​











​Parents, at some point, face the necessity to set and enforce limits for their children. They have to do so because they love kids so much that they are willing to help them grow happy and safe. 
Parenting with love and logic means that you allow children to make decisions, affordable mistakes, and experience natural or logical consequences. 
This way, they learn that the quality of their lives depends on the quality of their choices. 
Okay, this is the theory. Let's put it into practice.
Let's have an example.
A child is playing or doing something they are very involved in. 
It's almost dinner time. Let the child know that dinner is coming soon. 
1) set limits with love and enforceable statements.  
"Okay, honey, it's almost dinner time." 
"Please, clean up before dinner ."
 2) do not warn children of the consequence.
When it's time to clean up, ask them to clean up and join you for dinner. A Clean-up song may help (there are tons on YouTube). 
3) give them small choices.
 The child refuses to follow your direction.
Give them two choices with the same outcome.
"Pick up toys in a big basket" or "Pick up toys and put them on the shelves."
Let them choose. 
If they refuse, be ready to provide a consequence.
4) provide consequences without anger, threat, or lecture.
5) be consistent in setting limits and providing consequences.
6) take little steps, no rush.

​


When your family decides to attend childcare, get ready to smoothen the transition. 
Prepare

• Extra clothes (extra layers with at least 2-3 outfit changes);
• Diaper supplies (diapers, diaper cream, wipes);
• Nap supplies (blankets, sleep sacks);
• Feeding supplies for infants (bottles, nipples, liners, milk, or formula);
• Waterproof/rain clothes and boots ( for wet season);
• Sunscreen/hats (for a hot season);
• Water bottle.

Two weeks before:
Start the same schedule they have in a childcare center;

• Wake up no later than 8 a.m. on weekdays;
• Bedtime at around 8 p.m.;
• Lunch is between 11 a.m. and 12 p.m.;
• Nap time (Toddlers, Preschool, Pre-K) is between 12 p.m. and 2 p.m.;
• Offer finger food for toddlers;
• Teach them simple sign language (More, Eat, Drink, All done, Water, Milk);
• Practice short separations and work toward longer ones.

One week before:

• Visit the Center;
• Spend a couple of hours with their class;
• Introduce teachers to them;
• Let them play;
• Share your kids' needs with a teacher;

First week:

• Talk about what you will do together later;
• Leave a soft toy or blanket with your child to help ease the separation; 
• Comfort your child when they are afraid; 
• Express your happiness about your kids' new adventure;
• Make goodbyes quick and positive;
• Hug and kiss your child and promise to come back soon to pick them up;
• Pick them up before nap time for a couple of days;
• Gradually work towards longer stay depending on their reaction.

We will do our best to help you and your child feel happy with us, but crying is a normal reaction. Show your children your positive attitude!  See you soon!

     Boost your child's
immune system naturally!

It is the season when people catch a cold or a virus in a snap. Though it is normal for kids to get sick because this is how they build their immunity, we would love their stay away from any of them. There are several ways to help kids reduce sickness this season.
Let's see what we can do!

1) Washing hands. 
2) Enough sleep or more than usual if you see the first signs of sickness.
3) Food with vitamins (C, D, and Zink, fresh greens) and probiotics (plain yogurt, kefir).
4) Less sugar or replace it with fresh fruits and berries (oranges, blueberries, raspberries).
5) Lots of fresh air and movement.
And #0! Keep a child at home with the first sign of a virus. It will help them get better faster and keep their classmates and teachers from getting sick!

There is no bad weather!​
​Did you sometimes look out of the window before going outside and face a dilemma? Raining, chilly...not inviting at all. Did you prefer to keep your child at home or go for a walk? We, parents, think that outside a child might get wet and dirty, and then, for sure, will get sick. Let's see what the benefits of going outside in any weather might be!
First of all, going outside in any weather trains the immune system and improves overall health. Secondly, it helps build muscle skills and coordination, together with their strength. Thirdly, spending quality time together, playing in the fresh air, and having fun increases openness with parents. It is also the best way to show and teach kids that no matter what, we need to take care of our health and body, take a deep breath to relax, and gain enough strength to move on. 
In our Center, we follow the rule that "There is no bad weather, only unsuitable clothing and attitude!" 

We're so happy it's finally summer!  What a busy few months it's been!  While our state has reopened and people are getting back to work, we've found ourselves quite busy here, accepting returning children and families, and enrolling new ones!  Just like the children here, our center is growing!  

It's hard to believe but Spring has officially arrived!  We're seeing new plant growth amidst the snow and ice!  We're celebrating the new season with lots of outdoor activities, including art, large motor games, and observing nature.  Remember, though, we still need those coats, hats and rain boots for the kiddos!

"Happiness is holding flowers in both hands!"  Japanese Proverb

​

It's so beautiful outside with all the leaves changing colors!  Fall is such a pretty time of year (even more so this year.)  I'm reminded of when we first moved to Washington from Southern California 25 years ago with our 2 small children, and just being in awe of all the beautiful fall trees!  Now my children are grown, and I have small grandchildren, but I never outgrow the pleasure of seeing the seasons change, and watching the beauty unfold in the trees. 
I hope you can take some time to enjoy this aspect of nature with your children:
​collect leaves, twigs, and other items to string onto a mobile, or add to a jar with some LED lights.  Make a nature collage, add to a tub or bin for sensory play (add tweezers, tongs, spoons, etc.)
Have fun this season, and enjoy all it has to offer!

Welcome to a new school year!  Although Fall signals the start of the school year like it always does, this year we find things a little bit different.  Since our school age children are all doing distance learning, we are offering a new school age, full day program where the children will have their own classroom and teacher to assist with online learning.  We're looking forward to working with parents, teachers, and school agers to make this a successful endeavor.  Happy Learning!

It's been a whirlwind summer!  Lots of changes in environment, socializing, and structure.  Although we try to keep things as "normal" as possible, there's no denying that some things have changed.
For instance, all staff and all children 5 years old and up must wear face masks.  It's sort of surreal to see children in masks, but it's something we'll have to get used to.  Social distancing has been a tough concept for the kids to grasp, but they are getting better at remembering to stay farther apart.  Our meal times have changed in that teachers are serving food, as opposed to the children helping themselves, and we are sitting much farther apart.  One thing the children have no trouble with is longer/more outside opportunities!  Water play in the sprinkler is a big hit!  They are also enjoying the bean bag toss, large dominoes, and sidewalk chalk.  Happy summer!

We are here to support our families in this difficult, uncertain time.  Our children are still getting structured learning times, as well as plenty of outside time.  We continue to follow strict cleaning and sanitizing guidelines to insure that our staff, students, and families have a safe and healthy environment.  We will keep our families updated to any changes in licensing regulations, and any updates from government agencies.  As always, we are here to support you!  Stay well!