March 2024 Newsletter

March 2024 Dates:

March 11-15 – Spring Consignment Sale

March 25- April 1 – Spring Break, No School

 

April Dates:

FINAL TUITION DUE

10 – No School

April 22 – No School

 

May Dates:

May 14 – No School, Primary Election Day

May 27 – No School, Memorial Day

May 30 – Last day of School, End of Year Picnic

 

March Snacks:

This month the children will enjoy crackers & cheese or peanut butter, cookies and juice and animal crackers and juice.

 

Calendar Change

Since our original printing of the school calendar, we noticed a change. Tuesday, May 14th is primary election day. Schools will be closed that day. 4CCN will also be closed.

 

 

Kindergarten Orientation

If you are planning on sending your rising kindergartener to public school this fall, you will need to register them. Please contact your designated school for more information on registration.

 

 

Registration:

Registration for the 2024-2025 school year has begun! Thank you for promoting 4CCN to your friends and families!  We still have openings in our classes.   If you know of anyone who is interested in enrolling their child, please have them call the school office or email me at 4ccndirector@gmail.com.  Thank you!

 

Spring Consignment Sale

The Spring Consignment Sale is quickly approaching! This year’s spring sale will be

held the week of March 11, 2024. We will have a huge selection of spring/summer 

children's clothing (NB-14), plus toys, books, games, baby gear, costumes, and

maternity clothes for sale.

 

In addition to shopping the sale, you are also welcome to consign at the sale. This is

a great opportunity to clean out your closets and support the school at the same

time! If you are interested in consigning, you will need a consignor code. Codes are

$5 each. Please come to the office to pay for your code and pick up tags,

information packet and pricing guide.

 

If you have any items you would like to donate to the sale and give the school 100%

of the proceeds (instead of the 50/50 split for the consignor and the school), you

can pick up some green tags in the office and label them with code A1. Only donate

items that you do not want returned to you.

 

Please mark your calendars with the following important dates for consignors,

shoppers and parent volunteers:

 

Consignor Drop Off Times:

Monday, March 11:          9:30 AM - 1:00 PM and 7:00 - 9:00 PM

Tuesday, March 12:          9:30 AM - 12:30 PM

 

Sale Dates

Tuesday, March 12:          7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Wednesday, March 13:     9:30 AM - 1:00 PM and 7:00 - 9:00 PM

Thursday, March 14:          9:30 AM - 1:00 PM and 7:00 - 9:00 PM

(Thursday is half price day!)

 

Those of you who have signed up for their volunteer hours are welcome to shop the pre-sale on Tuesday, March 12th from 5:30-6:30 pm.

 

As you know, an event of this size can only be successful with the help of many

hands. Please help us make the most of this sale, our one and only fundraising event

at 4CCN, by signing up for and completing your required volunteer shift(s). If you

have not received an email with a link to the Sign-Up website, please contact our chairwomen, Brittany Hammond & Sara Robb, via email at consign4ccn@gmail.com.

 

 

 

Spring Break

Spring Break begins at the close of school on Friday March 22nd. We will be closed from Monday, March 25 – Monday, April 1. We will reopen on Tuesday, April 2nd.

 

In-House Field Trips

We have scheduled several in-house field trips for our classes. On March 6th we will have Blue Sky Puppet Company, April 17th, Under the Sea with creatures from the Chesapeake Bay and on May 8 & 9 Squeals on Wheels. Our friends attending on Tuesdays/Thursdays only are invited to attend the shows on March 6th and April 17th.  All these great programs are possible because of the hours you put into the consignment sales.  Thank you!

 

Please Help 4CCN Get a Google Boost!

We are working to optimize our Google listing.

Kindly leave a review of 4CCN on our Google listing. The more reviews, the higher we show up on a search.

Thank you so much.

 

Follow 4CCN on Facebook & Instagram.

 

February 2024 Newsletter

February Dates:

Monday, February 19 – No School, President’s Day

Calendar Change:

MCPS has added a day back into the school calendar.

Friday, February 16 th was a designated day off for MCPS. Classes will now be in

session due to the snow days.

4CCN Snow Policy:

Speaking of snow days, 4CCN has several snow days in the calendar, totaling about 2

weeks; 4 snow days for 2-day students, 6 snow days for 3-day students, and 10 snow

days for 5-day students. As of this writing we have used 3 of our snow days, 2 on

Tuesday/Thursday and one on MWF. We have had one early release on January 9 th

which counts as a school day.

Will Punxsutawney Phil predict more winter on the 2 nd ?

February Snacks:

This month the children will enjoy these delicious snacks:

Ritz crackers and peanut butter, Graham crackers and apple juice, Ginger Snaps and

applesauce and Chex cereal with dried fruit.

Valentine’s Day Celebrations:

Valentine’s Day will be celebrated on Tuesday, February 13 th or Wednesday, February

14 th . Please check with your child’s teacher for more information about celebrations in

your child’s/children’s classrooms.

Please Help 4CCN Get a Google Boost!

Like what we do at 4CCN? We are working to optimize our Google listing.

Next time you are on your laptop or phone, kindly leave a review of 4CCN on our

Google listing. The more reviews, the higher we show up on a search.

Thank you so much for helping us out!

Open House/Community Registration

We have been very busy giving tours for prospective families. Please continue to let

your family, friends and neighbors know about 4CCN! Community registration begins

on Thursday, February 1 st . Applying is easy with our on-line registration. Paper

applications are also available on-line or in the office. Word of mouth is our best

marketing tool. Thank you for telling your friends and neighbors about us.

4CCN Extended Day

4CCN offer an extended day program starting September 2024.

Interested families will have the option to extend the 2s program from 12:15 to 1:15 and

3- and 4-year-old programs until 3 pm. More information will be available soon.

Spring Consignment Sale

Planning will begin soon for the spring consignment sale. The spring sale will be the

week of March 11 th . The fall and spring consignment sales are the only fundraising

activities at 4CCN. Everyone’s participation is required for the success of the sale.

Money raised for the sale pays for playground equipment and maintenance as well as

purchase furniture and materials for the classrooms. More information will follow in the

coming weeks.

Vision Screening:

The 3- and 4-year-old children will have their vision screened on either February 21 or

February 22. If your child wears glasses, be sure that they have them at school on the

day of screening. Results of the screening will go home with your child at the end of the day.

27 Interesting, Funny, & Statistical Facts About

Valentine’s Day

It may be a day reserved for romance, but it is also the when the telephone was patented!

Reviewed by Cheyenne Bostock, Life & Relationship Expert

Written by Sneha Tete, Integrated MA, Certified Relationship Coach

Edited by Asmita De, MA (English)

Fact-checked by Gracia Odile, MA  •  Nov 16, 2023

Valentine’s Day is on the cards, and all you couples must be busy planning your day with plenty

of excitement. Wait! Spare us two minutes! Do you know any interesting facts about Valentine’s

Day? If you are shaking your head, cheers! You are not alone. For most couples, this special

day is all about an opportunity to show their love and affection for each other. Well, this time,

impress your spouse and look knowledgeable and smart by letting her know some historical and

fun Valentine’s Day facts. What are they? Keep reading!

19 Funny Facts About Valentine’s Day

1. Cupid Actually Started Out as A Greek God

Let us begin our Valentine’s Day fun facts list with the most common symbol for love –

Cupid with his cherubic looks and angel wings. He was originally the Greek god, Eros.

Eros was the son of Aphrodite, the goddess of love and procreation. Cupid is known to

shoot two types of arrows – one to make people fall in love and one to make them hate

each other.

2. ‘X’ Was Originally Not a Symbol For Kiss

Though we sign off our letters and texts X’s these days as symbols of kisses, this was

not this letter’s original purpose. In medieval times, when people did not know how to

sign their names, they would simply sign off with an X. To show their loyalty and

affection, they would then kiss the X before sending the letter. Isn’t that one of the most

interesting facts about Valentine’s Day?

3. Candy Hearts Started Out as Medical LozengesSave

The popular Valentine’s Day candy, candy hearts, started out as medical lozenges

for the throat! Boston-based pharmacist Oliver Chase invented the machine that

produced small medical lozenges. When he saw the popularity of these small pop-in

medicines, he turned them into candy with cute messages on them.

4. Roses Symbolize Love

Roses are said to be the flowers of love. Venus, the Roman goddess of love, used to

adore red roses. This story made people start spreading love by giving roses to the

object of their affection. The gift of a rose either on stems or in bunches of petals is an

artful expression of love.

5. Different Places Celebrate Valentine’s Day in Different

Ways

Valentine’s Day is celebrated in many ways around the world. In Japan, women give

chocolates to men. Men reciprocate this gesture a month later March 14th, i.e., White

Day. In Finland, February 14th is celebrated as Ystävänpäivä, which translates to

Friends Day. Valentine’s Day is all about the expression of love.

6. Alexander Graham Bell Applied for A Patent for The

Telephone on Valentine’s Day

It was on this romantic holiday that Alexander Graham Bell applied for a patent for his

revolutionary invention – the telephone! Now, the telephone is the biggest medium for

sending and receiving.

7. Valentine’s Day Is the Second Most Popular Day for

Sending Cards

Valentine’s Day is a day when people all around the world send and receive

cards.  A greeting card with a personalized message makes for great memories,

especially as you grow older together. It is second only to Christmas in this regard.

Valentine cards are mass-produced, and most of the stock is sold out by the time the

holiday rolls around.

8. This Is the Day That Penicillin Was Introduced

Penicillin, the world’s first antibiotic and one of the greatest scientific discoveries, was

introduced to the world on Valentine’s Day.

9. Lace Is Commonly Used in Valentine’s Day Gifts

Lace is commonly used to in making bouquets of roses and in other items during

Valentine’s Day. The word ‘lace’ comes from the Latin word ‘laques’ which means to

snare or trap a person’s heart. Isn’t that fitting?

10. The First Valentine Was Sent from Prison

The first Valentine ever sent was by Charles, The Duke of Orleans. When he was

imprisoned after a war, he sent a love poem to his wife, who he would meet only 15

years later. Quite the romantic, wasn’t he?

11. ‘Wear Your Heart on Your Sleeve’ Is Quite A Literal

Idea

In the old days, people would pick out a name from a bowl to find out who their

Valentine would be. The chit they picked would then be pinned on their sleeve for the

world to see!

12. There Is a Sad Reason Behind Giving Chocolates On

Valentine’s Day

Physicians in the old days would recommend chocolate to people who were suffering

from a broken heart or pining after a lost love. Ouch!

Report Ad

13. We Need to Thank Richard Cadbury for Chocolate

Boxes

In 1861, Richard Cadbury invented the first chocolate box. Always the businessman, he

realized that he could capitalize on Valentine’s Day by producing chocolate boxes and

marketing them as something to be given to your sweetheart. Now, that’s one

interesting fact about Valentine’s Day we bet you didn’t know!

14. St. Valentine Was Quite a Rebel

St. Valentine, to whom this romantic holiday is dedicated, was quite the rebel. Emperor

Claudius of Rome outlawed marriage because he believed that single men made better

soldiers. St. Valentine went against his decree and performed wedding ceremonies in

secret.

15. The Oldest Valentine’s Day Card Is 600 Years Older

Than You

The oldest Valentine’s Day card was written in the 1400s. It has been preserved in the

British Museum for all to see.

16. Valentine’s Day Was Declared by The Pope

Pope Gelasius declared the Valentine’s Day holiday around 498 A.D.

17. Roses and Baby’s Breath Make Quite the

Combination

For years now, florists have been selling the ‘Signature Rose’ which comprises of a

single red rose with a tuft of baby’s breath. This Signature Rose is especially popular on

Valentine’s Day.

18. The Most Popular Valentine Card Recipients Are

Teachers

According to a survey, the most popular recipients of Valentine’s Day gifts and cards are

teachers, followed by children, mothers, wives, sweethearts, and pets. This is definitely

one of the most surprising Valentine’s fun facts, isn’t it?

19. Hallmark Did Not Make the First Known Valentine’s

Day Card

Hallmark, then known then as Hall Brothers, introduced the Valentine’s Day card as we

know it only at the beginning of the last century. The first Valentine’s Day card is said to

have been given way before that in 1477. The lucky recipient is believed to be a man

named John Paston, whose fiancé Margery Brews wrote him a love letter.

8 Statistical Facts About Valentine’s Day

Save

1. A Popular Time for Getting Engaged

Approximately 6 million couples are said to get engaged every year on this romantic

holiday.

2. Love Letters Are Still Romantic

Verona, Italy – where the popular Shakespearean tragedy Romeo and Juliet took place

– receives more 6000 love letters every year from romantics all around the world. These

letters are diligently answered by The Juliet Club.

3. Cards, Cards, And More Cards!

Every year, approximately 14 million cards are produced and sent on and around

Valentine’s Day.

4. Chocolates Vs. Flowers? Chocolates Always Win

It has been noted that between chocolates and flowers, people tend to buy more

chocolates for Valentine’s Day. Chocolate sales on this day are 75% higher than flower

sales.

5. Heart-Shaped Boxes Are the Way to Go

Approximately 36 million heart-shaped boxes are sold every year on Valentine’s Day.

These boxes are used to pack chocolates, gifts, and anything that may mean something

special.

6. Pets Are the Best Valentines

While Valentine’s Day was originally a celebration of love between people, people have

now started to consider their pets as their valentines too, and why not! Approximately

million pet owners per year buy gifts for their pets on this special holiday.

Katie, a blogger shares her experience of celebrating Valentine’s Day with her pet cats.

For this reason, she adds, “I still love the idea of a holiday all about love. And what

better love than the unconditional love one receives from cats?” She talks about her two

male and two female cats and elaborates on how these furballs love her and shower

their affection on her. She further adds, “These four fill my heart with love and meaning.

I could not ask for more from a valentine.”

7. Plans Aren’t Necessarily a Thing

Studies have proven that 64% of men around the world do not plan the day in advance.

Spontaneous plans such as a surprise date night are usually the way they roll!

8. Between Men and Women, Men Are Higher Spenders!

The average man spends more compared to women on Valentine’s Day. Studies have

shown that men are more likely to spend up to $120, while women only spend up to

$70.

Valentine’s Day is the one day of the year when you have a great excuse to shower

your loved ones with care and warmth. This special day commemorating love has

numerous stories and history behind it. Learn more about the fascinating facts about

Valentine’s Day and the significance it holds in many people’s hearts. These facts will

shed light on some intriguing topics you may not have known about and provide some

new perspective on this romantic day. Share these facts with your closest friends and

family, and enjoy this wonderful day with them to the utmost.

Valentine’s Day is a day of love. Everyone can experience that love. All forms of love –

for your family, friends, and kids – can be honored on this day. Valentine’s Day is a

reminder to show love to the people you care about. Showing love is never limited to a

romantic relationship.

January 2024 Newsletter

January Dates:

January 3 – School is OPEN!

January 8 – In-house Registration Begins

January 15 – No School – MLK Day

January 29 – No School

January 24 – Alumni Registration Begins

 

February Date:

February 1 – Community Registration Begins

February 2 - Ice Cream Social 4-5:30 pm

February 2 – Vision Screening for 3s & 4s

February 16 – No School

February 19 – No School

 

January Snacks:

The children will enjoy the following snacks this month: Trader Joe’s Cat Cookies & vanilla yogurt, Saltine crackers & cheese, Ritz crackers & peanut butter, Nilla Wafers & applesauce & animal crackers & apple juice.

 

Registration for 2024-2025

In the next few weeks, we will email you information regarding 2024-2025 school year. 

Class offerings will be as follows:

2s & 3s & 4s Monday Wednesday Friday    $490.00/month

2s & 3s Tuesday Thursday                         $390.00/month

3s & 4s 5 Days                                           $600.00/month

Registration fee     (non-refundable)            $90.00

 

In House Registration

Registration forms for the 2024-2025 school year have gone home with the 2- & 3-year-old children, January 3rd & 4th.  If you need additional forms, please stop by the office to pick some up. Registration is open to current students as well as siblings of current students. Registration will begin on Monday, January 8th. You can register online through our website www.4ccn.org or in paper form. Registration is first come first served.

 

Alumni/Community Registration

Registration for past 4CCN families (families not currently enrolled) begins on January 24th.

 

In-person or Virtual Tours

Please help spread the word!

We have begun scheduling tours for prospective families. Please spread the word to your friends, family, neighbors about 4CCN. Tours are on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays.

Word of mouth is our best advertising.

 

Parent-Teacher Conferences

The 2, 3 and 4-year-old classes will have their parent-teacher conferences in January. Conferences will be held on the second floor in the library. Children will have a regular school day on their conference day, a substitute will be in the classroom for the teacher. If school is closed due to inclement weather, we will reschedule conferences.

January 17 – Mrs. Kravitz’s class

January 22 – Mrs. Campbell’s class

January 23 – Miss Amelia’s class

January 24 – Mrs. Nadelhaft’s class

January 26 – Mrs. Siff’s class

January 30 – Mrs. Temenak’s class

January 31 – Ms. Sarah’s class

 

4CCN Snow Policy

4 Corners Community Nursery follows the Montgomery County School’s closing policy.  MCPS will notify the public of the decision, usually by 6am.  If it is necessary to close school early, 4CCN will close at 11:45 am.  When MCPS is delayed by two hours, 4CCN will open at 11:15 am and remain open until 1:15 for ALL ages.

 

Tax Forms

Some of you may be able to use child care expenses as a deduction on your income tax.  If this is the case, please stop by the office for more information.

 

New Director Search

The Board of Directors will meet this month to begin the process of hiring a new director. Our goal/hope is to find someone who is or has been a part of the 4CCN community. If you or you know someone who is interested in working in a very rewarding job with a great community of people, please reach out to Susie Ostermeyer via email 4ccndirector@gmail.com, phone 301-681-9520 or in person.

 

FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK AND INSTAGRAM!      

 

Parent-Teacher Conference Checklists

Before the conference

·                    Ask your child how she feels about school.

·                    Ask your child if there is anything that he wants you to talk about with his teacher.

·                    Tell your child that you and the teacher are meeting to help her.

·                    Make a list of topics that you want to talk about with the teacher.

·                    Prepare a list of questions such as:

·                    1. What are my child's strongest and weakest subjects?
2. Does my child participate in class?
3. Does my child seem happy at school?
4. What can I do at home to help?

During the conference

·                    Be on time (or early) for the meeting.

·                    End the meeting on time. Other parents will probably have a conference after yours.

·                    Relax and be yourself.

·                    Stay calm during the conference.

·                    Ask the most important questions first.

·                    Ask for explanations of anything you do not understand

·                    Ask your child's teacher for ways that you can help your child at home.

·                    Thank the teacher.

After the conference

·                    Talk about the conference with your child.

·                    Talk about the positive points, and be direct about problems.

·                    Tell your child about any plans you and the teacher created.

·                    Keep in touch with the teacher during the school year.

THINGS TO REMEMBER:

If you are invited to a conference, it does not mean your child is in trouble! Teachers try to meet with all parents.

You and the teacher both want the very best for your child. You can help your child by working together as a team.

December 2023 Newsletter

December Dates:

December 25 – January 2 – Winter Break, we will reopen on Tuesday, January 3, 2024

 

January 2023

Monday, January 8 – In-house registration begins

Monday, January 15 – No School, MLK Birthday

Wednesday, January 24 – Alumni Registration Begins

Friday, January 29 – No School, MCPS No School Day

 

Snacks:

We are cleaning out the cupboard this month.  The children will be enjoying the following snacks this month; cookies and fruit, crackers, and juice and 4CCN Trail Mix and juice.

 

Dressing for School

As December quickly approaches, cold weather is not far behind.  We will continue to go outside. This is a pleasant experience if your child is properly dressed.  Please make sure that your child has a warm coat, pants, hat, and mittens – all labeled with their names.

 

Winter Break

The school and offices will close at the end of the school day on Friday, December 22nd and will reopen on Wednesday, January 3, 2024. Whether you are staying close to home or traveling, have a safe and wonderful holiday!

 

Parking Lot Repair

The Church has contracted to give the parking lot some TLC. Repaving the lot is far to costly. The holes will be filled and new stripes will be painted for easier parking. 4CCN agreed to help with some of the funding for this project. We are the largest tenant and the parking lot has been a safety concern for some time. The work will be done before the weather gets too cold and after school hours.

 

In-house Registration

In-house registration will begin on Monday, January 8th. Registration forms will be sent home with 2- & 3-year-olds the week of January 3rd.  Extra forms will be available in the school office.  We will offer an on-line registration through our web site as well.

Alumni registration will begin on Wednesday, January 24th – families who have had children here in the past and do not currently have a child enrolled.

All registration is first come first served.

 

We get so much positive feedback from the community! Thank you all for telling your friends about 4CCN.

 

 

2024-2025 Registration

We have 2 options to register for 2024-2025 school year. Paper registration forms will be distributed the week of January 3rd, when we return from winter break. We also have an on-line option to register. Go to our web site www.4ccn.org and click on the Enroll Now tab, complete the registration form and pay through PayPal.  All registration is on a first come, first served basis.

 

4CCN Tours for Prospective Families

We are currently scheduling appointments for tours. Tours are on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. Please help spread the word to your friends about 4CCN. Word of mouth is our best advertising. Please post information on your community listservs and spread the word to friends and family.  Thank you for your kind recommendations. Registration for new families begins on Thursday, February 1, 2024.

 

January Conferences

Parent/teacher conferences will begin in January. Please check your classroom/teacher’s email for information regarding your child’s conference day. Each teacher will have a sign-up sheet with day of conference, you will need to sign up for a time slot. Conferences are about 20 minutes in length and will be held upstairs in the church library. A virtual option will be available as well if you prefer not to meet in person.  Your child will have a regular school day during conferences, a substitute will be in the classroom with the other teacher that day.

 

2024-2025 Tuition

Due to rising costs, the 4CCN Board of Directors voted to increase tuition for the 2024-2025 school year.  Monday Wednesday Friday will be $490.00/month, Tuesday Thursday $390.00/month and the 5-day program $600.00/month. The registration fee will increase to $90.00/family.

 

Search for New Director

Early 2024, the Board of Directors will meet to begin interviewing for a new director.

If you would like to share your thoughts, please let a board member know.

Board members are, Susie Ostermeyer, Donna Rinaldo, Carla Temenak, Alana Kravitz, Anouck Blaise, Sara Burnett, Annie Driscoll, Tiffany Lay, Meredith Osborne, and Lorelei Sampson.

November 2023 Newsletter

November 2023 Newsletter

 

November Calendar

Wednesday, November 1 – No School

Wednesday, November 22- Friday, November 24 – Thanksgiving Break

 

December Dates:

Monday, December 25 – Tuesday, January 2, 2024 – Winter Break

 

November Snacks:

This month we will be enjoying Ritz Crackers & peanut butter or cheese, animal crackers and apple juice, oatmeal cookies and yogurt and Saltine crackers and cheese slices.

 

 

Dressing for Cold Weather

As the cold weather approaches in November, please remember to dress your child for outdoor play.  We will continue to go outside to play in the winter months.

 

Please send your children to school with hats, mittens, warm coats, etc. Make sure every piece is labeled with your child’s name.  It is also important your child wears appropriate shoes to school. Please send your children to school with sturdy, close-toed shoes.

 

 

4CCN Tours & Registration

Late fall (end November, early December) 4CCN will begin scheduling tours for the 2024-2025 school year.

Registration for in-house families will begin in early January 2024.

Registration for alumni family, January 24, 2024

Registration for the community, February 1, 2024

More information about registration will follow in the coming weeks.

Word of mouth is our best form of advertising. Please help spread the word about 4CCN to your friends and family!

 

Consignment Sale

 

The 4CCN Fall Consignment Sale was a huge success! A special thank you to all the families who helped with this year’s sale. We appreciate all your dedication, hard work, and volunteer efforts. Sharing flyers, photos, and posts with friends, family, and neighbors was a huge help in gaining more customers and consigners.

 

Also, special thanks to Donna Rinaldo who did the accounting for the sale, assisted in introducing credit card processing for purchasing, and helped keep our sales floor organized. The money raised for the sale funds important school items such as our beautiful playground equipment and maintenance, in- house field trips, and classroom equipment. 


Many of the remaining items that did not sell were donated to different amazing local organizations and served a variety of needs. What a great feeling for all of us to come together as a school community to make such a large event occur that ultimately benefits all our children as well as our greater community.


Our Spring sale is scheduled for the week of March 11 - 15, 2024. We are hoping to build off the success of this sale in the spring! It never hurts to get started tagging early, so if you just consigned with us, let us know if you want to keep your code.

 

 

 

Thanksgiving Holiday

We will be closed on Wednesday, November 22 thru Friday, November 24 for the Thanksgiving holiday. Have a wonderful holiday. Safe travels to those of you who are heading out of town. We will be back open on Monday, November 27th!

 

 

 

We Can Be Thankful

 

They are in their tender years of life, our infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. As parents we can sometimes be overwhelmed by the daily traumas, bored with mundane routines. But let us remember all that we must be thankful for.

 

We can be thankful that a healthy toddler can live on three peas and a cracker on one of “those” days.

We can be thankful that neighborhood teenagers continue to assume the role of responsible caregivers on Saturday nights.

We can be thankful that we can see the wonders of the world through “young again” eyes.

We can be thankful that disposable diapers come in large toddler sizes for the reluctant potty trainer.

We can be thankful that by the time they board the kindergarten bus, children will be able to skillfully use spoons and forks.

We can be thankful that little noses stop running by April.

We can be thankful that small, whining voices often spontaneously break into song.

We can be thankful that lack of sleep is rarely fatal.

We can be thankful that there are rocking chairs.

We can be thankful that if we perceive them as lovable and capable, they will perceive themselves as lovable and capable too.

We can be thankful that parenting is an equal opportunity profession and that nurturing skills are neither innate or gender specific.

We can be thankful that the terrible/terrific twos prepare us for adolescence.

We can be thankful that nature has provided so well for the survival of the human infant by giving each a face that his/her parents will love.

We can be thankful, most of all, that we have them to be thankful for.

 

 

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!