Short days and long nights. Heavy coats and soggy mittens. Another cold day cooped up inside. The chaos of the holidays bleeds into a residual letdown as we try to help our little ones re-establish some semblance of routine. January threatens to bring with it a dreaded case of the Winter Blahs! The good news […]
Beating the Winter Blahs Read More »
Last month, we focused on teaching our children the importance of gratitude. Often, we assume the values we want our children to have are inherent- either they possess them, or they don’t! But we have learned that simply isn’t true. Values are taught and caught, but children are not born with them. This is good
From Thankfulness to Generosity Read More »
Christmastime is a magical time full of lights, music, good food and extra time with friends and family. Experiencing Christmastime through a child’s eyes is especially joyful as they take in all the wonder the season has to offer. Part of you is probably reliving some of your favorite holiday childhood memories through your own
All I Want for Christmas is a Calm Preschooler Read More »
If you haven’t already noticed, a lot is going on in your preschooler’s mind, leading to rapid cognitive, emotional and social development between the ages of 2 and 5! It’s an exciting time that can feel like a wild ride. One specific aspect of growth you may see happening is your child’s ability to pay
Learning to Pay Attention Read More »
Let’s face it. Teaching toddlers to be thankful is a bit like teaching tiny turkeys. After all, before the age of 4 or 5, children are pretty ego-centric. Two year olds are known for playing side-by-side and have little ability to see things through someone else’s eyes. That’s why they snatch toys and have difficulty
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Bedtime fears are a universal rite of passage for young children—and yes, even monsters under the bed have their moment! Helping children navigate these nighttime worries isn’t just sweet—it’s profoundly developmental. Imaginary fears, like monsters hiding in the shadows, are tied to typical developmental stages. Preschoolers’ vivid imaginations often fuel these fears, and with gentle
Monster Patrol: Dealing with your Little One’s Big Fears Read More »
Costumes and Candy and Pumpkins, Oh my! Fall is my favorite time of the year! Not only is this season a welcome reprieve from the stifling heat and humidity of summer, it ushers in so many of my favorite holidays and family traditions. The crisp air and changing leaves signal to our family that it’s
A Boo-tiful Season: How to have a Safe and Fun Halloween Read More »
Did you know that toddlerhood and the preschool years (roughly ages 1–5) are critical for language growth? These early years of life are the most formative, and your little one, who is barely walking, is actually soaking in everything around him! From your baby’s earliest babbles to your preschoolers full sentences, research shows that early
Why Words are Gold in Early Childhood Read More »
Surviving Potty Training Potty training ranks near the top of the list as one of the most emotionally and logistically demanding phases of early childhood. At Heartland, we want to partner with you for every phase of your child’s development! With consistent communication and toileting routines, we can help see you through to exciting days
Surviving Potty Training Read More »