Photo from Childish Thoughts

Well, where else do creative tots keep their crayons handy than in the crayon apron?

Photo by Robinlynnme

Genevieve Thiers, CEO of Sittercity.com, pays a visit to Toddler Buzz today with tips on how to help your shy toddler or school age child cope with the coming school year.

While many children whine about having to go back to preschool or grade school, some children completely dread the experience and are too shy to even see the fun, positive aspects for going back to school. If this sounds like your child, back-to-school can be an especially unnerving time.

So Sittercity.com has some tips to help quieter kids cope with these new school-year changes.

DITCH THE "SHY" LABEL

How many times have you or someone else said, "Oh, Joey's just shy"? It seems like a harmless aside, but labeling a child as "shy" actually makes it even harder for him to feel like he can be anything else.

Photo by mom.of.2

If my little girl had been born five days earlier, I might be getting ready to send her off to kindergarten in another month. And I'd be getting nervous. She'd have been the youngest in her class, and I'd be going back and forth on whether I'd made the right decision to send her.

I'm glad she missed the cut-off and the decision was made for me. As much as my husband can't wait to get rid of the day care payment -- and even considered asking the school district to make an exception -- I feel she's still very much a toddler, both size and social wise.

Another CafeMom in the Newcomer's Club is going through a "do I hold him back?" debate, but with a 3 year old and preschool.

Photo by Jazzdoll

 

Today kindergarten teacher sweet.feet and post-kindergarten mom Jazzdoll answer common questions about what to expect in kindergarten.

Photo by Jeanmarie1975

Over the next several weeks, the Daily Buzz will talk with moms and teachers about what you and your child can expect in the coming school year.

For the little ones who aren't there yet, I talked to moms about different day care options.

Yesterday, CafeMoms shared the pros and cons of day care centers. Today they dish about home care facilities.

What's a home care facility? People who care for one or several children in their own homes. Each state has different laws for these providers, so look up your state's rules and make sure the provider you're considering abides by them.

Photo from Michael Olaf

These days there are so many school choices for our kids—yes, even at the toddler stage—that it can be confusing. It's not just about pre-school or pre-K, it's about different methods of education. As parents, we all want to choose the learning environment that's best for our child ... once we figure out what that is.

I know some parents who send their children to Montessori schools, but like a lot of CafeMom members, I was wondering what those are exactly.

Here's the scoop:

Bento Box Lunch From CucumberFest

Will you have to pack your toddler a lunch for preschool or day care this fall? Obviously, you don't have be this creative, but there are plenty of satisfying (and still nutritious!) foods that will make your toddler excited about eating lunch.

Here are a few ideas to get you started...

Photo by TLCDAYCARE

Over the next month, the Daily Buzz will talk with moms and teachers about what you can expect in the upcoming school year. For the little ones who aren't there yet, I talked to moms about popular day care options. Today -- day care centers and facilities. Tomorrow, home care and babysitter settings.

What's a day care center? Typically a larger facility licensed and regulated by the state that often uses a particular teaching or learning philosophy. Just remember that just because a center is licensed doesn't mean it's the best place for your child. Researching each provider and getting recommendations from other moms is key!

Here's what moms say are the pros and cons of enrolling their children in a day care facility:

Photo by 5forjulie

As we count down the days to back to school, the Daily Buzz talks with moms and public school teachers about what you and your child can expect in the coming year.

Today, preschool teachers mommy8106 and aidensmomma508, and post-preschool moms 5forjulie and hill2 answer common questions about what to expect in preschool: