There is nothing new with the idea that spending time in nature is beneficial. But a new analysis*, examining hundreds of studies, helps bring together the data and provides specifics on how it is beneficial. Read More
Parent Tips
Handwashing
By the time your child is 4 years old they should be able to wash and dry their hands on their own. Younger children will need help, and sometimes older children might need assistance and/or supervision. But even adults don’t necessarily follow standard hand washing hygiene, despite hand washing being the number one way of Read More
Non Art Fine Motor Skills
Exposing your child to a wide range of fine motor activities can increase their skills and confidence. But for preschoolers who aren’t motivated to do typical fine motor skill builders (like art, lacing, beading, writing) finding fun activities can be a challenge. What are fine motor skills? These are the skills that involve the use Read More
Too Much Empathy?
Most of the time, we are concerned that our children aren’t empathetic enough. But sometimes parents worry their child is “too empathetic.” What is Empathy? Empathy, at its most basic level, is the ability to tune into another person’s pain. Empathy is the foundation for kindness and helping behaviors. Empathy requires the cognitive ability to Read More
Sisterland
Sisterland >> By Salla Simukka Ages 9-12 One of my favorite books growing up was “Best Friend,” by Shirley Simon >> The story explores the concept of friendship from the point of view of a young girl. Making friends, losing friends, what today we’d call “friend drama,” and finding friends in unexpected places. So I Read More
