“There are many little ways to enlarge your world.  Love of books is the best of all.” – Jacqueline Kennedy You might be curious about the advantages of reading to your child. A baby won’t comprehend all you’re doing or why you’re doing it. However, you wouldn’

Have you ever watched your child with a group of children joyful climbing at the playground? Each one is doing something fun and a bit challenging. You probably hear shouts of “Mom, look at me!” “Watch what I can do!” and “Did you see what I just did?” fill the air. Being ‘seen’ is s

Anyone who does anything to help a child in his life is a hero to me.” – Fred Rodgers (Mr. Rogers) We all want to help children learn how to navigate all the ups and downs of life. In the early years one of the best ways things we can do is help children learn […]

“Teach your children that it is in sharing the most, not gathering the most, that the most is received.” – Neale Donald Walsch December and January can be a busy time of the year for families and children. Needs and wants are exaggerated and taking turns may be a problem. In Kinderpillar w

“If you have good thoughts they will shine out of your face like sunbeams and you will always feel lovely.” – Roald Dahl (author of “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory) Young children are at a stage where they are becoming increasingly aware of others and all the many ways to interact wit

“The essence of all knowledge is self-knowledge.” – Plato When your child walks through the Kinderpillar doorway for the first time he is meeting a new world where he will be asked to express his unique identity while complying with group expectations of the class. This is not an easy tric

“Imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited. Imagination encircles the world.” – Albert Einstein Does your child pick up a block and pretend it is a phone? Do you notice your child use her toys and household items as props to pretending to be a superhero, a

“Do your little bit of good where you are; it’s those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world.” – Desmond Tutu The early childhood years are a “prime time” for children to develop and use empathy skills. At this stage of development children are increasingly aware

“Oh Tigger, where are your manners?” asked Winnie the Pooh. Tigger answered, “I don’t know but I bet they are having more fun than I am!” – from ‘Pooh’s Little Etiquette Book’ by A. A. Milne While the topic of manners might sound boring and staid, it is actually a very importan

You can help children think critically as you share your favorite books and stories. The delightful process of sharing stories and books with young children provides the perfect opportunity to help children develop important critical-thinking skills. You can use story themes and characters as the sp