FOUNDATIONS CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER, Inc.

I'm not sure where I first heard this phrase, but I've grown Foundations based on this statement for over 16 years.

Learning and growing are a PROCESS, or a Journey! Every child is different, with his or her own gifts, and hurdles. Some kids will walk at 10 months, some at 16. Some will talk at 12 months, some at 2 years. Some read at age 3, some don't learn their letters until Kindergarten.Some are potty trained at 18 months, some at 4 1/2.

But remember... IT'S NOT A RACE! There's more to it than pushing kids into things they aren't ready for in order to o be "right up there" with what a sibling or neighbor child has done.

Instead, let's appreciate the gifts our children have, and enjoy them, and develop them! Of course we work with children to reach their developmental milestones, that goes without saying. But let's get there in their time, so when they do get there, they are confident and secure, not stressed and feeling insufficient. Ultimately, does it really matter who got potty trained first?

THE JOURNEY... is full of wonderful things. Exploring, reading, personal interactions (verbal and non-verbal), seeing new things, singing new songs, running, jumping, climbing, snuggling, crying, and laughing. A happy, secure, and loved child will grow to his or her highest potential.

So enjoy the JOURNEY, they grow up so fast! Give them all they need to learn and grow. Provide the experiences, then enjoy them as they grow, celebrate each accomplishment, support them all the way. It's NOT a race! It's a journey!