“Family style” is when kids and adults sit together for a meal or snack. Food and drinks are served from shared plates, pitchers, etc. When kids eat family style, they learn independence, social skills, and other important habits, like the appropriate use of utensils...
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Learning experiences build on existing knowledge (something familiar) and invite children to extend their thinking in a way that balances safety and risk (curiosity). Optimal learning allows kids to construct knowledge through exploration and investigation, with...
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In a reciprocal relationship, each person is equally respected and valued. The relationship is balanced so that both people feel seen and heard. When you engage in a reciprocal relationship with your kids, you shift from a “you and me” approach to an...
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Confidence comes from who we believe and know ourselves to be, and what we believe and know we can do. This belief and this knowledge come from having experiences, and by learning from them. Kids develop confidence by being curious, and by learning from the...
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When you give kids what they need in the moment – like a smile, a hug, or some help – you are responding to their actions and words in a positive and respectful way. Noticing, connecting, and responding to their needs is what makes up responsive interaction. You...
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Learning to recognize the emotions they are feeling will help your kids understand how to handle them – within themselves and with empathy for others. You can download this printable...
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Bringing a baby home is a huge transition for an older sibling. Before your baby is born, read books together about new babies, siblings, big brothers and big sisters and talk to your kids about some of the things they can expect. When baby arrives, try these tactics...
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Don’t be surprised if you have mixed emotions about bringing your baby home. It’s OK to be nervous, and normal to feel uncertain or overwhelmed – maybe you’re even a little terrified! Trust that these feelings won’t last forever, and consider these tips to ease...
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Children learn about relationships from the adults who care for them. Being genuine in what you say and do creates honest, authentic relationships built on trust. This is true of your relationships with adults and kids! You can download this printable...
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Mindfulness allows us to observe our surroundings, thoughts, and feelings, and to develop self-awareness. Mindfulness can teach your kids to focus, help them regulate their emotions, and improve their concentration. Try being mindful together with these easy...
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“Serve and return” is about the everyday, back and forth interactions you have with your kids. It’s the practice of noticing and responding to their cues with eye contact, words, a hug, or other easy actions. These show kids that they are seen and heard, they build...
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Sense of Self & Relationships refers to the social and emotional development children go through during which they begin to understand who they are, what they are feeling, and what to expect when interacting with others. Within this Domain of Development, children...
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The Domains of Development Growing and learning go hand in hand. As young children learn and grow, interact with the world around them, and begin to understand how they fit into their world, they experience physical, cognitive, and social-emotional...
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8 Things All Parents Should Know About Play Give your children time for play and you will see all they are capable of doing when given the opportunity. Children learn through play. Play develops cognitive skills, physical abilities, new vocabulary, social skills, and...
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The Six Cs of Playtime It’s never “just play,” it’s learning. Learning that emerges through play is deep and meaningful to children because they have shaped it themselves. The Six Cs are skills that are exercised during play, that support development, and that help...
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The American Academy of Pediatrics says lots of unstructured outdoor play is critical to the health of children. That’s because outdoor play benefits children in every domain of their development. Physical Fitness Gives children the opportunity to run, jump, climb,...
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Kids should play outside! Here are 5 reasons why. When kids are given unstructured time to play alone or with other children, especially outdoors, they make up their own games, figure things out, and amuse themselves, which allows them to practice important life...
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In chaotic everyday life, parents can leverage the power of intention to ensure that they fit in what’s most important to them – the moments of fun, connection, and closeness with their kids! To begin, pinpoint the consistent, repetitive actions that you most...
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Outside is never canceled. Here are 20 new things to do outside with your kids while you stay at home together!
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5 Tips for Learning Conflict Resolution Manage Emotions Kids (and adults!) have every right to feel strong emotions, but it’s important to have strategies for remaining calm, like taking a deep breath or stopping and counting to ten. Talk & Listen Work together to...
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Here are 5 ways you can encourage your child to express themselves. ART Encourage your kids to try different art forms and artistic mediums. STYLE Let your kids pick out their clothing; this will help them feel confident and unique. CHOICE Give your kids freedom by...
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Self-regulation is the ability to control behavioral and emotional responses. It’s having the skill to calm yourself down when you get upset, to adjust to a change, and to handle frustration without outbursts. And it’s a foundational developmental...
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From our earliest moments and at each developmental stage, mindfulness can be a useful tool for decreasing anxiety and promoting happiness. It’s helpful for children, parents, caregivers–everyone! The most effective way to bring mindfulness to your children is...
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Empathy is at the heart of good relationships of many kinds, and it begins with valuing other perspectives and other people. Parents can cultivate empathy in their children by showing their kids how to be empathetic and talking about why it’s important. Empathize with...
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Children have big emotions, but they often don’t have the words to talk about how they are feeling. You can help your children understand and express their emotions using the following strategies. Learn more about the basics of social and emotional...
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