Wintertime Blues

Dear Annie,
Help! It's been snowy and cold and my 3 year old daughter and I have been stuck in the house. We need to get out. Every time we go to the store she is stuck in a shopping cart and grabs things off the shelves. Where can we go to have fun?
Signed, Housebound Helen

Dear Housebound Helen,
Don't worry. There are many places that you can go to get out of the house in the wintertime. Why don't you start by calling your local library and Department of Parks and Recreation. These wonderful local resources usually offer opportunities for you and your child to meet other children and parents - to socialize and have fun! You may also find local businesses that offer "Mommy and Me" programs or classes in art, music or tumbling. Possibly your child is even ready for a preschool program 2 or 3 mornings a week. That would give her an opportunity to make some friends of her own while she enjoys a stimulating learning environment. It would also give you some time to read, cook, knit, scrapbook, meet a friend for coffee...just think of the possibilities!
Signed, Annie

Sharing

Dear Annie,
When I take my two year old to the library, I notice that he grabs toys away from other chldren. I am concerned that he doesn't know how to share. Is this something that I should worry about?
Signed, Worried Wendy

Dear Worried Wendy,
Sharing is a concept that does not come naturally to children. Young children need to be taught to share and to negotiate for the things they want. Because 2 year olds generally do not have the language to express their needs, they often resort to grabbing, pushing or crying. It is important to bring your child to the library, the park, a play group or to an accredited preschool program in order to teach him important social skills. Giving your child the appropriate words: "Can I play with that next?" and encouraging him to: "Use your words" in a setting where there are other small children will give him the experiences he needs to feel confident and capable of communicating. He will learn the art of sharing.
Signed, Annie