Children of preschool age, typically between 3 and 5 years old, are rapidly developing their language skills and emerging reading skills. You can help to encourage this development by engaging in some fun vocabulary games and activities. As a Kindergarten teacher for many years, I have developed a large collection of games that help to …
It can seem like an impossible task, choosing a daycare to care for your precious little one. There are so many “what ifs” that flash through your mind. However, by being well-informed about your choices of daycare, you can ease that worry tremendously. Read on for the top 20 questions used by parents when choosing …
In recent years, there has been an increased focus on toys that actually provide some educational benefit for children, exposing them to new ways of playing and learning. But, what makes a toy a STEM toy? There are a variety of features that contribute to a toy falling under this category. Here is a breakdown …
The Thanksgiving season is here, and this is a time for gratitude, family, beauty, and wonder. It is harvest time, and we give thanks for everything that we have in our lives. I have always loved this time of year, and throughout my years of teaching, I have always tried to find fun new ways …
We are well into the fall season, and the shorter days and cooler temperatures are letting us know that winter is just around the corner. But, before this season gives way to snow and ice, let’s enjoy some of the beautiful colors and sights that fall offers! When I taught Kindergarten, I loved finding ways …
Fall is officially here; the weather is getting cooler, the leaves are changing colour, and we are starting to see pumpkins and scarecrows adorning the front steps of neighbourhood homes. With the changing of the season comes a yearning for cozy meals and family celebrations, along with outdoor excursions to take in all the beauty …
By nine years old, your child is at the perfect age to be able to do more complex chores around the house. They have increased cognitive awareness to follow instructions and complete more-detailed tasks, their fine and gross motor skills are further developed, and they often enjoy the challenge of doing more difficult tasks around …
Chores provide so much benefit to the family household; not only are you getting some much-needed help around the house, but your children are also learning the importance of pitching in and helping out. Everyone wants to feel needed in life, and that they are making a contribution, even children. By having your child do …
Do you feel that you are forever nagging and repeating yourself when it comes to getting jobs done around the house? This was how I was feeling a while back, so I used the “teacher side” of my brain to come up with a solution. My solution? Implementing a chore system at home, which helped …
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Whenever we are planning to travel in the car for long periods of time, I always get a little anxious wondering what I will do to help my toddler pass the time. While kids enjoy looking out the window to a certain extent, let’s be honest, …
There is something so uplifting about flowers – their color, the soft fragrance, they’re like a pick-me-up from the garden! Growing up, my mom always had fresh flowers in vases throughout the house, and to this day I love seeing fresh flowers! In my classroom, I always have plants and flowers throughout the room, and …
As a former Kindergarten teacher, I always had a range of crafts, activities, and experiments that would allow my little students to explore and create with color. Learning to identify colors helps children to develop the cognitive link between visual clues and words, serving as both a fun activity and a beginning introduction to the …
It is so exciting when your baby is ready to expand their food choices and really get into eating “big people” food. When our son was a baby, I loved introducing him to new meals and seeing how he liked them. To this day, he still loves trying new dishes, and I love that he …
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Stretch marks tend to get mixed reviews from women; some view them as a complete eye sore that they want to get rid of, while others view them as a badge of honor that indicates their passage into the world of motherhood. You may be just …
Before I became a parent, I had the good fortune of having a few close friends who braved the parenting journey before me, so that I could learn from them, their successes, and their mistakes. If there is one thing that stuck in my mind during that time was that kids are masters at playing …
As parents, we tend to worry about many different aspects of our children’s well-being. We worry about whether they’re eating healthy foods, getting enough exercise and fresh air, hanging out with the right friends, handling life’s emotional roller coasters in a positive way, and whether they’re getting enough sleep. Sleep is a big concern for …
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. If you’re in a hurry and just want to find out what the best toy cash register is, I’d recommend the LeapFrog Count Along Cash Register. It’s no secret that kids love to pretend, and pretend play is one of the best ways for them to …
Congratulations! You have received the amazing news that you are expecting a baby! It is such an exciting time for parents, full of wonder and speculation about who this little person will be. It is also a time of many questions, as you navigate this new world of parenting. One thing that most parents find …
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. If you’re in a hurry and just want to find out what the best life jacket for toddlers is, I’d recommend the Stearns Heads-Up Child Vest. With the warmer weather on its way, people are starting to plan their summer adventures, and most times, that involves …
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. If you’re in a hurry and just want to find out what the best reusable baby food pouch is, I’d recommend the Squooshi Family Starter Kit. If your baby is at the age where they are starting to feed themselves, then reusable baby food pouches are …
The traffic is noisy, the video games are over-stimulating, and the snacks are full of sugar and preservatives…is it any wonder that our kids are struggling to pay attention, self-regulate, and feel secure? Family routines can help to create boundaries within your home, which in turn provide security and structure for children to feel safe. …
How To Establish a Family Routine and Why They Work Read More »
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