Throughout the year, you’re going to collect boatloads and boatloads of drawings, paintings, and mixed-media art that will go from the fridge to a file folder in your bedroom. But what to do with them when the folders start to burst? Here are five meaningful ways to repurpose or preserve your kiddos’ school masterpieces: Gift […]
It’s always important to help your child through significant life transitions and the end of a school year is a perfect example. Maybe your child is moving to a different classroom or attending camp with another teacher or counselor – why not help them mark the milestone. Here are a few ideas: Let your child […]
Summer is a great time to slow down, enjoy the weather, and have some relaxed family time with the kids. It’s also a wonderful opportunity to create fun learning experiences outside together, but if you don’t make plans now, those precious few weeks will slip by, and soon you’ll be prepping for back-to-school. Here are […]
In efforts to boost family heath and fitness, The National Association of Young Children (NAEYC) is sponsoring the annual Week of The Young Child from April 6-12 with events around the world. Last year alone, supporters like you added more than 250 global events to focus public attention on the needs for early childhood programs. In […]
Japanese children love fish, veggies, and tofu. Indian children adore spicy lentils, okra, and pickled mango. Brazilian kiddos dive into stewed rice and beans with meat and veggies. So why do so many American children insist on a “white diet” of pasta, fries, and chicken nuggets? They learn their habits from us. Even before […]
Eat your breakfast! We’ve heard it over and over – breakfast is important. Brains need fuel to work properly. If your little one is like mine, though, breakfast is the last thing on her mind in the morning. She might ask for juice, but she’d rather wait until snack time at school to eat. […]
Have a real one-on-one conversation with any preschooler, and you’re in for a treat — kids are soaring with ideas. As a mom, an educator, and an entrepreneur, I wondered: When do kids lose their imagination? And what can we do to foster creative thinking skills at home? 1. Ask Your Child to Describe His […]
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 […]
I listen to the hushed murmurs of my youngest daughter, Jemma. Her small hands move her toy people as they “talk” to each other. The long hallway is a busy cardboard city. Currently, her attention is on the children in the school area. They’re busy rehearsing a play and festively attired in costumes of tape, […]
In our final post in the series, our experts – Dr. Susan Canizares and Dr. Heather Wittenberg – reveal how to make kindergarten a great experience by preparing in these simple (and fun) ways. Dr. Heather: Starting kindergarten is exciting, but it can also be daunting for parents. Even with my fourth child, I worry […]
School plays, a trip to Disney World®, and mountain vacations fill our photo albums. But none of those are the moments I cherish as a mom… not by a long shot. The most meaningful moments of my parenting were years in the making and captured only by my heart. From birth, my daughter Annika hated […]