Category: Parents

8 of the Best LEGO Police Sets for Kid Cops

Play is important- as parents and educators, we know this is true. Imaginative, immersive play is most important, where children make up their own stories and scenes. LEGO holds the top spot for interactive toys that […]

5 Ways to Help Children Deal With Bullies Compassionately [Infographic]

It’s common for children and parents to present in our practice due to difficulties with a school bully. School bullies can be terrifying for a small child, who will understandably feel undermined, afraid and frustrated, who […]

The Rise of the Fidget Spinner: What, Where, When, and How

Anyone outside of the education realm, or who does not regularly interact with children, might assume that a fidget spinner is some sort of spaceship contraption or an obscure item found on the shelves of a […]

When We Put the Focus on Grades—Are We Missing the Mark?

When I think back on my own fond memories from early elementary school, I am flooded with thoughts of show and tell, hatching and raising baby chicks, four-square on the playground, and pretend cooking in my […]

Crossing the Line: Why Is Talking About Giftedness So Taboo?

What is it about giftedness that makes people clam up or strike back when discussed publicly? Why does a mom fear the inescapable rolling of eyes, as if on cue, the moment she utters the word […]

Avoid The Brain Drain! Here’s How You Can Make the Most of Outdoor Learning This Summer

The summer months are notorious for triggering brain drain. The shear gap in time, combined with the hiatus from hours of learning every day, prompts a decline in knowledge acquisition and retention. Now, it is no […]

7 Brilliant Baby Play Mat Options for Your Tiny Tots

As every parent knows, babies start investigating, discovering, and learning long before they can stand on their own two feet. A great baby play mat can offer your little ones heaps of stimulating educational fun as […]

Fidget Spinners: Educational Panacea or Classroom Distraction?

Unless you’ve been hiding under a rock this past year, you’ve probably encountered kids (and even adults) playing around with the hottest new toy craze, fidget spinners. These little hand-held toys contain a ball bearing at […]

9 Lunch Boxes and Accessories for Kids

Ask almost any kid what their favorite part of the day was and they’re likely to tell you lunchtime and recess! Having a break in the middle of the school day helps students to socialize, spend […]

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 […]