Childcare centers meet the needs of children of a variety of ages, and must put a great deal of thought and effort into the spaces necessary for infants versus the spaces needed for a preschool classroom. You may find, as you visit daycare centers and as your own children grow from infancy into the preschool years, that their classrooms evolve, …
Using the “Why” Phase to Promote Conversation with Your Young Child
By the time your young child turns three years of age, he may begin asking you “why” in response to nearly everything you tell him. It can be a long phase, and one that is exhausting for many parents. However, these “why” questions often show general interest in topics, and can be a great way to foster stimulating and ongoing …
When Sleep Concerns Arise During the Preschool Years: How to Solve Three Common Problems
Parents often believe that night wakings, sleep disturbances, and difficulty getting children to sleep is restricted to the infancy stage. But many parents of preschoolers will notice that sleep concerns may start to crop up around this age, due to changing nap patterns, feelings of separation anxiety, and, well, the fact that your child is no longer in a crib …
Tackling Fears and Phobias in Young Children Using a Stepwise Approach
Phobias in young children are incredibly common. Some children can recall slipping too far into the deeper end of the pool and now have a fear of the water. Others have been confronted by overly boisterous dogs and may be wary of going near any dogs at all. And some children may develop a fear of the dark due to …
How to Raise Happier Kids in Three Simple Steps
A great deal of time and energy is paid to our children’s enrichment and stimulation. From weekend activities to carefully curated educational experiences, we are raising kids who are well-rounded but may not be experiencing the joy and relaxation we wish for them. Focusing on our kids’ happiness is something we can do with a few simple changes to our …
Moving Your Child’s Bedtime Earlier: How It Can Impact Your Family
Sleep concerns are a part of life for many parents of young children. But there is a simple solution that can reduce the impact of many of these sleep issues. Putting your young child to bed earlier can have a positive effect on his sleep and your wellbeing! Fewer nighttime wake-ups. If your child isn’t overly exhausted because she is …
Aggravating Toddler and Preschooler Sleep Disruptions: How to Navigate Them
Just when you think you’ve gotten past the frequent wakings and feedings of babyhood, toddlerhood and the preschooler years throw you a few curveballs. Nighttime fears and stalling tactics rear their ugly heads around this time in a child’s development. But there are ways to manage these disruptions so that the whole family can get a good night’s sleep. Down, …
Moving with Young Kids in Tow: Five Ways to Make it Easier on Everyone
Moving your family into a new home can be a challenging transition for adults and kids alike. To make the process go smoothly, and help your children through this big change as well, check out our five tips which cover packing, cleaning house, and handling big emotions. 1. Get to the kids’ belongings while they’re asleep. Have you ever tried to pack …
Summertime Crafting: Five Colorful Ideas for Young Children
As the summer days grow hotter and steamier, plenty of fun is to be had at the pool, the beach, and the splash park. But there will likely be a number of afternoons spent indoors, rainy Saturday mornings, and low-key evenings to enjoy. That’s when many kids love to get their hands messy with a craft, and what better during …
Selecting the Right Extracurricular Activities for Your Child
The sheer quantity of activities your child can become involved in after daycare and on the weekends is staggering. From classics like swimming and ballet to newer favorites like STEM-oriented classes and yoga, there is a lot to choose from. Check out our suggestions on how to choose the right activities for your little one, and you may find yourself …