It’s easier than you think to fill your preschooler’s summer days with playful learning experiences. In fact, with some basic activities, you’ll be providing opportunities for your child to develop, grow, and learn. And the best part is these activities don’t cost a fortune or require too much preparation. 1. Pretend Play Encourage your child […]
Save the planet with the help of your kids. Setting a routine is the best way to form healthy, green habits – and it’s never too late to learn a new routine, especially when it comes to teaching your family to become more environmentally responsible. Here are some simple ways we’ve become greener as a […]
Every year, the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) sponsors the Week of the Young Child, seven days devoted to celebrating early childhood education. The 2013 Week of the Young Child is happening April 14-20 and this year’s theme to celebrate is Early Years Are Learning Years. We invite you and your […]
Do you remember what it’s like to be young? To be silly and carefree, when your only job is to learn and have fun? Back then, it was all about the journey and never the destination. Living in the moment was your only choice, and you couldn’t help but be present for every astonishing and […]
Should your child start preschool at 2, 3, or even 4? Is he late-born, early-born, or right in between? Should he be one of the oldest in the class, the youngest, or in the middle? And what impact will this have on his eventual kindergarten start date? If your head is spinning at making this […]
“Shhhh!” We were in the waiting room at the pediatrician’s office, and any peep the 6-month-old made was met by his mama’s “Shhhh!” She looked embarrassed about her baby’s happy – and wonderfully normal – babbling sounds. I couldn’t help encouraging her to support her little babbler. “Oh, he’s so cute! He’s talking up a […]
For better or worse, my kids associate the holiday season with gifts. I haven’t even put away the Thanksgiving decorations, but I already know my boys would like their first electronic readers, some new clothing for our planned holiday trip and (obviously!) a replenishing of their beloved baseball equipment. While my kids will receive some […]
Bringing home your first baby is spectacularly exciting, wonderful – and more than a little demanding. But baby No. 2 is a bigger challenge altogether, because your toddler is still a baby, too! Helping your toddler – who has suddenly become the Big Kid – get used to this big new change will help everyone […]
At Sprout, we are committed to helping families live easier, healthier and better lives together. Through our Kindness Counts prosocial campaign we are excited to launch a new initiative designed to teach preschoolers the importance of being kind to yourself. The Be Kind to Yourself Family Challenge will encourage parents to partner with their Sproutlet […]
Toothbrushing time at our house used to be so stressful that by the end of it, my teeth would be clenched as tightly as my toddlers.’ Here’s why: Toddlers are hardwired to resist people sticking anything into their mouths. It’s a protective measure Mother Nature created for our little ones’ safety. And sometimes, toddlers are […]
Playdough, that squishy childhood staple, gets kids’ hands pounding, poking, rolling, and shaping while their brains find the play a valuable learning opportunity which builds literacy skills. Whether store-bought or homemade, playdough is a great way to engage children in hands-on learning. Try one of these engaging playdough activities and your child will be […]
Make a pattern with silverware (e.g., one fork, two spoons, one fork, etc.). Challenge your child to continue the pattern. You can try as many patterns as you want!