Sparkler chatted with Shenell Samuels — a mom of a five-year-old with autism who is also a teacher in a school readiness program in Hartford who serves students with autism and other diagnoses — to share her experience and insights related to autism. Could you tell us a little bit about your son? My […]
Play is vital for children’s healthy development, as it enhances social, cognitive, physical, and emotional skills. Through play, children learn: Problem-solving Cause and effect Creative thinking Communication Proprioception It also promotes fine and gross motor skills. The benefits of play accumulate over time, helping children build upon their abilities. Play allows children to understand […]
Sometimes going to the Doctor’s can be scary, especially when there’s talk about a shot or having to undergo a non-routine procedure (blood work, x-ray, CT scan, etc.). Kids can feel overwhelmed in the Doctor’s office; it’s a (relatively) new space, there are people they don’t know and tools/machines that they have no idea what […]
Most parents want and try to offer their children more than what they received from their own parents. While children love to receive new toys, the novelty of those toys tend to wear off fairly quickly. Children tend to spend more time with items or playing games that promote their imagination and help expel excess […]
Children typically learn how to lie around two years old; it’s at this point that they have learned that you can’t watch them every second of the day, which they will take full advantage of. As children get older they learn how to mask their facial expressions and tone of voice in order to better […]
I don’t think that there is a single parent out there that has not felt a profound love for their toddler while also feeling like wanting to rip their hair out, out of frustration. Even the sweetest of the sweetest toddlers often know how to press our buttons as they explore and test the boundaries […]
When you create books with your child, you are not just crafting stories; you’re weaving a tapestry of personal narratives that enrich your child’s life. Creating books with your child not only fills their home library with cherished tales but also nurtures their language, social-emotional and self-expression skills. The Benefits of Creating Books with […]
If you think that your child is not meeting their developmental milestones or if you’re concerned that there may be an issue regarding your child’s development make an appointment with your pediatrician to discuss your concerns. Ask your pediatrician for a developmental screener, or if you want to come prepared, you can download the […]
While you may know that Sparkler offers free developmental screens for children 0-5 years old and over 2000 off screen play activities for children, but did you know that Sparkler also offers expecting families prenatal support and tips? From the first Trimester expectant parents can engage in an abundance of prenatal activities and learn […]
Spending quality time together is a valuable gift that strengthens family bonds and fosters belonging and security. Research shows that strong family connections lead to higher well-being in children, better behavior, enhanced academic performance, and improved parent-child communication. Healthy relationships are key indicators of a child’s happiness, and intentional effort is often needed to nurture […]
