Week of the Young Child

Now most of you with small children realize that EVERY week seems to revolve around the 'young child'. However, the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) has officially declared this week to be the 'Week of the Young Child".

Here is a writeup about the week:

"The Week of the Young Child is an annual celebration sponsored by the NAEYC, the world's largest early childhood education association. The purpose of the Week of the Young Child is to focus public attention on the needs of young children and their families and to recognize the early childhood programs and services that meet those needs. NAEYC first established the Week of the Young Child in 1971, recognizing that the early childhood years (birth through age 8) lay the foundation for children's success in school and later life. The Week of the Young Child is a time to plan how we--as citizens of a community, of a state, and of a nation--will better meet the needs of all young children and their families. The Week of the Young Child is a time to recognize that children's opportunities are our responsibilities, and to recommit ourselves to ensuring that each and every child experiences the type of early environment--at home, at child care, at school, and in the community--that will promote their early learning."

This year, Caden and Cavin's school Children of America has really taken an active role in the Week of the Young Child. They are sponsoring book drives, making artwork for different locations around the community, and also having special themed days to help the kids get into the spirit of 'togetherness'.

Yesterday was 'Pajama Day', and the boys looked absolutely adorable on their way to school...but everyone with a three year old knows that not every day is a day to take pictures. He was just not being cooperative! I didn't even attempt to get the camera out. So sorry...no pajama pictures this time around!

But today was 'Crazy Hair Day' and the boys were in a very good mood when they woke up and they actually insisted that I take their picture.

So...here you go! Aren't they nuts? Caden's hair is a little dark in the pictures...but it is actually bright red and blue and spiked all over the place. Cavin just wanted his hair orange and green, but nothing crazy done to it. (His hair is crazy enough on it's own!)

Anyway...if you are a parent of a young child...take a minute this week to look at how you are shaping them for their future. Everyone has a different 'method to the madness' (and it definitely is madness at times)...but the most important fact is that these children are the future of not only the United States of America, but they are the future of the WORLD! It's best that we open every door and every opportunity for them.