Confession Time

[Thriftylady]

I use coloring books. The kids like them, and they do have some benefit.

[Josiegirl]

I was actually a little afraid to admit it!

It's not like you're locking them in closets all day!! Are you? ::

[Unregistered]

Wait, what's wrong with coloring books?! The kids here LOVE them. Though we did workbooks today (letters) and yesterday we finger painted.

My confession: same as OP. If kids sleep extra long I let them. YUP. And if a parent comes early and its obvious kids just woke up, it's because lunch time started later than normal so nap was a bit offset.

[melilley]

I confess that, when mom of very difficult dcb sent me a list of her "concerns", I answered in a way that encouraged her to move on. Because I'm really sick of her being so high maintenance when her kid is by far the worst behaved here. You'd think she would be all peaches and cream considering what I have to deal with from him every day

I do this when the kids turn 3/3.5. I prefer the 3 and under age groups so when they turn 3, or even before, I kinds of mention preschool and how their child is ready. I don't do a formal preschool program and to me 3.5 and older children are harder than the younger ones. Now, not all 3.5+ children are hard, but most are to me. I have one who is leaving for preschool next week and I'm going to cry, but I have another who NEEDS to go now...

[melilley]

I never wake them, unless it's late and I want to go outside... I will confess though, that I will wake my 2.5 year old son if it's too late, but he's mine...he doesn't like to go to bed at night if I don't.

[Unregistered]

Opposite for me. I LOVE the 4 year olds. I have 4 of them and one 18m old. I would take 4 year olds ALLLLLL day long over the younger ones.

I do this when the kids turn 3/3.5. I prefer the 3 and under age groups so when they turn 3, or even before, I kinds of mention preschool and how their child is ready. I don't do a formal preschool program and to me 3.5 and older children are harder than the younger ones. Now, not all 3.5+ children are hard, but most are to me. I have one who is leaving for preschool next week and I'm going to cry, but I have another who NEEDS to go now...

[Annalee]

My number one confession is I am NOT always up to Assessment standards. I am ALWAYS up to licensing standards which has become almost as stringent, but not always meeting the "typical day" assessment is looking for. I love my job and what goes with it which means I am realistic and flexible when creating learning experiences with the kids in my program.

[melilley]

Opposite for me. I LOVE the 4 year olds. I have 4 of them and one 18m old. I would take 4 year olds ALLLLLL day long over the younger ones.

Lol. I have worked in centers for 14 years before opening my in home and I was the lead infant/toddler teacher most of the time. I think that's why I like the younger ones so much. Right now, I have two 3.5 year olds, my ds who is 2.5, two 1.5 year olds, and a 13 month old. The two 3.5 year old boys are part time and when they both here, plus my son, they don't listen at all!

[Unregistered]

Wait, what's wrong with coloring books?! The kids here LOVE them. Though we did workbooks today (letters) and yesterday we finger painted.

My confession: same as OP. If kids sleep extra long I let them. YUP. And if a parent comes early and its obvious kids just woke up, it's because lunch time started later than normal so nap was a bit offset.

Some experts consider them the "junk food" of art materials because most of the creativity has already been done. I just believe in moderation. I always stuffed my youngest dd's Easter basket with fashion coloring books. She also had access to all of the other art materials that we all have stocked. She designed and made her own doll clothes out of bandanas the dog wore home from the groomers, so I just considered them one more resource to have.

[Unregistered]

Some experts consider them the "junk food" of art materials because most of the creativity has already been done. I just believe in moderation. I always stuffed my youngest dd's Easter basket with fashion coloring books. She also had access to all of the other art materials that we all have stocked. She designed and made her own doll clothes out of bandanas the dog wore home from the groomers, so I just considered them one more resource to have.

Oh poppy****. Coloring books are wonderful for fine motor skills when combined with other things!!!

[Annalee]

Oh poppy****. Coloring books are wonderful for fine motor skills when combined with other things!!!

When I was completing my CDA observation, a dcg4 was using a book I had to trace letters, numbers, animals, etc. and she asked me how often I allowed that to which I replied it is out with all the other art supplies that were free expression. Wrong answer....I was told to put it away which disappointed me. The little girl loved using that book. I still have it by the way but it is never out during assessment ::

[Rockgirl]

It's not like you're locking them in closets all day!! Are you? ::

Lol!

I just know the coloring books are "frowned upon" by the experts. I stand by what I said....why can't some things just be fun? They enjoy it. Just like children's television....I don't believe EVERYTHING should have to be educational all the time. Once in awhile I allow the dck's to watch dh's Pink Panther cartoon DVDs. They love it! It's just simple and funny, period.

[Thriftylady]

It's not like you're locking them in closets all day!! Are you? ::

Where do you think I keep the coloring books???? You mean we can't keep kids there??::::::::

Okay just kidding but really I just don't see the issue. I mean being told to put them away? Seriously they are not XXX rated or anything for crying out loud.

[Meyou]

I use coloring books. There is always plain paper available too but sometimes they just love to color.

[Pepperth]

I know some adults who use coloring books as a method of relaxation. Can we argue that we are teaching children emotional health & fine motor skills? I think its fine to do something that is just plain fun once in a while to relax them.