I Believe in Me by Emma Dodd (Infant, Toddler) This heartwarming and uplifting book features a baby crocodile who discovers all the things they’re capable of when they have a loving grown-up to cheer them on. Find it at the Library The Little Snowplow by Lora Koehler (Toddler, Preschool) All the other trucks on Read More
Parent Center
Tips for Self-Reliance
Looking to boost your child’s self-reliance? We have some ideas 🙂 Getting dressed Support your child on the sidelines with corrections if clothes are on backwards or socks are on wrong feet Assign age appropriate tasks and chores Cleaning up toys is appropriate for most ages and you can progress from there Practice school routines Read More
Self-Reliance
Sometimes the best gift you can give your child is the ability to step back. Supporting children to become self-reliant can be tough for caregivers for multiple reasons, not the least of which is that you can always accomplish tasks faster for them! However, developing independence is huge for school readiness. Teachers often mention self-sufficiency Read More
Activity: My Bedtime Routine book
We just have one suggestion this week that comes from Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood (PBS Kids). If your child enjoys making their “My Bedtime Book”, then you can also create a bedtime story together. “My Bedtime Routine” book Creating a “My Bedtime Routine” book can help your child understand and follow the steps to get ready Read More
Books to Share at Bedtime
Here are some great books to help you snuggle at bedtime: Shhh! The Baby’s Asleep by JaNay Brown-Wood (Toddler, Preschool) In this house, the baby has finally fallen asleep, but everyone is being way too loud! Can the grownups, the kids, the dog, and even the next-door neighbor keep quiet so baby can stay asleep? Read More
Tips for Bedtime Routines and Reading
Having a bedtime routine is essential for children, but it’s also very helpful for grown ups. Start your routine early enough to enjoy it If you or your child are over-tired, reading together can become a chore instead of a nice, calming activity. Pick a calming place to read If siblings have different bedtimes, try Read More
Building Bedtime Routines with Books
Children need a way to know their day is coming to an end (especially during Alaska summer months), and bedtime routines do just that. Research proves again and again that routines are helpful for getting longer, more peaceful sleep as well as the ability to self-soothe. The best bedtime routines include a story! Bedtime stories Read More
Ways to Develop Gross Motor Skills
It’s time to motor with your little one! For INFANTS Tummy Time VIDEO | 0-6 months Placing babies on the floor offers opportunities to stretch, look around, and practice movements such as rolling, reaching, wiggling, and scooting. Pull Up | 6-12 months Infants repeatedly practice trying to stand. At first, they will “drag” themselves to Read More
Books to Develop Gross Motor Skills
Play This Book by Jessica E. Young (Toddler, Preschool) This interactive book, great for fans of Press Here by Hervé Tullet, invites the readers to create music using only their hands. Your child can strum the guitar, slide the trombone, crash the cymbals, and more! No instruments required – just their imagination. Find it at the Library Read More
Tips to Develop Gross Motor Skills
Play + Coordinated whole body movements = Gross motor development (and fun) Classic games Jump rope, tag, hopscotch, four square, Simon Says, Mother May I, hide & seek, etc. Visit a playground Climbing ladders, going down slides, and pumping legs on the swings are all great ways to use large muscles Play ball Toss, Read More
