Latest news with #childdevelopment
Associated Press
6 hours ago
- Business
- Associated Press
Innovation Learning Launches The Innovation Learning Foundation to Expand Equitable Access to Education for All Children
Innovation Learning has launched The Innovation Learning Foundation to expand equitable education access by providing free meals, subsidized programs, and enrichment services for underserved children, aiming to close opportunity gaps and support whole-child development nationwide. Denver, Colorado, United States, June 20, 2025 -- According to UNESCO's Global Education Monitoring Report (2020), children who have access to quality education demonstrate up to 50% better literacy and numeracy skills—skills essential for lifelong learning, well-being, and opportunity. Recognizing the critical importance of equitable access, Innovation Learning, a nationally recognized provider of before and after-school, summer, enrichment, and academic recovery programs, proudly announces the launch of The Innovation Learning Foundation, a nonprofit organization (501(c)(3) status pending) committed to removing barriers to transformative learning experiences for underserved children and families. Grounded in the belief that every child deserves an equitable chance to thrive, The Innovation Learning Foundation will raise philanthropic support to provide free meals, subsidized programming, and affordable educational services. These initiatives ensure that all children—regardless of income or background—have access to engaging, high-impact programs that promote academic growth and personal development. 'Throughout our work with school districts nationwide, we saw the growing need for a nonprofit partner that could help eliminate barriers to participation,' says Dr. Brett Prilik, CEO of Innovation Learning. 'The Innovation Learning Foundation allows us to deliver on that need—ensuring programs are accessible, flexible, and impactful for all families.' Though governed separately, Innovation Learning and The Innovation Learning Foundation are united by a shared mission and a commitment to the following core values: · Expanded Access to Learning – Every child deserves high-quality learning opportunities. These programs help close the opportunity gap and show that learning can be both meaningful and fun. · Open Doors to Innovation – Creativity, problem-solving, collaboration, and communication are fostered to help students develop a future-ready mindset. · Advancing Equity Through Community – By working closely with underserved communities, the initiative co-creates programs that reflect each community's unique needs and strengths. · Championing Whole-Child Well-Being – Support is provided for each child's holistic development through nutritious food, physical activity, emotional wellness, and a safe, nurturing environment. Additionally, transformative programs supported by The Innovation Learning Foundation will include: · Before- and after-school care · Summer learning programs · Academic intervention and tutoring · Enrichment classes · In-school academic support By partnering with schools, districts, and local organizations, The Innovation Learning Foundation aims to reimagine what's possible in education—making it equitable, engaging, and enriching for every child. At the heart of this effort is a renewed vision for how community-based organizations can support school districts—not only by aligning with their goals, but by actively enhancing them. The Innovation Learning Foundation serves as a bridge, bringing additional time, energy, and resources to help ensure collective success. Working alongside schools, districts, educators, and families, the Foundation is helping to create a more connected and responsive system—one in which children and families benefit deeply from the strength of partnership and shared purpose. For more information, please visit About Innovation Learning Innovation Learning is a mission-driven organization dedicated to making high-quality education more accessible, engaging, and fun for all children. Through customized after-school, summer, and enrichment programs, it partners with schools and communities to deliver innovative, student-centered experiences that support academic growth, social-emotional development, and overall well-being. Founded and led by educators, Innovation Learning reinvests in program quality and works closely with districts to create responsive, locally tailored solutions that reflect the needs and strengths of each community. Contact Info: Name: Dr. Brett Prilik, Ed.D. Email: Send Email Organization: Innovation Learning Phone: 303-523-1543 Website: Release ID: 89162735 If you encounter any issues, discrepancies, or concerns regarding the content provided in this press release that require attention or if there is a need for a press release takedown, we kindly request that you notify us without delay at [email protected] (it is important to note that this email is the authorized channel for such matters, sending multiple emails to multiple addresses does not necessarily help expedite your request). Our responsive team will be available round-the-clock to address your concerns within 8 hours and take necessary actions to rectify any identified issues or guide you through the removal process. Ensuring accurate and reliable information is fundamental to our mission.
Yahoo
6 hours ago
- Lifestyle
- Yahoo
What's your parenting style? Waffler or wimp or something else entirely?
You may not know this, but there are different parenting styles and they have their own official names. You're probably concerned about your own style, which you should be (because one day, your children will say you picked the wrong one). Also, labeling things is important. The best parenting style is the one that doesn't involve manual labor or time away from binge watching shows about cheating spouses. According to parenting experts, who spend all day long making up things and changing them, there are three main types: Mob Boss ('authoritarian'), Waffler ('authoritative') and Wimp ('permissive'). If you only stick to one style, everyone in the house will become bored. So, if you've allowed your kids to skip school and go to the horse track (Wimp), demand that they perform feats of strength later at the dinner table (Mob Boss.). Before allowing a play date at someone else's house and witnessing the wrong parenting style, remember: you don't want your kids to learn about free will. Sneak into the home to spy first. Don't be judgy, but if the worst is true, keep your kid out of there. Here are some other highly recommended and ground-breaking parenting styles, below, that scientists will publish in a prestigious academic journal soon or possibly never. It might help to read this list, because licensed mental health professionals say that being self-aware is healthy. I have no idea why, but it sounds impressive. Zen Parent: 'You do you, dear,' as the child hurls a large toy truck at the TV. Hysterical Parent: 'I'll hurl this knife into my chest if you don't eat that broccoli.' Touchy Parent: 'Did that sneeze mean that you plan to run away after getting together the money for a bus ticket?' Guilt-Trip Parent: 'How could you not like my homemade pureed carrots? I skipped bowling night to make them. If you're not answering because you're a 6-month-old baby, I'm still hurt by your behavior.' Well-Bred Parent: 'You didn't say 'excuse me' for that burp, after you stole the lighter fluid and torched the house. Being tired is no excuse for bad manners.' Demanding Parent: 'You scratched your tricycle; you buff it.' Bear Hug Parent: 'Get over here, you big, lovable goons,' after their sixth public tantrum that day. Overcompensating Parent: 'You can have my new car,' after failing to produce suitable candy during mid-afternoon snack time. Breaking and Entering Parent: You snuck into their bedroom to crack open the windows, due to the smell. Unfortunately, they'd installed a surveillance camera. Now they've initiated a room cleaning strike and will never trust you again. In this case, you might need a new parenting style. Pam J. Hecht is a writer, instructor and mother of two (but not necessarily in that order). Reach her at pamjh8@ or This article originally appeared on Greenville News: The Funny Business of Parenting – Are you THAT kind of parent?
Yahoo
a day ago
- Health
- Yahoo
What Is Attachment Parenting? An Expert Explains the Principles, and the Pros and Cons
Maybe you have a bun in the oven and are doing your research on all things parenting before baby arrives. Or perhaps you're testing the waters with different parenting styles in real time. Or maybe you're just curious about the choices your sister-in-law is making—co-sleeping? Breastfeeding well past a year? Either way, you might have heard of an approach called attachment parenting. So, what is attachment parenting, exactly? I spoke to a mental health expert to learn more on the benefits and disadvantages of this super responsive parenting style, and here's what I learned. Dr. Sanam Hafeez is a New York City-based neuropsychologist and director of Comprehend the Mind, a psychological practice that treats learning disorders, anxiety, depression and other psychopathological disorders. Dr. Hafeez obtained her Doctor of Psychology at Hofstra University and completed her post-doctoral training in neuropsychology and developmental pediatrics at Coney Island Hospital. Dr. Hafeez tells me that attachment parenting is a method of raising children that emphasizes building a close, trusting relationship: 'It encourages parents to be physically close and emotionally available, especially when the child is very young. Parents who follow this approach often breastfeed, carry their babies in slings, and sleep near them at night. The idea is that when a child feels safe and understood, they grow up more secure and confident.' That said, the expert also wants parents to know that this approach isn't about abiding by strict rules; instead, it encourages parents to listen to their gut and respond to their child's needs. (For example, a parent might choose to hold their baby during naps instead of putting them in a crib, so the baby feels more connected.) Attachment parenting also isn't right for every parent: 'Some people find it highly rewarding, while others find it exhausting,' says Dr. you're interested in practicing the attachment parenting style, the first principle encourages you to get a head start. This principle suggests that parents should 'learn about childbirth and early parenting, make informed choices, and reflect on their own childhoods to break unhealthy cycles,' says Dr. Hafeez. 'This principle focuses on breastfeeding when possible, but more broadly it means being emotionally present and responsive during feeding,' says Dr. Hafeez. In other words, you can still practice attachment parenting even if you are unable or choose not to breastfeed; the most important part is that you keep in mind that feeding time should 'provide emotional connection, not just nutrition.' Per the expert, parents are encouraged to notice and respond quickly and compassionately to their child's cues—namely because this helps the child feel understood, safe, and valued. Per the expert, attachment parenting credo emphasizes physical closeness like holding, cuddling, and baby-wearing—namely because 'gentle touch promotes bonding and can soothe stress for both parent and child.' Thinking about trying a CIO sleep-training method to get your baby to sleep through the night? Well, according to the principles of attachment parenting, that's a no-no. 'Babies should sleep in a safe environment that allows them to feel secure, which is why co-sleeping or room-sharing is often recommended to maintain emotional connection while prioritizing physical safety,' says Dr. Hafeez. That said, it's worth noting that the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends room-sharing rather co-sleeping (i.e., bed-sharing), due to the increased risk of SIDS during the first six months. 'Children thrive on predictable, attentive care from loving caregivers. When possible, attachment parenting encourages minimizing long separations and choosing caregivers who are warm and responsive,' says Dr. Hafeez. But what constitutes a long separation, you ask? Attachment Parenting International (API) points to research that shows kids under the age of 30 months experience stress when left in daycare situations for more than 20 hours per week. As such API recommends that working caregivers find an at-home childcare alternative, either with another parent or a private caregiver, and that an effort is made to maintain consistency in the arrangement so that the child can form secure attachments with the person providing care while you're away. (i.e., try not to swap nannies all the time). Attachment parenting promotes positive discipline because it has been proven to be more effective than other methods, such as fear-based approaches (i.e., threats) and physical discipline. Dr. Hafeez explains: 'instead of punishment, this approach promotes teaching and guiding with empathy and respect. The goal is to help children understand boundaries and learn self-control through connection, not fear.' What this looks like depends on the situation, but generally attachment parenting encourages kids to learn from natural consequences and practice peaceful conflict resolution skills when problems arise. This means, as it sounds, that you should aim to achieve a healthy balance between your personal well-being and your family responsibilities. 'It is essential to be a responsive parent but you must also take care of yourself,' says Dr. Hafeez, adding that, 'parents must prioritize their emotional and physical self-care to ensure effective and sustainable parenting practices.' In other words, an attachment parenting style does not mean that you have to sacrifice all of your own needs; in fact, if you neglect yourself, both you and your child will suffer. CatherineThis highly attentive and nurturing parenting style involves modeling desirable social behaviors to children from a very young age. Indeed, the expert says that 'responsive parenting leads children to develop an awareness of others' emotions and greater empathy.' Basically, this approach means that your kid will be less likely to pull little Suzy's pigtails and more likely to comfort her if someone else does. Yep, the emphasis on co-sleeping or room-sharing does lead to improved sleep patterns. Don't get too excited, though, because the benefit is mostly for your baby: 'Though early co-sleeping can disrupt adult sleep, children often develop more secure and healthy sleep patterns over time because they learn to associate sleep with comfort and safety' explains Dr. Hafeez. While you might think this parenting approach would result in a kid who remains attached to you at the hip for far longer than you'd like, apparently this isn't necessarily the case. 'Ironically, the intense dependence in early years fosters greater independence later on,' says Dr. Hafeez—namely because 'children who feel secure are more willing to explore their environment and try new things without fear.' FatCamera/Getty Images Attachment parenting certainly has its pros, but it's not exactly easy to practice. Indeed, the expert notes that one of the most significant disadvantages of this parenting approach is that you can get really burnt out trying to maintain it. 'The constant physical and emotional availability required can be exhausting, especially for primary caregivers. Without adequate rest or personal time, parents may experience stress, resentment, or fatigue.' As such, if you decide to adopt an attachment parenting style, you'd be wise to remember the eighth principle (which, in my opinion, should be the first). Attachment parenting really demands that a tremendous amount of attention be paid to the child at all times and, as a result, other relationships might fall by the wayside. The job of attachment parenting might be a labor of love, but it doesn't always feel that way between spouses. 'When one parent is always attending to the child, romantic and emotional intimacy between partners can suffer, which may create tension or disconnect in the relationship,' notes Dr. Hafeez. The expert also points out that certain aspects of attachment parenting, such as extended breastfeeding and bed-sharing, might be misunderstood and criticized by others. For what it's worth, I didn't practice attachment parenting in its purest form with my kids (they were both sleep trained) but I did breastfeed them both for over two years and there were definitely people in my orbit who found that weird. Bottom line: if you go the full-blown attachment parenting route, you can probably expect at least one member of your extended family to scoff at you a little. Pros and cons aside, the expert points out that this parenting style simply might not be doable for everyone. 'Single parents, working parents, or those without strong support systems may find the demands of attachment parenting unrealistic,' explains Dr. Hafeez, adding that 'the time and energy required can be a significant barrier.' If you're interested in attachment parenting and have an arrangement that's conducive to it, then, by all means, give it a shot. In order to decide whether or not it's right for you, you should first consider the unique needs and limitations of your family. And keep in mind that if it feels like too big a burden for you to adhere to completely, there's no harm in borrowing any and all of the ideas you can realistically apply and leaving the rest behind. From my experience, there's no perfect parenting dogma you can find.
Daily Mail
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
This Morning fans fume 'this is why kids commit crimes!' at parenting expert's VERY controversial advice - but who's in the wrong?
This Morning fans fumed 'this is why kids commit crimes!' as a parenting expert shared some very controversial advice. Yesterday's episode of the ITV chat show saw presenters Ben Shephard, 50, and Cat Deeley, 48, sit down to discuss parenting approaches as part of the This Morning's View segment. One panellist, TV presenter Trisha Goddard, 67, addressed recent controversial comments made by BBC newsreader turned child therapist Kate Silverton, 54. Kate told the award-winning Netmums parenting podcast earlier this week: 'It's just a fallacy to call children naughty. 'They're not making conscious choices for the majority of the time. They are driven by a very, very immature brain and a nervous system that very often is being triggered.' She added labelling children as 'naughty' wrongly makes them believe that defines them and can therefore be psychologically damaging to them. When Ben and Cat asked for Trisha's reaction to the comments on This Morning yesterday, she backed Kate up. Trisha explained: 'I always believe in labelling the behaviour and not the person. 'Naughty is probably the light end but if you keep telling a child they're stupid or they don't know what they're doing or, "Gosh, you're always clumsy", it absolutely does sit in their head and set a trend. 'If you talk about the behaviour rather than labelling the child, it's a much better way to go.' She further explained the distinction by saying, for example, it is more constructive to tell a child, 'That was a stupid thing to do', rather than, 'You are stupid'. Kate advocates for this approach to the extent she published a book in 2021 called There's No Such Thing As Naughty. The parenting guide for those with children under five offers techniques to manage everyday challenges and forge a strong bond with them from the start. 'At the heart of the book is a simple and revelatory way to understand how your child's brain develops and how it influences their behaviour', the synopsis reads. It claims to offer 'a new understanding that for under-fives, there can be no such thing as "naughty"'. But many viewers, hearing Kate's comments repeated on This Morning yesterday, felt this parenting approach was too soft, taking to X to express their disapproval. One wrote, The Mirror reports: 'If you don't tell a child off then they will think that their behaviour is acceptable.' Another went even further: '"Stop calling kids naughty". This is why kids carry knives and commit crimes we see today. Soft parenting. 'The kids parenting the parents because the parents start to become scared of their own kids because they aren't dealt with correctly!' Someone else asked: 'What would Trisha say about the actions of the killers of Bhim Kholi?' They were referring to the 80-year-old man who was killed after being racially abused and attacked while walking his dog in a park near his Leicestershire home in September last year. Earlier this month, a 15-year-old boy was jailed for seven years for manslaughter while a 13-year-old girl received a youth rehabilitation order and six-month curfew for the same offence. They took to X to express their disapproval In the same podcast interview, Kate added: 'Our children internalise every day. 'They're taking in messages from us, from their friends, from their teachers. And words carry such weight of meaning. '"Oh, stop being silly". "Oh, you are so naughty". "Oh, he's the naughty one". 'We all fall into that trap but our children are paying very close attention to how we think of them. 'And we might dismiss it as a comment - "Oh, he's so untidy". "Oh, she's always late". "She's a bit of a scatterbrain". 'They are internalising. And what they're internalising - because, again, they don't have that fully formed rational brain - "I'm bad. I'm naughty". 'And then it becomes: "That's me. That's who I am".' Elsewhere in the same episode as this controversial parenting discussion, Cat left fans open-mouthed as she revealed her real name live on air. The presenter made the surprise confession during a heartwarming segment for Thank A Teacher Day, where she was reunited with her former primary school teacher. Cat and Ben had been listening to children share stories about their favourite teachers at a school in Surrey when the emotional surprise unfolded. Mrs Cotterill, Cat's own teacher from her school days, appeared via video link - and casually referred to her by her real name, catching viewers off guard. Addressing the star, she said: 'Her name is Katie.' Ben said to Mrs Cotterill: 'Because you of course know her as Katie.' Cat, who received a glowing report from Mrs Cotterill, revealed her real name is Catherine. She went on to share she was known as Katie during her childhood - a far cry from the name fans have come to know her by over the years. 'Well, my real name is Catherine but my grandad always used to call me Katie and my mum and dad and stuff,' she said. 'Unless I was in trouble, then I was sometimes Catherine!' Giving her feedback on Cat, who was delighted to see the familiar face, Mrs Cotterill said: 'She was very enthusiastic, a very kind child. 'Always wanting to help, always wanting to be involved, just actually, an all-round super person.' Cat grew up in Birmingham, attending Grove Vale Junior School before moving on to Dartmouth High School. At just 14, she made it to the national finals of a modelling competition run by the BBC programme The Clothes Show. Her success led to a modelling contract - and it was during this time her name was shortened to Cat, marking the start of her career in the spotlight.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Kid Convinces Mom to Buy Her A Cookie — Why This Top Therapist Loves the Interaction
Authoritarian parenting is increasingly falling out of favor, and Dr. John Gottman, a renowned psychologist and leading researcher on relationships, welcomes the change. Recently, Gottman came across a TikTok video in which a mother orders a coffee at a drive-thru. When her young daughter asks for a cookie, she's told, 'We have cookies at home.' Without missing a beat, the girl replies, 'Well, we have coffee at home.' Her logic is sound, and she gets the cookie. Though the moment, captured by content creator Charles Trippy, was staged, with similar clips circulating online for years, it doesn't change Gottman's takeaway. He hopes more parents will see interactions like this, not as chances to assert control, but as opportunities to help their children feel seen and heard. 'Instead of responding with, 'You can't have a cookie because I said so,' they reinforced her for being logical,' Gottman tells 'And it makes me very happy to see that.' One of the key goals of parenting. Gottman suggests, is to raise kids who can think independently and aren't blindly obedient to authority. Ideally, they grow into thoughtful citizens, people who, when faced with power or pressure, can evaluate what's being asked of them and respond critically. 'We want kids who say, 'I don't agree with this, and here's why,'' Gottman explains. He believes that's especially important when raising girls, noting that self-assured women are less likely to end up in controlling or unhealthy relationships. Gottman and his wife, Dr. Julie Schwartz Gottman, co-founders of the Gottman Institute in Washington State, are the parents of a 34-year-old daughter, Moriah, who recently graduated from medical school. Gottman recalls a time when Moriah, a talented jazz singer, was dating a man who didn't want her to perform in public. She ended the romance, a firm, empowered decision that he says made him 'incredibly proud.' 'You want a daughter who can stand up for herself, someone who knows her worth and doesn't tolerate being told what she can or can't do,' he says. 'We don't want to raise compliant, passive children — boys or girls —because they won't grow up believing in themselves.' This article was originally published on
