You likely heard the importance of reading to your child, but do you know why? Discover 7 benefits of reading to your child, even starting from day one! By: Lane Rebelo Some of my fondest memories of my daughter’s first year are of us bundled in the glider in her room reading stories at bedtime. Back then, she fit in the crook of my elbow so perfectly, both of us reading together as we rocked back-and-forth, baby in one arm and book on the other. Now even at 12-years-old and on the threshold of her teen years, she still wants me to read to her at bedtime each night. I'm savoring every … [Read more...]
12 Ways You’re Already Practicing Montessori Parenting Without Even Realizing It
Did you know you're likely practicing Montessori parenting without realizing it? Discover these 12 ways you're applying the Montessori philosophy at home. Confession time: I still brush my five-year-old twins' teeth. Whenever I can help it, I go straight to brushing their teeth, assuming of course that I can do a better job of preventing cavities. Not to mention it's 10 times faster for me to squeeze the toothpaste, fill their cups, and actually brush their teeth than if I left the job to them. My husband, though, has no time for that. Whenever it's his turn to bathe the kids, he … [Read more...]
The Ultimate List of Pumpkin Books for Preschoolers
Check out the ultimate list of pumpkin books for preschoolers to welcome the fall season, learn about the growth cycle, and celebrate the holidays! Hands down, fall is my favorite season. I may not be able to see as many trees changing colors, living in Los Angeles and everything, but fall marks a new energy that seems to lift my spirits. And one of my favorite fall traditions is picking out pumpkins with my kids. This is especially fun during the preschool stage. Kids start to understand traditions, the changes of the season, and of course Halloween. And it's often the first time … [Read more...]
10 Ways to Encourage Fine Motor Skills for 5 Year Olds
Fine motor skills for 5 year olds are important as kids enter kindergarten. Encourage hand dexterity—even with an active child—with these fun activities! If you're like most parents, how your child holds a pencil may not be top of mind. But once she enters kindergarten, you suddenly notice how well the other kids hold theirs in comparison. You also realize that she can't really write her name well, much less cut with scissors (and forget about pulling a zipper). Come to think of it, you don't even know what her dominant hand is yet. Or perhaps it's the opposite: you're well aware of … [Read more...]
20 Easy Activities for Three Year Olds You Can Do Any Day
Looking for easy activities for three year olds? From crafts to outdoor activities, discover everyday, fun things to do with your child. If you're like me, you've found your child playing with the same toy, day after day. Or perhaps he's even blurted the dreaded, "I'm bored," leaving you wondering what else you can do. As much as I'm a fan of independent play, we can still do plenty to keep our kids engaged during the day. You may have even found yourself getting bored of the same activities or thinking of ways to switch things up. I've compiled my favorite activities for three year … [Read more...]
Children’s Books about Self Esteem
Liking themselves helps children feel happy and succeed in life. You can encourage confidence in your kids and improve how they see themselves by reading children's books about self esteem! "I LOVE YOU!" my son bellowed to himself in the mirror. I had to chuckle to myself—earlier that morning, I had told him how important it is to love yourself, to truly believe that you are an amazing person. And one of the ways to affirm that, I suggested, was to look yourself in the mirror and say, "I love you." You see, no one is immune to questioning their worth, kids included. A child could be … [Read more...]
Children’s Books about Respect
Want to nurture the value of respecting others? Grab these children's books about respect, perfect for teaching your child how to interact with other kids and adults. Sometimes we parents have a warped view of what showing respect truly is. We think respect means that our kids do what we say, or that they don't cause us trouble or embarrassment. Maybe we urge our kids to talk to others—even if they don't want to—as a sign of respect. Or perhaps we want the kids to stop fighting with each other already. But respect is simply treating others the way we'd want to be treated. They … [Read more...]
Children’s Books about Family
Want to show your child the importance and diversity in different families? Check out these children's books about family, perfect for toddlers through big kids! Talking about families to kids can be both simple and complex, don't you think? Families can simply be parents and children, but it can also include a wider web of relatives galore (I grew up with 27 cousins just on my mom's side!). A child's family can be his grandmother, an aunt or uncle, or even an older sister as a guardian. And all families are different. Kids can also look nothing like their parents, or their parents … [Read more...]
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