Is Mother's Day just for Mothers?

As I think about what it means to be a parent, I think about the old adage "It takes a village to raise a child".  On my own journey to becoming a woman, my mother and father  had many people to support them whether they knew it or not in regards to my upbringing. Many of these people did not have children but they parented my brothers, sister, and I.
 

Being a mother has been one of the most momentous times of my life and continues to be such. However I do understand that many of the adults that make up my community help to create my awesome experience as a parent by guiding my children along the way.  For me Mother's Day is a time to celebrate all  the females in your life who nurture your heart and soul. It doesnt necessarily have to be your birth mother, it could be any female that guides you on your personal journey. The same goes for Father's Day. Children also need guidance from positive male figures who help to respectfully shape their being. These men should be honored as well on Father's Day.

Ultimately it is of my thought that we should reevaluate the way we view the roles of "Mother" and "Father" or at least what it means to "Parent" a child.  As we start to notice the culture and climate of violence in our society and how we react to one another maybe having communal parenting may help wayward children focus on finding their way and completing their journey.


Nashima Harvey, Ed.M

SIMPLY BLACK and WHITE

About last night… My two year old daughter and I had a chance to visit the opening of the “in BLACK and WHITE” Exhibit at a local museum. It was a great opportunity to go out on a rainy Friday night, wearing black and white and receiving some culture while staying close to home. 

We are all about discovering and having new experiences. Besides, my daughter loves art and painting, so it was a great opportunity to make this her first time at an opening of an exhibit. 

As the pianist tickled the ivories playing christmas tunes we were able to walk around viewing exquisite artwork from local Union City residents. I was amazed to see so much talent in one room.

 Although i was afraid my two year old would be bored or have a meltdown, to my surprise she walked around viewing each painting with me and had some commentaries on one painting in particular by the artist David Aquino, of a man with a mouse on his shoulder. I didnt even notice the mouse until she pointed it out. Clearly she has a great artisitic eye. 

One of my favorite pieces were from the artist Juan Ramiro Torres. It had the Picassoesque feeling to me. Overall there were so much great pieces of black and white artwork to view that I feel I may need to visit the museum again just to experience the beauty once more. My family and I love museums and go at least once a month to the museums in NYC. 

However if you have a small museum in your town, you may be surprised at what you may find like I was. The best way to know is to do!



Nashima Harvey, Ed.M

Following a READING RAINBOW to a pot of GOLD in the CITY

On Saturday some of the members of THE LITTLE GREEN HOUSE and I went on a great field trip to the museum. At the museum they were having their 8th Annual Book Fair.

It was so much fun to watch the girls meet their favorite authors and  laugh and play throughout the day!

The Fair was packed with children's books with their fabulous authors. Parents and families from all over were excited to meet them and have their favorite books signed.

In between signings the girls danced and played and even made time to reflect on what they liked the most about the fair.

Little K, really was excited when she had her favorite book signed. It was exciting just to see how amazed she was.

 

 

I was excited as well. I was able to pick up a book from a long time publisher of children's books.

 

All in all it was a great weekend for THE LITTLE GREEN HOUSE CHILDCARE!  I can not wait to see what this new week brings!

- Nashima Harvey, Ed.M

Honoring our Veterans

The life of a Holistic Childcare Provider is never dull. Now that we have completed our Wear Your Costume Twice Celebration, we are currently getting ready to honor our Veterans for this upcomingVeteran's Day.

Within our family and friends who are Veterans and current military people who are still serving our country. THE LITTLE GREEN HOUSE appreciates all that they have done to keep life as we know it consistent. Thank you so much and we will never forget what you have done!

Here are some of the crafts we will be doing to help remember our beloved nations Veterans on Veteran's Day.


- N. Harvey, Ed.M
Owner of THE LITTLE GREEN HOUSE CHILD CARE

THE WEAR YOUR COSTUME TWICE CELEBRATION

The Fall/Autumn is an awesome time of the year for transitions. Many people love to wear sweaters and begin to layer up!

However, I love the Fall/Autumn not only because it is  when I was born but also because it is a time to dress up for any reason. Although  for various reasons many children either do or do not celebrate Halloween, I love to celebrate becoming a dress up character for the season. On November 1st of this year celebrated our First Annual Wear Your Costume Twice Party for Parents and Children. It was a great way for the kids and parents who love to dress up to show their awesome costumes. 

We had cute costumes, fun and games, an  awesome time was had!

We had the cutest lion.

                                             The most engaged listeners during story time. 

                                                  Parents involved with the festivities.

Fishing with golf clubs lol!

Pumpkin Hopscotch.

                                                     Kids made their own goodie bags.

Reading under the tree!

                                                        So much fun was had by all!



 N. Harvey, Ed.M
Owner of THE LITTLE GREEN HOUSE CHILDCARE

Back to School Readiness

It is that time of year again, back to school season is upon us! Are you ready? As we close out the last of the lazy, hazy, days of summer ( sleeping late, going to the beach, etc...), the time to get our mind right for rigorous schedules begins. How will you cope this season?

Back to School Readiness is the way to go!

Here are my TOP FIVE TIPS to prepare yourself and your child for going to school this season:

1. Involve the entire family in the back to school planning. It will make it easier for everyone to follow the established routine. Everyone will be on the same page when they all know what's going on.

2. Determine a healthy and fair bedtime. Children need enough sleep or they will not be too friendly when they are in school.  Remember lack of sleep affects everything especially learning.

3. Write and post a schedule for the week where the entire family will know what's going on for everyone. Place the school calendar alongside your schedule and use this for reference of important dates.

4.  Create a designated space for backpacks so that it is easy to find and you will be able to maintain the contents inside. ( No more I can not find my... for school!)

5. Identify which teacher(s) will be involved with your little ones learning. Then keep their contact information visible: email, phone number, and name.


Although there are many other tips that could be added, as a parent of three children and an educator for over 13 years, these are my top 5 must dos for Back to School Readiness!

Good luck and remember it is never too late to get onboard  in helping prepare your child for success!

Happy Back to School.


N.Harvey, Ed.M
Owner of THE LITTLE GREEN HOUSE CHILDCARE

This week at THE LITTLE GREEN HOUSE CHILDCARE

There are so many things for us to get done at THE LITTLE GREEN HOUSE this week. We are on the hunt for some vintage wooden tables and chairs for the little people who visit us on the weekend.

We are also looking for some great eco-friendly gift ideas so we may prepare for this upcoming holiday season.

There is never a dull moment at TLGH. Last weekend we had a toddler Crayola Coloring Party and our kids had lots of fun! ( Inspiration comes from everywhere, even from cooking utensils)

Yesterday we took a trip to Whole Foods and found some yummy organic treats.  I can not wait to discover all the new and exciting things this week will bring!!!

N.Harvey, Ed.M
Owner of THE LITTLE GREEN HOUSE CHILDCARE