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Toothbrushing time at our house used to be so stressful that by the end of it, my teeth would be clenched as tightly as my toddlers.’ Here’s why: Toddlers are hardwired to resist people sticking anything into their mouths. It’s a protective measure Mother Nature created for our little ones’ safety. And sometimes, toddlers are […]

How To Avoid Summer Grade-Level Slide Anywhere from one to three months of grade-level learning is often lost during summer vacation. Here’s how to avoid the brain drain — with a little help from technology. By Laura St. John, Discovery Kids Puterbugs and TLC Parentables In today’s fast-paced world, summer is a refreshing time for […]

How To Keep Your Child Motivated To Continue Learning Great news: you play a critical role in your child’s emerging literacy starting in infant through school-age years! You do this by: Reading with your child Creating opportunities for verbal interactions by playing patty cake together or encouraging a deep conversation about why a character in […]

These Fantastic Firsts aren’t what you’re expecting. Sure, walking, talking, potty training, and the other usual milestones are impressive. But developmental experts really get excited about these lesser-known gems that display even more complex leaps in development:  First “Conversation” (3-6 months): Those lovely back-and-forth exchanges of “oohs,” “aahs,” and sweet glances prove that your baby […]

Try one of these fun activities for school age children, perfect for the whole family! Let’s Make Soap What is Needed: 1-1/2 cup opaque soap base (available at health or craft stores) Knife 2 to 4 drops essential oil in preferred scent–orange is very refreshing (optional) 4 to 6 drops food coloring (optional) Mold – […]

Try these fun activities, great for preschool or Pre-K aged children! Who Doesn’t Like a Cookie? Anyone can get their game on to release a few sillies. AND who doesn’t like a cookie? So put this game and cookies together, and what do you get? Do this activity and you will find out. What is […]

These activities are great to do with a two year old! Grooming Our Pets   What is Needed: Stuffed animals Combs, brushes, and ribbons & clips (optional) Doing the Activity: Get down on the floor with your two year old and bring out the stuffed animals, and brushes and combs. Tell your child that their […]

Enjoy these great activities with your child perfect for infants and toddlers! Little Drummers What is Needed: Find some fun songs that you can beat a drum to. Really any songs other than lullabies would work. Gather wooden spoons, pots of various sizes and their lids Doing the Activity: Get down on the floor with […]

 Neuroscientists say that the noggin power required to play tea party – or any other kind of pretend play – is very complex. Here’s what it takes: The desire to play nicely with friends. The skills to follow the social “rules” of the party. The ability to communicate. And last but certainly not least, the willingness […]

How To Raise Earth-Friendly Kids As part of our ongoing partnership with Sprout, the 24-hour preschool channel, we’re continuing to explore how we can make Kindness Count. This April, let’s discover how to be kind to the Earth with some tips on how to raise earth-friendly kids. And remember, small acts matter big! Raising Earth‐Friendly […]

I love babies. Babies do a lot of adorable things – cooing, smiling, laughing, and snuggling. But there’s something babies can’t do – read. But you’d never know it. We’re surrounded by messages that make us think babies are supposed to be doing “academic” work younger and younger. And that worries us. Are our babies […]

It’s Important to Find the Time to Go Outside Dear friends and families: When you arrive home today, please do an experiment. Stand outside in front of your home and listen. What do you hear? Do you hear children playing? Unfortunately, the answer is probably no. The fact is that children are not playing outside […]