As we are nearing the holiday season there’s been a great deal of talk in our household about a certain 4 year old’s Christmas wish list.    I love both giving and receiving presents, so I admittedly do enjoy having these conversations.  Each year he is more and more excited about the season, more deeply… Continue reading Our Family Thankful Banner

I have recently been given the challenge of addressing my Oldest son’s growing curiosity of all things “Batman”, “good guys”, “bad guys” and even a little bit of “booming” and “shooting”.  I don’t necessarily take issue with the general idea of superheroes but I am concerned about and am considering the idea of my 4 year… Continue reading Superheroes & Social Emotional Development

In light of the growing trend of ‘curbside pickup’ I’ve been thinking an awful lot about the many benefits of bringing your kids inside to places like the grocery store, Target or the bank.  I do see the value in this service and know that there are times when, if available, I would likely take… Continue reading The Many Benefits of Taking Children to the Grocery Store

When we go to the beach, in addition to splashing in the water and enjoying the sunshine, I view the trips as an opportunity for adventure, exploration and learning.  We have done a number of activities that help to promote development in all the major domains (cognitive, language & literacy, social & emotional and motor).… Continue reading Supporting Language & Literacy Development at the Beach!

Yesterday, the boys and I went to a small, local farm and garden festival.  For the children, they had a spacious area designated to Fairy House construction and design.    After being shown an example, we were to locate an empty space where we wanted to start building.  I spotted an old tree stump that had… Continue reading Building Fairy Castles

One of the things we struggle with in our house is staying calm and peaceful in the late afternoon and evenings. Our boys take good naps and often have lots of energy at the end of the day when I am finishing up chores, making dinner and can’t always be engaged with them in play… Continue reading Tips for a Peaceful Evening

I believe, when regularly exposed to using natural materials as a way to play and explore that children, on their own, start to look for and seek out new ways to use items such as rocks and leaves and twigs.  I also find that when I plan activities, they are often met with resistance.  … Continue reading I made a connection

Provocation from this morning… And the ensuing literacy activity…