We’ve known for years that making art has many benefits for a child’s development and well being. Creating art strengthens fine motor skills, problem solving and decision making skills, and allows for opportunities for self-expression, as well as helping kids process the world around them and the big emotions they often feel. But creating art…
“A gigantic body of research shows that the relationships in a kid’s life are like the roots of a tree, when kids have strong roots they can grow, they can thrive, they can withstand the storms life throws at them.” -Kent Pekel In this touching and informative article from KQED, Relationships Are Important. How Do…
Take a look at this sweet article from Motherly It so beautifully chronicles the moments when you realize your baby isn’t a baby anymore. They’re growing so quickly, and right in front of your eyes. You put them to bed one night and they wake in the morning seeming bigger…more mature. Or you drop them off…
If your weekday mornings prove to be stressful and your routine needs a bit of a refresh you’re not alone. Navigating the hustle and bustle of weekday mornings can be a lot to manage. Whether you stay at home with the kids or head to work during the week, the ‘Sunday blues’ can feel oh-so-real.…
We all experience moments when staying calm is tough. For young children, with their limited life experience, it can be near impossible. Every skill is new and so many things are hard! They have a budding sense of independence but they just don’t know how to do so many of the things that they’re faced…
There is nothing quite like curling up on the couch or snuggling in bed and sharing a story with your child. Shared book reading is one of the most important developmental activities families can engage in, sparking back-and-forth interactions with children and promoting early literacy skills. Studies have shown that print books encourage positive interactions…
For most babies the first tooth breaks through around 6 months (sometimes as late as 12 months!). Every baby experiences teething differently. Some have virtually no symptoms, while others suffer through months of teething pain and fussiness. Teething is one of those milestones that usually leaves parents with a lot of questions: How do you…
Do you find yourself saying ‘no’ a lot to your toddler or preschooler? We’ve all been there. But trying to create a ‘Yes environment’ instead will encourage your child’s early exploration and learning skills, and makes your time together more enjoyable. Here are some ideas from Mount Sinai Parenting Center to get you started. For…
Don’t forget that your littlest family members love to “help” with the holiday baking and meal preparation, too. Whether it’s singing Pat-A-Cake or a Christmas carol with you…or simply stirring…they can be helpers in the kitchen and have fun with you, too. Here are some additional tips for enjoying cooking with your little ones and…
For your young children remember that the magic of the season and the connections with family and friends are what they’ll remember most. It could be the memories of their first snow, the lights on the Christmas tree, carolling with neighbors, nibbling candy canes, or my daughter still talks about the snow fort she built…