Early Childhood

Building Strong Parent-School Partnerships

  A strong, respectful partnership between parents, teachers, and schools can play an important role in a child’s academic success, emotional wellbeing, and social development. Parents know their children better than anyone, while teachers have valuable experience and insight into how children learn and interact in the school environment. When families and schools communicate openly […]

Helping Your Child Start the School Year With Confidence

  The start of a new school year can be exciting, but it can also bring plenty of worries—especially for children who are anxious, starting a new school, entering kindergarten or middle school, or facing changes with friends and teachers.   A few simple steps can help make the transition easier for everyone.     […]

Helping Children Stay Calm and Handle Conflict

  Getting along with other kids isn’t always easy. Children may get angry, feel left out, get teased, or find themselves around kids who encourage fighting. Learning how to manage those big feelings can help children stay safe, solve problems, and avoid getting into trouble.     Everyone Gets Mad   Anger is a normal […]

Is Your Child Ready for Kindergarten?

  Starting kindergarten is about more than knowing letters, numbers, and shapes. Social, emotional, language, and self-help skills are just as important for school success. So, what does it really mean for a child to be “ready” for kindergarten? The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) emphasizes that school readiness begins long before the first day […]

One Child Loves the Outdoors. The Other Won’t Leave the House. Now What?

  If you have more than one child, you’ve probably noticed something funny: two kids can grow up in the same home and have completely different personalities. One child wants to spend every free minute outside climbing, running, digging, and exploring. The other would rather stay inside with books, LEGO, crafts, or cozy blankets.   […]

Play With Me!” … “No, Not Like That!

  If you have a toddler, you’ve probably experienced this: “Mommy, play with me!”   So you sit down, pick up a toy, and get ready to play. “NO! Not that one!”   You try something else. “I do it!”   A few seconds later: “Mommy, PLAY!”   So…what exactly does your toddler want? Believe […]

Outdoor Summer Safety: Helping Little Explorers Stay Safe All Season Long

Summer is made for adventure. From neighborhood walks and playground visits to backyard picnics and trips to the beach, there’s no shortage of opportunities for children to explore the world around them.   For young children, every stick is a magic wand, every puddle is an adventure, and every park is waiting to be discovered. […]

Summer Fun Doesn’t Have to Cost a Fortune: Free Activities for Babies, Toddlers, and Young Children

  Summer is the perfect time to slow down, get outside, and make memories with your little ones. The good news? You don’t need expensive vacations, amusement parks, or a packed schedule to give your child an amazing summer. In fact, some of the best childhood memories come from the simplest moments.   Young children […]

Toddlers and Screens: Finding a Healthy Balance

  If you’re raising a toddler today, chances are screens are part of your everyday life. Whether it’s a favorite cartoon while you make dinner, a learning app during a long car ride, or a video call with grandparents, screens aren’t going anywhere.   The goal isn’t to eliminate screen time altogether—it’s to make sure […]

Parenting in Two Different Worlds

When you become a parent, you kind of assume that what you learn with your first child will help with your second. Sure, every child is different, but you think you’ll at least have a better idea of what you’re doing the second time around.   Then life throws you a curveball. Your first child […]