As families grow and social environments change, so do celebrations. Let the newness of this year inspire you to try something different when you are celebrating New Year’s with kids. Here are some tips for New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. Turn back time: Why...
by Cindy Springsteen The holiday season is here, and many of us are struggling this year to find holiday spirit. The normal hustle and bustle that we usually experience during this time of the year is more challenging because of social distancing and the fear of...
‘Tis the season to be jolly and joyous, but this year brought extra stress and anxiety! This year, the holiday traditions and festivities we usually enjoy will look very different from what they have in the past. Though we may not be able to celebrate Christmas in our...
The familiar changing season is happening all around us, but this year there are many notable differences in our lives. Fall usually means a return to normalcy for parents and students as summer vacation ends and school begins. Months ago, we still had hope that the...
When we first become parents, the hopes and dreams we have for our children are boundless. These tiny little humans who we have sworn to nurture, protect and love without condition have a lifetime of opportunities awaiting them. But life is unpredictable, and we face...
As the world starts to grapple with the effects of the Coronavirus, everyday life has taken a dramatic shift. As parents, we are trying to understand what is going on and how long this will affect our lives. Schools are closed, people are working from home, events,...
Every year, for one day in March, people of any background get to celebrate the “Luck of the Irish!” St. Patrick’s Day is a great holiday for exploring new traditions and bringing extra joy to the ones you love. Here are some fun activities you can do with your own...
In a conversation with two elementary-aged children, I asked them to share their thoughts with me about Valentine’s Day. Even though I know these young girls to be kind, conscientious, and incredibly respectful, I was surprised by some of their answers. I thought, for...
Holiday crowds, lights, noise, strangers, hugging, change in routine, and chaos. When your child has special needs, holidays could be a recipe for stress and sensory overload. As parents, we need to be flexible with our definition of what a holiday should look like....
Thanksgiving is a special holiday that has brought families together since Abraham Lincoln made it a national holiday to be celebrated every year on the last Thursday of November. While the times have changed, the message of a family Thanksgiving has remained the same...
In this modern age of social media, video games, TV programs, and movies dominating every waking moment of your kid’s life, it can seem tricky to spend some alone time together without having a screen between you. Cooking with your children is a great way for...
A mindful Halloween means maximizing fun and reducing stress for kids, adults, and teachers. Personalize your Halloween experience by taking a moment to consider your child’s needs. You know your child best; if they do not do well in noisy situations,...
Is going to school in the morning accompanied by tantrums and sulking from your kids? Many of us have been there, and if you are like me, it’s tough to know what to do. Realizing that my child hates school wasn’t a shocking revelation, but it was a major wake-up...
The teacher is one of your most important allies during the school year. They work incredibly hard to make sure all students achieve academic proficiency, gain crucial socio-emotional skills, and are prepared for a successful future both in and outside the classroom....
Socializing and activities outside of school are components needed to help develop your child’s social and emotional skills. Establishing relationships with kids at school and outside of school while participating in extracurricular activities help to nurture your...
Summer break is winding down, families are returning from vacation, school supplies are flying off the shelves, and teachers are back in their classrooms diligently preparing for another academic year. As the first day of school approaches, the relaxing days of...
Early learning centers were established to provide an extra helping hand in young children’s growth and teaching them skills that they need to thrive in life. But as their first teacher, it is the parents who should help children handle their feelings and emotions....
A friend of mine was recently out with his two daughters when a stranger approached and kindly complimented him for taking the time to babysit his children. He was frustrated with this well-intentioned comment because as he put it, “I’m not babysitting, I’m...
Screen time is often a part of modern childhood. Kids may enjoy playing games, chatting with friends and family, and using online educational tools. They may even have digital homework assignments. While screen time can be a normal and even healthy part of childhood,...
Music, which is loved by all age groups, has a way of bringing liveliness to as many as hear it. Strong emotions can be aroused in people when they listen to music. It has the ability to boost the natural stress tolerance level of the body and also nullify negative...
