Safe Sleeping Methods for Infants
Safe sleeping positions and methods have come to light in the local news after an infant death in a daycare setting that could have been avoided.
Playing With Blocks
Who remembers building glorious structures and towers with wooden blocks? And then having a sibling knock them down and having to rebuild it over again? There are so many learning experiences with building and making mistakes in block play.
Let Them Play During Christmas Break
As we are quickly approaching Christmas break and kids will have time off and will be acquiring new toys and activities during this Christmas season, I want to encourage parents and providers to let children play.
Importance of Proper Nutrition and Physical Activity in Early Childhood
Childcare outside the home is relatively common in the United States, as a majority of children ages two-to-five attend some type of childcare and spend roughly 30 hours per week in others care. Due to this, both parents and early childhood educators are responsible to ensure children are receiving the nutrition they need for proper childhood development.
Helping Children Learn Responsibility
Teaching children responsibility should start at a young age but is something that you have to keep working on throughout childhood. I am working with my 10-and-5-year-old girls to become more responsible for their school work and daily tasks throughout the day so I don’t need to be a broken record each day.
Become a State 4-H Ambassador
Curious about what it takes to become a South Dakota State 4-H Ambassador? View the position descriptions, term timeline, and application process.
Helping Kids Cope and Understand Disasters/Flooding
South Dakota and many of our neighboring states are experiencing flooding and natural disasters. How children experience traumatic events and how they express their lingering distress depends, in large part, on the children's age and level of development.
Getting Kids Into Healthy Sleep Habits
It is important for children to get their recommended hours of sleep each night, but good sleep quality is also essential.