"dr deborah Macnamara"

The most important message our kids need to hear right now is now about what co-vid19 is, but about who their adults are – the people who will care for them and carry them through this storm.

Dr Deborah MacNamara

KiDS NEWS & REViEWS: Parents want to be honest but not terrify their children at this time. What would you recommend we tell our kids? What should they know and what can they handle? What is helpful and what is detrimental to share and discuss? Can you break this down for us by age groups.

DEBORAH: The most important message that our kids need to hear in relation to Covid-19 is that we will take care of them and get through this difficult time. While we don’t have all the answers about Covid-19, the reality is that information doesn’t make a child feel secure – relationships do. 

Written by Lorrie Holmes – story originally published in BC Parent!

We have recently spoken with three child development experts who all agree that children learn best through play. Beginning with renowned counsellor, scientist and storyteller, Dr. Deborah MacNamara, along with early childhood education college instructors, Candiss Brown and Nika Jibrael – according to all three, play is where it all begins.

BC PARENT:  Why is play so important to the development of young children?

DR. MACNAMARA: The research on the science of play finds there are three key areas it serves when it comes to a child’s development. Play is central to overall brain integration, with motor and sensory systems networking with language and emotional centres. In play, a child’s sense of agency is enhanced as they explore and make sense of their world, developing as a separate self in the process. The discovery of personal preferences, wants, wishes and desires is based upon this type of examination of the world, up close and personal.

Luckily, during these strange times, there are many wonderfully dedicated child development experts available to offer extra support to parents in the form of parenting coaching and other areas of guidance so we can show up as our best selves for our kids while we continue to navigate our way through all of this. We have researched and compiled a list of such individuals who we would like to make you aware of. There are many others we will add to this list in the future, but for now, we are starting off with these wonderful leaders in child development and parent coaching. Each of these dedicated individuals offer services to guide parents and have authored books & workshops on their areas of expertise. We’re also excited to be including Certified Health Coach & Holistic Nutritionist, Juliana Avella, and her brand new Made Simple FREE App that provides valuable resources for moms and moms-to-be. Hope you enjoy this resource and we look forward to bringing you more supportive tips and tools as we learn about them throughout this year.