The Benefits of Crafting with Toddlers By Philip Mott, philipmott.com Arts and crafts activities are ubiquitous in the homes of anyone with a toddler—finger paints, watercolors, scissors, paper plates, and a box of broken crayons are all mainstays for this age. Most toddlers just can’t wait to get their hands on these messy supplies. Parents fit into a spectrum of structured and free when it comes to crafts. I’ve seen toddlers engage at all points along the spectrum; they see

The ABC’s for Parents for the Year(s) Ahead Dr. Joanne Foster – www.joannefoster.ca These ABCs are starting points to help parents of little ones navigate the present and power through the challenges and changes that will inevitably occur. A – Attunement What makes your child tick? Pay attention to what they say and do. Ask helpful questions. Offer encouragement. This may seem basic, but it’s integral to their well-being and advancement. B – Brainpower Brain health influences

Four Easy Ways to Add Play Into Your Daily Lives by Rebecca Rolland, rebeccarolland.com Making time for playful, lighthearted conversations is one of the best ways to connect with your kids. Study after study has found that, when you and your kids can relax and talk in playful ways together, you reduce everyone’s stress. You build your connections and your child’s language skills. You also help your child with social-emotional skills like turn-taking. And you help your childr