This page answers commonly asked questions of families.

1. What do I do when my child throws a tantrum or fights with a child?
2. How can I help my child cope with separation anxiety?
3. What can I do to get my child to bed on time?
4. How can I help my child make friends?
5. Should I be concerned about my child's speech?
6. How can I talk to my child about his/her school day?
7. How can I help my child with toilet training?
8. How can I ensure my child's readiness for kindergarten?

What do I do when my child throws a tantrum or fights with a child?

a.  If your child will not share with a visiting friend, reassure your 
    child that the toy belongs to your child.  Tell your child that his/her 
    friend would appreciate it if he/she could use the toy and the toy will  
    be returned to the owner.

b.  Sometimes, your child may participate in a tantrum in order to see 
    your reaction.  If your child throws a tantrum, stay calm and tell your 
    child in a firm manner what you expect from your child.

c.  Do not always intervene.  Encourage the two children to talk to each 
    other about the incident.

d.  Model how to solve an argument.

Back to Top

How can I help my child cope with separation anxiety?

a.  Be sure that you are not anxious about the experience.  Children can 
    sense your uncertainty and can cause your child to become anxious.

b.  If your child asks to bring an item such as a picture of a parent, or 
family member, blanket or stuffed animal, 
    let your child bring in the item to help comfort your child.

c.  You may need to spend some time with your child by supporting your child 
    when your child is performing his/her morning jobs.  Ask the teacher  
    when it is appropriate to shorten the time you spend in the morning with 
    your child.

d.  If your child cries, reassure your child that you will return to pick 
    him/her up.

Back to Top

What can I do to get my child to bed on time?

a.  Plan a regular bedtime.

b.  An hour or two before bedtime, encourage your child to engage in 
    activities that are relaxing.

c.  Have a routine of brushing teeth, taking a bath, getting dressed for 
    bed, and reading a book in the same sequence.  By following the same 
    schedule, you can maintain a regular bedtime.

d.  Be firm and tell your child it is time to go to bed if he/she causes a 
    fuss.

Back to Top

How can I help my child make friends?

a.  Model being a good friend.

b.  Provide opportunities for your child to interact with children his/her 
    age.

c.  Talk to your child about his/her friends� feelings.

Back to Top

Should I be concerned about my child's speech?

According to the HCPS articulation profile by age 4 children should be able 
to pronounce the following sounds in words:
p, m, h, n, b, w, k, g, d, f, y,

The following are 6 year old sounds: t, ng, r, l, 
The following are 7 year old sounds ch, sh, j, th
The following are 8-9 year old sounds s, z, v, th, zh

If you have any other questions about speech and language concerns, please 
visit the Harford County Public School website, or call the HCPS Child Find 
Office.  Children in Pre-K need to be screened and tested at a central 
location, however, if you child qualifies for services, he/she can receive 
speech therapy as part of their school day here at school.

Back to Top

How can I talk to my child about his/her school day?

How was your day?
What went well today?
Did you learn anything exciting?
What center did you play in?
What book did you read? or what/who was the book about?
What did you learn during mathematics?
What did you learn during language arts?
Did you have a job today?

Back to Top

How can I help my child with toilet training?

Most importantly wait until your child is ready. Before you toilet train 
consider the following factors: chronologic age at least  2 years 6 months, 
your child shows developmental readiness (be able to withhold urine for 60-
90 
minutes and can recognize the sensation of a full bladder).
Schedule training every 60 minutes keep a chart if neccessary
Be consistent
Be patient
Offer rewards for using the toilet
For more information talk to the teacher or your physician.

Back to Top

How can I ensure my child's readiness for kindergarten?

There are 6 main areas of development social, language, mathematics, science,
arts, and motor. Within these areas there are a variety of experiences that 
are essential for your child's academic success. 

SOCIAL
1. Set rules for your child and expect him/her to follow
2. Encourage your child to play with peers often
3. Promote helping, sharing, taking turns, and manners

Some ideas to practice social skills:
a. Go out to different places and find out what people do
b. Hug your child often
c. Show and talk about appropriate ways to express different feelings

LANGUAGE
1. Identify majority of uppercase and lowercase letters
2. Understand that letters make sounds and there are sounds in words
3. Develop an understanding of print in books (left to right directionality 
and beginning to end)

Some ideas to practice language skills: 
a. Read at least 1 book to your child daily
b. Use an extensive vocabulary while talking to your child and them what 
words mean
c. Encourage your child to take turns talking, and listening which will 
develop conversation skills

MATH
1. Identify numbers 0-10
2. Be able to touch and count at least 10 objects
3. Be able to rote count to 25

Some ideas to practice math skills:
a. assembles at least a  8-10 piece puzzle
b. build with a variety of blocks
c. talk about the shapes of things
d. play simple board and card games

SCIENCE
1. Name and describe things you see every day
2. Match and sort objects and pictures (animals, foods, clothes...)
3. Read nonfiction books to your child often and talk about what you have 
learned.

Some ideas to practice science skills:
a. take nature walks
b. talk about how things work
c. encourage questions and work together to find out how things work

ARTS
1. Paint, color, and draw pictures
2. Roll, pat, squish, and squeeze play dough
3. Sing and move to all kinds of music

Some ideas to practice art skills:
a. listen to a variety of music
b. attend cultural events
c. talk about the art and performances of others.

MOTOR
1. Be independent with cutting, gluing, and using writing tools.
2. Be independent with buttoning, zipping, snapping articles of clothing and 
tying shoes.
3. Be independent with writing first and last name correctly

Some ideas to practice motor skills:
a. go to playgrounds often
b. ride wheeled toys
c. roll, kick, and catch balls
d. string beads

Back to Top