We have been deeply saddened and horrified to watch the continued conflicts across the world that are causing suffering and death to countless children, youth, adults, and families. Recent news has been flooded with stories and images from the war between Israel and Hamas, which is having profound and tragic impacts on children and families […]
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Helping Kids with Behavior Struggles
Ugh, the dreaded phone call from school. Your kid’s teacher calls again to inform you that your child was disruptive during the school day. Not only is their behavior frustrating at home, but it is at school, too. No matter what you try, your kid is still acting up. What is going on? How can […]
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4 Ways to Help Develop Your Baby’s Brain
You may have heard early childhood is a time of remarkable brain development. First Things First shares that “90% of brain growth happens before kindergarten. At birth, the average baby’s brain is about a quarter of the size of the average adult brain. Incredibly, it doubles in size in the first year. It keeps growing […]
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Supporting Communication with Teens
By Megan McQueen As a parent of two teens, I am very familiar with the changes in our relationship since my kids have grown older. I have shifted into more of a coaching role and less of a director. There is no warning that kids are ready for a different dynamic. We, as caregivers, need […]
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The Benefits of In-Person Preschool!
Authors: Guadalupe Díaz Lara, Cesiah A. Vega, Wendy Ochoa & Lucia Alcalá As early care and education programs including preschool classrooms continue to deal with the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, many parents are understandably hesitant to take their young children back into the classroom. Although we want to encourage parents to do what […]
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Disability Pride Month
By Megan McQueen For many people, finding community with others with a common identity is a helpful way to bond. A sense of camaraderie and pride can create an empathetic, vulnerable, and informative culture. Disability Pride Month has been celebrated in many forms in July after the passing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). […]
by Megan McQueen Many kids are exploring their gender identities, and caregivers may have questions about how best to support them. Centering safety and love for our families can help parents stay in relationship with their kids as they navigate new identities. Our classes and connections can become a safe place for families to learn […]
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Thriving Stepfamilies
by Megan McQueen A six-year-old I know defines family as “a group of people who love each other.” This simple and inclusive definition encompasses biological, adoptive, queer, “chosen,” stepfamilies, blended families, and more. Intentionally considering your family’s unique members and origins can help you be thoughtful of the gentle steps you can take to build […]
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For Parenting Educators: Fathering
By Megan McQueen Parenting educators, we have a gender problem. We didn’t create this problem, but we can help shift our classes and materials to become more inclusive. We need to include fathers in our parenting mindsets. I usually see mothers carrying the heavy load of caregiving work, research, and education in my social circles. […]
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Living with Autism
By Megan McQueen As an educator, I have worked with many people who have autism. No two of these people have been the same (of course). Sometimes there are common traits among them, but not always. Unlike other neurodiverse syndromes, I can’t just look up their condition to better understand them. I need to get […]