Summer: The Picnic Essentials Checklist- All You Need to Be Prepared
Summer is coming and eating outdoors during the summer months is not only a treat but a fun adventure for little ones! Children of all ages love it: For infants, it’s a chance to watch the leaves blow in the breeze. For toddlers, it’s a chance to look around and explore. For older children, it’s a chance to bounce after a ball between bites of something yummy. If you’re like us, though, every so often you might wind up at the park...
20 Activities That Are Actually Doable If You’re Working From Home With a Toddler
Here we are, home with the kids—still. No, we can’t go to our regular fun or make-it-through-the-day places. Can we really keep this up? Absolutely. And it doesn’t need to be stressful. Keeping it simple is the secret to making it work for everyone. The key to a successful extended period of time at home is balance. Rest is equally important to outside play. Fun activities are equally important to everyone (including...
Support Children (and Yourself) During the COVID-19 Outbreak
The coronavirus outbreak has changed many things about our daily lives. But even during this uncertain time, it’s a sure thing that our children are still learning, growing, and developing. Everyone can help support a child’s healthy development (and it may even help relieve your stress!). Just a few minutes and some simple, free activities from Center on The Developing Child ( Harvard University) can make a difference. 1- Practice...
No Brush Required! Paint a Masterpiece with Mother Nature
When you think of painting, you probably think about using a brush (or fingers perhaps). But nature can provide a new way to create a masterpiece. In this art project, twigs, bark, pine cones, or the floppy branch of a spruce tree become brushes; they create incredible textures on paper. Take a walk, gather your supplies, and see what nature inspires! Materials: Branches, twigs Pinecones Wheat stalks Leaves Flowers Washable tempera...
From Chaos to Calm: Creating Space for Mindfulness
Learn why mindfulness matters for kids. Right now, everything happening outside your home can be overwhelming for everyone in your family. When you need to destress, you might go for a run, call a friend to vent, or just take some alone time. Children need to decompress too, but they don’t always have the skills (yet) to regulate their emotions. When kids can practice mindfulness (noticing feelings, naming emotions, or asking for help...