{"id":6352,"date":"2014-11-07T10:10:03","date_gmt":"2014-11-07T15:10:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.beyondmommying.com\/blog\/?p=6352"},"modified":"2015-10-17T10:03:27","modified_gmt":"2015-10-17T14:03:27","slug":"national-parents-teachers-day","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.beyondmommying.com\/blog\/2014\/11\/07\/national-parents-teachers-day\/","title":{"rendered":"National Parents as Teachers Day"},"content":{"rendered":"

On November 8th each year, National Parents as Teachers Day is recognized. \u00a0The program started in the 1970s as an effort to prepare children in Missouri for Kindergarten by helping parents provide support at home to their children and as an early detection service to help children with delays and health problems receive early intervention services. \u00a0The National Parents as Teachers organization<\/a> is now in all 50 states and six other countries.<\/p>\n

While I’ve fully embraced the “parent as teacher” lifestyle by undertaking homeschooling<\/a> my children and have always believed in the power of good parenting<\/a>, the day\u00a0is about recognizing ALL parents as their children’s first teachers and the impact parents make on the lives of their young children.<\/p>\n

Many people don’t realize or think about how quickly children learn when they are young. \u00a0From the moment\u00a0a child is born (and even before), a parent’s words, cuddles, and love are teaching their child about the world. \u00a0The experiences provided to children by parents whether at home or out and about teach children what they need to know about life in this big crazy world.<\/p>\n

A lot of what we do as parents is instinctual and we act completely different when interacting with a baby or child. \u00a0We talk to babies in a certain way and change our mannerisms when talking to a young child. \u00a0This all has been proven to be natural because it’s the way babies and children respond, understand and learn the best.<\/p>\n

So what does it mean for the parent to be a child’s first teacher? \u00a0What does a parent have to do to prepare their child for school and the “real” world? \u00a0Don’t panic or reach for the flashcards! \u00a0The things children need to learn and grow are simple. \u00a0They need love, support, kindness and interaction.<\/p>\n

\"parents<\/a><\/p>\n

So what can a parent do on a daily basis (not just on the national holiday!) to be their child’s teacher and actively participate in their child’s education? \u00a0Here are a few simple ideas:<\/p>\n