Back-to-school is around the corner, but don’t be daunted by the transition from summer fun to school schedule. Children take their cues from their parents, so it’s key for US to get into the back-to-school mind-set first. Here are my pain-free prep tips for parents – our stressless adjustment will filter down to the kids, […]

Have a real one-on-one conversation with any preschooler, and you’re in for a treat — kids are soaring with ideas. As a mom, an educator, and an entrepreneur, I wondered: When do kids lose their imagination? And what can we do to foster creative thinking skills at home? 1.  Ask Your Child to Describe His […]

I listen to the hushed murmurs of my youngest daughter, Jemma. Her small hands move her toy people as they “talk” to each other. The long hallway is a busy cardboard city. Currently, her attention is on the children in the school area. They’re busy rehearsing a play and festively attired in costumes of tape, […]

As parents, we realize quickly that there is no hard-and-fast rulebook that can prepare us for all the challenges that come along with day-to-day trials and tribulations. But there are occasionally moments that make us say “Aha!” and we realize the right answer is just as simple as we’d hoped. As both a mother and […]

With all of the debate about work/family balance lately, it’s hard not to wonder whether your personal solution is the “best” one. But there is no one-size-fits-all solution to parenting, and there are many paths to feeling successful as moms and dads.  That being said, there’s one clear route to feeling lousy about your parenting: […]

Don’t dread potty training – celebrate it! Potty training is actually the signature achievement of your toddler’s development. But it’s not simple – it’s a complicated process of mastering physical, emotional, and cognitive milestones. I’ve accumulated some surefire strategies to help along the way, from my experience as a mom (I changed diapers – nonstop […]

Your children are strong. Stronger than you might be led to believe by the headlines screaming about the latest parental panic point. Resilience is the best kind of strength to have: It’s the ability to bend, not break, under pressure – and  emerge stronger for it. Resilience is hugely important. It leads to happier, longer […]

Every year, the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) sponsors the Week of the Young Child, seven days devoted to celebrating early childhood education. The 2013 Week of the Young Child is happening April 14-20 and this year’s theme to celebrate is Early Years Are Learning Years.  We invite you and your […]

Babies cycle in and out of sleep continuously for their first three months or so. After that, they usually settle into three fairly dependable naps every day. Until one day, when those naps aren’t so dependable. Your baby’s need for sleep changes over the weeks and months as her brain and body grows. Nap transitions are one […]

What works for you during bath-time? Share in a comment below!

Sharing quality literature is a wonderful way to introduce new ideas and start conversation with children. The following books feature stories of kindness and empathy. Incorporate these books into story time all year round to reinforce the valuable lessons highlighted during the Season of Giving. With the help of our friends at Sprout, we have […]

What is your resolution this year?