For children, making friends is a vital part of growing up and an essential part of their social and emotional development. Friendships enable children to learn more about themselves and develop their own identity.
Just like adults, some children seem to make friends easily and get energy from being around lots of other people. Others can find this tiring and overwhelming while still others may be slower to warm up and need time to watch what happens before joining in with a group. Read More about Helping Children Make Friends »
It is that time of year again: back-to-school preparation, excitement and first day jitters! The busy-ness of summer is soon to be replaced by the busy-ness of school. As summer begins to wind down we begin to see large, colorful back-to-school displays. Often times these store displays help parents have a mind shift on what you need to do to prepare children for back-to-school routines and schedules. Preparing children for back to school includes helping our children prepare both mentally and physically for the school year ahead. 
Parenting is wonderful and rewarding, but it’s also hard. To navigate through some of the difficult times, you need the support of other parents who are struggling with some of the same issues. So sometimes you may need a sounding board to brainstorm ideas to address your children’s challenging behavior. Or sometimes you may need someone to watch your kids because you have an appointment or want a fun night out with your partner. Or sometimes you just might need to share about your day with a person whose vocabulary extends beyond the phrase, “Cookies for dinner, please!” or make sure your child has a friend around their age to play with when you go to the park.
It’s time for summer planning! Have you decided whether your child will attend summer camp, child care, or be at home? 
In a world where children are “growing up digital,” it is important to help them learn healthy habits around using the many forms of media available to them. You may wonder, “Is my family too wired to technology?”
Did you know that the concepts of Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics (STEAM) are all around us? You don’t need to have an in-depth knowledge of these subjects to introduce them to children. Families can naturally embed these concepts in everyday life. A foundation for STEAM is laid by helping children increase their awareness of the world and by encouraging them to think creatively.
It is not too early to start thinking about kindergarten! The transition to kindergarten is a milestone that families anticipate—sometimes with excitement and sometimes with apprehension. It’s a transition that means adjusting to new schedules, riding on school buses, experiencing academic expectations and working with teachers, adjusting to classroom environments and making new friends. Here’s a few things to help make the transition as successful as possible. 
Don’t let snow and cold keep your children from outdoor play this winter. When