They're Just Playing... Or Are They? I have spent most of my career explaining to adults why play matters. After nearly 30 years of working with children and families, I have watched children learn some of their most important skills while the adults around them saw nothing more than children playing. But at one point, I wanted to know what parents actually thought about play. So I asked them. As part of an action research study, I surveyed eleven parents who had children bet

As an early childhood educator, one of the things I have learned over the years is that children rarely fit neatly into a chart. We like charts. We like milestones. We like knowing that a three-year-old should be doing this, a four-year-old should be doing that, and a five-year-old should be ready for school. But children do not develop in neat little boxes. Children grow from foundations. Those foundations are built from many things: nutrition, sleep, attachment, housing, tr

What Parents Believe School Readiness Is Back to school is around the corner and it reminds me of one of the biggest questions I am asked by parents is: "Is my child ready for preschool?" When parents ask this question, they are often looking at the academic skills they can easily see and measure. · "My child knows their ABCs." · "They can count to twenty." · "They know their colors and shapes." · "They can write their name." Some children can even rea

What would you add to a giving pantry? Learn more!

As summer fades and the new school year approaches, excitement often mingles with anxiety. For kids and parents alike, the thought of new...

As the back-to-school season approaches, parents often find themselves busy with preparations. One of the most critical tasks is packing...

Hello, wonderful parents! As the first day of school approaches, one of the best gifts you can give your child is the gift of routine....

Back-to-school season isn’t just about backpacks and crayons — it represents a major emotional shift for young children. New spaces, new...

It’s hot outside, you’re feeling worn out, and your little ones still need snacks. This post is dedicated to you—a heartfelt reminder...

Summer is a season filled with fun, sunshine, and relaxation. However, it can also lead to chaos as our usual routines get disrupted like...

Traveling with tiny humans can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. With the right approach, you can turn a potential headache...

No screens? No problem. Summer brings endless possibilities for fun and learning. Parents everywhere know that keeping little ones...

Nothing brightens a day like sunshine, especially for young kids. However, protecting babies and toddlers from harmful UV rays is crucial...

By Sally Cote Educator. Doula. Lifelong Learner. When it comes to understanding how children grow, think, and thrive, we often lean on...

Potty training can feel overwhelming for many parents. It's a major milestone that requires patience, consistency, and sometimes a good...

Bringing a new life into the world is one of the most incredible experiences a couple can share. For many dads-to-be, though, the journey...

Childbirth is one of the most transformative experiences in life. It brings a mix of excitement, responsibility, and, for many, anxiety....

BOO! Halloween is right around the corner, which means it's almost time for the most thrilling activity of the year - trick or treating!...

In the hustle and bustle of modern life, amidst the constant buzz of technology and the never-ending to-do lists, something as simple as...

Parenting styles are the cornerstone of a child's upbringing, shaping their behaviors, emotions, and overall development. As parents, the...