Play

two young toddlers playing together

There is truly not enough to say about the importance of play in lives of young children. Kids learn through play. Successful development in all areas (gross motor, fine motor, social-emotional, cognitive, sensory, etc.) is supported by giving children opportunities to play in both child-centered and adult-directed experiences. Playing with your baby or young child teaches them new things, helps them to feel loved and safe, and allows them to explore their world. A child who “plays in the presence of” a secure adult learns to take risks, manage disappointments, and marvel in their successes. Here you’ll find more about how incorporating play sets the stage for a lifelong love of learning in your child.

The Value of a Cardboard Box

I can’t tell you how many times I hear from parents and friends that they bought their child a wonderful new toy, and the child was more fascinated by the cardboard box.  My father, beaming with pride, recounts the story of buying a new refrigerator in the late 1970’s and giving my ecstatic brother the Read More

Plan to Play: Tell A Story

Recently,  I wrote an article for a website about preparing young children with special needs for mainstream kindergarten.  Needless to say, this had me thinking about the skills I would hope all children entering kindergarten would have.  Before entering kindergarten, most 4-5 year olds should have the ability to speak in sentences, understand the sequence of story, Read More

5 Do-It-Yourself Warm Weather Science Activities Kids Will Love

Sometimes the park can keep children busy for hours, and other days it’s just doesn’t cut it.  Be prepared!  These activities are sure to keep your children engaged and may even teach them a little about science along the way! 1-Use Water– Go to the dollar store and keep spray bottles, paint rollers and paint brushes in Read More

Plan to Play: The Animals on the Bus

For most children, farm animals are a standard toy chest item. Two of my favorites are Soft Touch Baby Farm Animals and Aurora My Barnyard Friends Carrier with Sounds. For a barn and animal set, the Fisher Price Little People Animal Sounds Farm is a favorite! The problem is, one can only play with animals Read More

Plan to Play: Feed The Baby

As far as I am concerned, all young children (yes, even boys) should have a baby doll.  Feeding a baby doll is a great way to introduce young children to pretend play. What You’ll Need: -Baby Doll -Real or pretend spoon, bowl, saucepan, bottle, napkin, and any other items you might use to prepare a meal Read More

A Plan To Play

After sitting down with another parent who felt self-conscious and unsure of how to play with her child, I had a thought:  Playing doesn’t come naturally to every grown up and that’s okay.  Why not use the Dana’s Kids blog to give parents a “Plan to Play?”  I want to be clear that feeling “unable” to play is a Read More

Baby, It’s Cold Outside! (Part 2)

Ok, here it is.  The long awaited list of my favorite activities to do with children when its just too cold to go out.  There are many more, but this is a great start.  Here we go… Baby Drag: Place your small child or baby (should have good neck and core strength) on a large Read More