Category: Parents

Embrace Fatherhood and Your Child Will Reap the Rewards

While research tells us that embracing fatherhood will dramatically impact a child’s life, the father’s role used to be limited to providing the income. The changing role of fatherhood enables men to express their emotions and […]

7 Fantastic Little Tikes Playhouse Sets for Budding Preschool Homeowners

You never forget the moment you get the keys to your first house—and for a toddler, the feeling is just the same when you get your own playhouse. Little Tikes playhouse sets offer a wide range […]

A Mom, Two Kids, and a Water-Testing Kit [Review]

This week, my kids and I were very excited to try out our new water-testing kit. The older two (ages seven and five) love science, AND they drink a great deal of water, so this was […]

Appreciating What, Where and How Boys Read [Infographic]

Unfortunately for many boys, what gets in their way of reading for pleasure are very well-intentioned adults who try to steer them in the “right” direction. That’s why the greatest gift we can give boys this […]

9 Kiddie Pool Picks to Create a Summer Oasis

Get ready to splash and play—summer is finally here. With a bit of creativity and a couple of outdoor toys, you can transform a simple backyard barbecue into an imaginary day at the beach. Don’t forget […]

“I Am My Faith”—A Story of Language and Faith in the Classroom

A disclaimer to start. I tell this story because it has a moment of true beauty to it and I’m trying to do it some justice. To get to that moment though, faith and culture may […]

13 Questions to Consider When Choosing a High Quality Child Care Center

Selecting a quality child care center is difficult and requires a lot of research. With over thirty years working in the early childhood field, I know quality! Here, I’m going to outline some of the most […]

9 Magna Doodle Toys: Imagine, Draw, Erase and Repeat

There’s a lot to be said about the creative process: it’s engaging, stimulating, imaginative and messy. And it always seems that kids want to draw or paint when you’re about to run out the door, or you’ve just cleaned […]

Learning By Heart or Learning From Heart—Have We Forgotten How to Love Learning?

Like millions of other parents, I help my children do their homework every day after school. After a little free time and a snack, we sit down together and I let them start. I help whenever […]

7 Best Fisher Price Little People Toys for Playful Development

The wonderful world of Fisher Price Little People toys is bursting with cute creatures, fun families, and creative car sets. Their colorful, chunky, child-friendly toys are specifically designed for little fingers and developing minds, emphasizing discovery, […]

Fading or Thriving In Sport? The Mental Approach That Shapes Healthy & Happy Champions Of Tomorrow

Over the past few years, there has been an increase in visits to my office by parents with young athletes between 11–13 years of age. At first, this seemed like a positive movement, perhaps motivated by […]

The What, Where and How of Creating ‘A Circle of Safety’ for Our Families

Creating a circle of safety is essential for healthy communication with your children. However, what does it mean to “create a safe space?” Tweet This phrase is a familiar buzzword in our communities, but how can you […]

For Parents—Engaging Individuals with Severe Autism

Have you ever walked into your child’s program only to catch the staff doing nothing? Maybe you saw children or adults with autism displaying self-stimulatory behavior or perhaps they were staring out into space with blank […]

For Teachers—Engaging Individuals with Severe Autism

Have you ever been at a loss as to how to engage a student or a group of students diagnosed with autism? Have parents complained that “too much nothing” is going on and more learning needs […]

Kid’s Best Friend—Dogs Teach More Than Responsibility, They Teach Love

“Absolutely.” I say it with assured conviction. “Really? I can have a dog?” “Absolutely,” I say again. I even wave my hand in the air just a bit as if this whole dog business is a […]

Marbotic Smart Letters and Numbers Review: Tech Toys With A Soul (and Major Fun Factor!)

The Product Marbotic offers wooden letters and numbers that work with six apps (free with the purchase of the letter and number blocks), which together allow your child to practice number- and letter-recognition, addition, subtraction, tens […]

Fractus Reviews: The Most Usable Cases for Little & Large Hands—UZBL iPad Cases

As someone who uses my iPad, not only on a daily basis but multiple times throughout the day, I need a functional and durable iPad case. I’ve been an iPad user for a couple of years […]

The Heart of Our Values

How do you establish your family’s core set of values? What are the standards that are important for you and your children? How can you ensure that your children maintain those standards when they are not […]

A Future Artist May Be in Your Preschool Classroom—Some Things to Consider When Setting Up Your Art Centre

The art area in a preschool child care center can be one of a child’s favorite spaces. Just imagine, mounds of crayons, boxes of colored pencils, markers in every color, plain paper, glue, plastic scissors, magazines […]

We Got the First Taste of the Delectable “Hoagie” Game…and It Really Is the Perfect Sandwich Game!

Product Review for the Card Game “Hoagie”: A Game of Sandwich Building Skill!Our family is slightly competitive in nature and when it comes to card games, nothing is more enticing! So, when we received “Hoagie” in […]