Tag Archives | Teachers

Is There Such a Thing as a Perfect Parent?

Posted on August 17, 2016 By Fatima Zimichi in Parenting

For the parents out there, have you ever stop and said: “Wow, I’m a heck of a parent,” or do you often find yourself questioning your parenting skills?

It seems as if parenting and guilt were cut from the same fabric . . “I should spend more time with my son, I shouldn’t be so rough with my little girl, I wish I can give them more, I didn’t had to yell at them, I totally forgot about soccer practice… and the list goes on…”

The reality is, nothing in this world is perfect and no matter how much you search for it, there is no single guidebook on how to raise kids. Parenting techniques and approaches vary from culture to culture and parent to parent. Each parent has a different journey. I put together a few things I learned from my parent’s parenting techniques:

Positive Parenting

“Yes, you can!,” although it sounds like a political slogan, these were the words of my mother. As cliche as that might sound, parents’ words can make all the difference. Ms. Fatima highlighted my strengths, complemented my talents, and encouraged my projects. As children grow into early childhood, their world will begin to open up. They will begin to explore and ask lots of questions. Their interactions with family and those around them will help to shape their personality. For that reason, is important to be positive. My father, for example, has always told me life is all about perspective. I remember being five the first time he spoke about the glass being half full or half empty. We all know the answer, of course. The optimist parent would say the glass is half full.

Discipline Consistency

As much as I love Full House and the rest of squeaky clean family shows like Seven Heaven and The Brady Bunch, real families don’t work this way. Not everything is fixed with a hug and not all children listen after being scolded. Every so often you’re bound to break your own rules, especially when they are little and adorable, but discipline consistency is key. Both of my parents have always agreed on what was allowable and forbidden. Simple things as bedtimes, diets, videogame regimen, homework routines, language choices, etc. For example, until this day I can’t seem to say the phrase, “I hate.” It was a bad word in my house. Make sure to be clear and consistent when disciplining your child. Even for separated parents, agreeing on manners, behavior, and discipline styles will avoid confusion for the children. Explain and display the behavior that you expect from them.

Now going back to the question: Is There Such a Thing as a Perfect Parent?

There is no such an alien among us. Who ever says they are a perfect parent is delusional or in denial. Ms. Fatima always says: Parenthood is what you make it, so come as you are, grab your babies and make the journey a special one. The years fly and before you know it, they’ll be taking care of you.

For more information about Hollywood Learning Centers, please call (954) 922-8558 and for more articles like this one, subscribe to our blog!

The Me! Me! Me! Epidemic Among Children

Posted on August 3, 2016 By Fatima Zimichi in Parenting

Drivers cutting in front of you in traffic, people closing the door behind them on your face, millennials stepping on you while chasing Pokemons, teenagers taking selfies on your face, preschoolers pushing classmates to be first in line, toddlers making fits at the grocery store for treats. I mean, I can go on and on, but I’m sure I made my point.

Does it sound familiar? Individualistic, self-centered, self-absorbed, selfie snapchatters, call it what you want, I call it : Me! Me! Me! I even have a theme song for every time I witness this behavior, whether they are young or old, familiar or strangers.

I actually came to terms with this epidemic a few years ago while attending a live speech about “Happiness,” by the Dalai Lamas. He spoke about the difference between community-oriented societies and individualistic cultures. There, I learned that individualism is the belief that one’s personal needs are more important than the needs of a society as a whole. You might think, that sounds like the millennial generations, but research suggest individualistic behaviors began at the turn of the 20th century with the Baby Boomers born after WWII.

It is no secret, we live in an self-centered society. The minute I left the Dalai Lamas’ speech, my friends and I took the train back to our hotel. While on the train, a gentleman sat right next to one my friends, he took his coat off and slapped my friend right on the face when he opened his newspaper. We all laughed and ever since that day, I began detecting this sort of narcissistic behavior.

How do we stop it? How do we raise our children not to grow up to be individualistic, self-centered, self-absorbed, selfie snapchatters narcissist? Well, I’m no expert on the Me-Me-Me syndrome, but one thing is for sure, acknowledging this epidemic is a good start. The man sitting on the train, most likely didn’t noticed my friend, neither did the guy cutting in front of me in traffic, or the woman who closed the door on my face at the bank, but that doesn’t make it “okay.”

We have to teach our children to:

1) Be Aware of Our Surroundings

This includes the people, animals and plants. To be aware of others teaches us to be compassionate, empathetic, welcoming and accepting. All these practices can help them deviate from self-centered and me-me-me tendencies.

2) Serve as an Example

As parents, we can prevent or decrease this behavior in our children by serving as an example. Let’s do the exact opposite of the me-me-me behavior and let’s teach our children how to be giving, kind, and patient. Next time you are driving, let others by patiently, wait for the person behind you before closing the door, give something away to charity every time you receive a gift. The ideas are countless and the impact measureless.

3) Ignore the Me-Me-Me Siren

Another thing parents can do, or avoid doing, is not always jumping every time the me-me-me siren goes off. Remember, children will go as far as you allow them and as much as we want to spoil them, we have to keep a balance routine for their sake, ours and society’s.

4) Me-Me-Me, Sing it!

You can make a song, a poem, a rhyme or a keyword to use it around your children every time they are displaying this kind of egocentric behavior. They will know what they are doing and either stop or laugh, but acknowledgement is the first step.

If you are curious to see if you or someone around you could have this Me-Me-Me syndrome, click here for a quick test (narcissistic personality inventory (NPI).

If you need to hear the me-me-me song, ask Ms. Fatima to sing it to you. I have sang it to her on a few occasions when necessary. For more blogs like this one, subscribe to Hollywood Learning’s blog!

How Rude! Secrets to Teach Our Children Manners

Posted on July 27, 2016 By Camilo Valencia in Lifestyle, Parenting

Teachings manners can be a difficult task for many parents, not only because of the components associated with discipline, but also because of parents’ hectic schedules. However, manners can go a long way, especially past a simple “thank you.”

Focusing on etiquette and knowing your children have manners can help them establish positive relationships as children and adults, and contribute to their overall success. For that reason we created a guide to teach our child manners (according by age) with the help of Disney’s Babble.

Infants(0-1 Years): Please and Thank You’s:

When speaking to our little ones it’s important to use phrases like “please” and “thank you.” When doing this we have to watch out for our tone of voice. If we modulate our tone when using social etiquette words, such as “please” and “thank you,” they will realize this is the norm and your example will guide them as they learn to speak. The idea is to incorporate these words in their every-day vocabulary from an early age. Try it, here at Hollywood Learning Center, we make sure to remind our little ones of their magic words all the time.

Smooth Touch:

Touch is something we all respond to, so it’s best to begin at an early age. Gently direct your baby on how to treat parents, siblings and pets. Teach them that hitting friends or family members is not okay and instead show them mannerism of love, such as handshakes, hugs, and pet rubs. By doing this you’ll be able to teach them the proper ways to touch and introduce the concept of cause and effect.

Toddler (2-3 years): It’s All About the Attitude!

As toddlers, your little ones will begin developing their personality. It is at this age, that they begin to repeat everything they hear or see. For that reason, it’s important for us parents and teachers to serve as example.

Toddlers are fun, but at times they can be very difficult to handle. They don’t call it the terrible two’s for no reason.

Sharing is Caring!:

At this age “mine” is something they repeat constantly. So showing them the power of sharing can be effective in reducing the use of the word “mine.” Lead by example share with them and those around you.

Table Manners:

Begin showing your little ones simple table manners. Don’t speak with your mouth full, use utensils, no elbows on the table, ask for objects too far of reach. Reminders come handy at all times and once again lead by example.

Patience:

Introduce to them the concept of patience. We live in a fast-paced society where everyone wants everything done fast. Teaching them about patience from young can begin by simply reminding them not to interrupt conversations or allowing siblings to play first while patiently waiting for their turns, without getting antsy.

Pre-K and Elementary School (4 – 9 years): Developing Who they are

As children prepare to attend pre-K and elementary school, it’s important to work with them on their interactions with others around them ranging from teachers to other students. Begin by observing their interactions with other children besides family members. Take them to social gatherings and see if they are using the manners taught at home or school. Here are just a few to keep in mind:

Greetings: Show them the basics of a proper greeting with these three easy steps: eye contact, a firm shake or hug, and an introduction of their names. A proper introduction will provide your children with a boost of confidence. Remind them that first impressions are priceless.

Thank-you Notes: Not everyone write thank-you notes, but showing gratitude is beautiful and not often taught. At a young age, children are often receiving gifts for their birthdays or holidays. Teach them the importance of showing gratitude by either signing or drawing a picture on thank you cards. By 6 or 7, they will have the writing skills necessary to write entire thank you notes themselves. Teaching this small gesture can make a huge difference in their lives.

Manners and etiquette might vary from culture to culture or even family to family. At Hollywood Learning Center, we make sure to encourage manners, but we can only do so much at school. Practicing these at home can go a long way. Keep checking our blog for more helpful parent tips.

5 Yummy and Healthy Snacks for Your Children

Posted on June 22, 2016 By Fatima Zimichi in Fitness & Wellness

Children can be very picky eaters, especially when it comes to food that they’re supposed to eat. During snack time, your little one might be begging for candy and chips. Make sure you set your foot down and put away the junk food. Try these five yummy healthy snacks Hollywood Learning Centers has already incorporated in their menu:

Strawberries and Bananas

Most children love sweet things! Of course that also means that they love candy, but we want them to eat healthier. A good alternative to candy are sweet fruits, like strawberries and bananas. Their sweetness have the all the nutrients kids need. Strawberries are packed with antioxidants, which can help prevent heart disease, and bananas are a good source of tryptophan, an amino acid that converts into serotonin in the brain. Serotonin helps people feel happier. No wonder why minions are always happy.

Popcorn

This popular snack isn’t just for the movies! Popcorn is actually healthy when it isn’t covered with lots of butter or salt. Actually, two cups of popcorn has 2.3 grams of fiber and 62 calories, making it a light snack for our little ones. So this summer, get some kernel and pop away!

Corn on the Cob

If your kids can’t get enough of that popcorn goodness? Then they’ll definitely love corn on the cob! It’s sweet, fun to eat, and a popular summer treat! It’s also rich in nutrients that can help control diabetes.

Whole Grain Cereal

Put away the sugary cereal and get the whole grain cereal instead! Whole grain cereal is full of protein, carbohydrate, vitamin B, and vitamin E, making it one of the healthiest snacks for your kids. This is by far one of Hollywood Learning Centers most requested snack.

Veggie Chips

Does your child love potato chips? Veggie chips are no different, except they are a healthier and tastier substitute! These crispy snacks are made from beets, broccoli, cauliflower, and a number of other vegetables, so your kids can finally eat their veggies without even knowing.

All of these yummy snacks can be served with natural apple juice or water, two healthy drinks low in sugar and preservatives.

Have your little ones snack on these yummy treats and they’ll be happy and healthy! Want more healthy foods and recipes? Subscribe to our blog!

Life After Preschool: How to Survive the Transition!

Posted on June 1, 2016 By Fatima Zimichi in Parenting

Congratulations to all the preschoolers class of 2016! Preschoolers, great job, you are almost there! Preschoolers’ moms, you have 13 years more to go, but ready or not, life goes on.

The scary part is change. Who likes changes? Not all of us, but change is inevitable and with it, comes surprises along the way. Kindergarten is no exception. Here are some tips you can follow to ensure that you and your child will get through the transition smoothly.

1. Have a Fun Summer!

If your child is feeling nervous about starting kindergarten, make their summer break fun. A memorable summer will makes your child happier. Plan a family vacation or find a summer program that you know your kid will love. At Hollywood Learning Centers might have something that’s perfect for your child! This is also beneficial for you, since you both will feel less anxious about kindergarten.

2. Talk With the Teachers

The biggest fear most children and parents have when starting kindergarten is meeting their teachers for the first time and making sure their children are ready. To show your child that there is nothing to be afraid of, let them meet their teacher before the school year starts and don’t be afraid to ask them, what subjects they should be preparing their children for. Hollywood Learning Center’s Summer Camp offers our VPK graduates tutoring in Math, Reading, and Writing, so they can have a head start.

3. Be Involved

Some children have trouble adjusting to a new environment. If you see that your child is having problems or feels sad in the first few days of kindergarten, get involved with their daily activities. Ask them about their day and try to help them if they’re having bad days. Participate in school activities to show your support. Let them know that you love them and that everything will be fine.

4. Back-to-School Shopping Spree!

All kids need school materials for their class, so it’s time to shop! Obtain the teacher’s supply list to see what is needed. You can get most supplies in grocery stores, so you can save time and money! Buy new clothing at stores that have an end-of-summer sale. If your child’s school requires uniforms, find out if the school has an official uniform store. Lastly, try to make the shopping fun for your child so they can feel excited for school.

Follow these tips and the transition from preschool to kindergarten should be a fun experience! Do you have questions about Hollywood Learning Center’s Summer Camp or Aftercare program? Contact Hollywood Learning Centers at (954) 922-8558

How To Teach Your Child a Second Language in a Bilingual Casa

Posted on May 11, 2016 By Fatima Zimichi in Parenting

Hello! Hola! Salut! Ciao! Oi! Здравствуй! Raise your hand if you’re bilingual, trilingual, or multilingual.

Living in South Florida makes this topic very close to casa. Most of us come from other countries and hope and pray our children learn our ancestors’ roots and native language, but this is easier said than done.

Research has proven the many benefits associated with speaking more than one language and the younger the child learns, the better! For that reason, Hollywood Learning Centers , a Ministry of First Presbyterian Church put together a quick list on how to teach your child a second language in a bilingual home.

1. SPEAK, THEY WILL REPEAT

Toddlers and preschoolers are in that age where they’re just getting acquainted with their social vocabulary. As you know, we have to be careful with what we say because they repeat everything they hear. “Kids this age are developing language skills rapidly, and they quickly absorb whatever they hear,” says Erika Levy, Ph.D., assistant professor of speech and language pathology at Columbia University. Why not start with one word here and there? They will either catch the meaning with context clues or they will ask, like they often do, “what does that mean?” Remember, the earlier you introduce a second language, the easier it will be for your child to pick up its unique sounds.

2. APPEALING TO THEIR SENSES

Come on! Vamonos! Everybody, let’s go! Yes, Dora the Explorer is one of the many programmings kids can watch to learn a second language. Find a show or radio station, play a song, or read a book in your native language so they can familiarize with the sounds, words, and phrases. Nowadays, there are even toys and apps you can download. Sooner or later, they will catch o

3. SUBMERSION

In my house, for example, we weren’t allowed to speak English, because Mom (Ms. Fatima, Director of Hollywood Learning Center) thought we got enough English at school. So every time my sister and I will speak English to each other, she will interrupt us and say: Spanish! Or when we used to speak to Mom in English, she will literally pretend she didn’t understand. However, submersion is most effective when you take your children to the native language region for longer than just a few days. Want your children learning a second language ? Choose their next summer vacations wisely.

4. FORMAL CLASSES IN SCHOOL / ACADEMY

Learning at home can be frustrating. If you rather do formal classes in their preschool or an academy, make sure your child doesn’t see it as a must, but as a fun experience. Get involved in the process and reinforce the instructor’s material with them so they learn it fast. Our Hollywood Learning Center offers Spanish Classes Monday through Thursday. For more information, please don’t hesitate to call Ms. Rebecca at 954- 922-8558.

Let’s Celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week!

Posted on April 27, 2016 By Fatima Zimichi in Lifestyle

I don’t remember ever celebrating Teacher Appreciation week growing up in the 90s. I’m not sure if it was because I was in a public school, or simply because it wasn’t popular around my times. Yet, with a teacher as a mother (Ms. Fatima), showing my appreciation was a must.

It wasn’t until a few years ago that I learned that the US celebrates the nearly 3.5 million teachers with a week called, Teacher Appreciation Week, but I wanted to find out more about the history so I went on a hunt.

Apparently, people in the US didn’t begin celebrating teachers until 1953 when Eleanor Roosevelt persuaded Congress to set a day to recognize educators, but it didn’t become a national day until March 7, 1980. Since one day is not enough to thank these wonderful human beings, four years later, the National Parent Teacher Association designated the first full week of May as Teacher Appreciation Week. The following year, the NEA voted to make the Tuesday of that week National Teacher Day.

This year it falls on May 2nd till May 6th.

At First Presbyterian Learning Centers, we honor our dedicated teachers and outstanding support staff with goodies and presents. However, this year, our teachers want to have fun with gift cards!

We put a list of gift card ideas based on a survey conducted in house:

Starbucks
Target
Restaurants
Movie Tickets
Sephora / Ulta (Makeup stores)
Mani/Pedi Spa
Victoria Secret

P.S. Mark your calendars – Teachers Appreciation Week May 2th – 6th.

Teachers Rock!

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