Starting childcare is a big milestone for both children and their parents. It’s often filled with mixed emotions of excitement, anxiety, pride, and uncertainty. Whether you’re returning to work, looking for social enrichment for your child, or simply ready to take the next step in your family’s routine, the transition into daycare or preschool can be made smoother with the right tools and support. One of the most powerful tools? Books.
Reading books for your own understanding and with your child to foster their understanding can build confidence, provide language for the emotions you’re both feeling, and set a positive tone for this new chapter. Research shows that shared reading experiences between parents and children improve emotional regulation, early literacy, and social development. In fact, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics, reading together daily supports stronger parent-child bonds and helps children adjust more easily to new environments like daycare or preschool.
Books for Parents: Understanding the Benefits of Childcare
Reading about early childhood development and the benefits of childcare can empower you as a parent. These titles offer expert insight, practical strategies, and emotional support:
“Einstein Never Used Flashcards” by Kathy Hirsh-Pasek and Roberta Michnick Golinkoff
This research-based book explains how play-based learning in childcare settings supports healthy development. Today’s children are growing up in a world that is ever changing and play based learning gives them the advantage to change with their worlds.
“The Importance of Being Little: What Young Children Really Need from Grownups” by Erika Christakis
A powerful reminder of the value of early learning environments that respect children’s natural curiosity. At Training Wheels Childcare, we value your child right where they are developmentaly.
“How Toddlers Thrive” by Tovah P. Klein
A practical guide for navigating toddler behavior and transitions, including starting preschool or childcare. You are doing a great job and your toddler is doing their best too.
Children’s Books: Stories That Encourage and Comfort
Children may not have the words to express their feelings about starting daycare or preschool but stories can help. This is why your child loves the same stories or show characters over and over. These books normalize the experience and highlight the joys of learning, friendships, and independence.
“Llama Llama Misses Mama” by Anna Dewdney
A sweet story about first-day nerves and how children can adapt to being away from home.
“The Kissing Hand” by Audrey Penn
A beautiful tale of reassurance and love, perfect for easing separation anxiety.
“Rosie Goes to Preschool” by Karen Katz
A simple, cheerful story that introduces preschool routines and helps kids know what to expect.
“Owen” by Kevin Henkes
Focusing on the transition to independence, this Caldecott Honor book addresses letting go of comfort objects in a gentle, understanding way.
“Bye-Bye Time” by Elizabeth Verdick
A great pick for toddlers, it helps explain goodbyes and what happens after parents leave.
Making the Transition Easier: Tips for Parents
Your family has made a smart choice to encourage and reinforce the benifits of this new season in life. Starting daycare at Training Wheels Childcare is going to be a hard but positive experiance because you are filled with these truths from the booklist. Just a few more tips include:
Start reading together a few weeks before the first day to build familiarity.
Visit the daycare or preschool with your child ahead of time.
Create a goodbye ritual using ideas from books like The Kissing Hand.
Talk openly about what will happen during the day and emphasize the fun and friends they’ll have.
Validate emotions—both yours and your child’s. It’s okay to feel nervous!
By reading books that resonate with your family’s experience, you’re not just filling your child’s bookshelf—you’re laying the foundation for emotional resilience, a love of learning, and a positive start to childcare.
Responsibility doesn’t just happen. It’s taught, practiced, and nurtured over time. One of the most effective ways to help children grow into confident, capable individuals is by involving them in household chores and encouraging them to take care of their own needs from a young age. Whether it’s putting away toys, getting dressed, or helping set the table, these small acts build the foundation for independence and resilience.
The Parent Perspective: Why Chores and Responsibility Matter
Giving children age-appropriate responsibilities isn’t just about keeping a tidy house; it’s a crucial part of child development. Studies show that children who participate in chores from an early age tend to be more successful socially, emotionally, and academically later in life. According to research from the University of Minnesota, starting chores as young as age 3 can help develop life skills and increase self-reliance.
The benefits include:
Improved executive function (planning, attention, memory)
Stronger work ethic
Greater empathy and teamwork
Better emotional regulation
When combined with the structure and routine of childcare or preschool, introducing responsibilities at home helps reinforce consistency across environments, giving kids a sense of mastery and security.
Chores shouldn’t be seen as punishments or obligations. Children need to be taught to that chores can be a source of pride and accomplishment. Framing them as opportunities to help the family and gain new “big kid” skills makes the experience more exciting and emotionally rewarding.
Tips for introducing chores positively:
Let kids choose their own chore from a small list.
Celebrate effort over perfection.
Pair a routine chore with a fun song or timer game.
Create a chore chart with stickers or visuals for young children.
Books that help children understand and enjoy responsibility:
“The Berenstain Bears and the Trouble with Chores” by Stan & Jan Berenstain
A funny, relatable story that shows how teamwork makes the house run better.
“Llama Llama Time to Share” by Anna Dewdney
Highlights sharing and cooperation, key components of household harmony.
“I Can Help” by David Hyde Costello
A simple, charming book about helping others, great for toddlers and preschoolers.
“My Magical Choices” by Becky Cummings
Empowers children to see responsibility and kindness as part of their identity.
“Clean Up Time” by Elizabeth Verdick
Introduces tidy-up routines in a cheerful, age-appropriate way.
Starting the Habit: Age-Appropriate Chores
Here’s a quick guide to tasks children can begin with at home:
Age
Chores
2–3
Putting toys in bins, wiping up spills, placing clothes in hamper
4–5
Making the bed, setting napkins on the table, feeding pets
6–8
Emptying small trash cans, folding towels, watering plants
9+
Vacuuming, loading the dishwasher, preparing simple snacks
Words Matter: Talking About Emotions and Responsibility
Children may initially resist chores or feel frustrated when they don’t succeed right away. Helping them name emotions (“You’re feeling frustrated it didn’t go the way you wanted”) and reinforcing positive self-talk (“Trying your best is what matters”) builds resilience. Children in daycare often hear similar guidance from teachers, and continuing that at home gives them consistency and confidence.
Responsibility isn’t about perfection, it’s about participation. When families involve children in caring for the home and themselves, they’re not just teaching them tasks. They’re teaching life skills, emotional strength, and the importance of being a helpful, valued member of a team.
Early literacy is the foundation for a child’s future academic success and lifelong learning. It encompasses the skills, knowledge, and attitudes that prepare children to read and write. Research indicates that early exposure to literacy activities significantly enhances a child’s vocabulary, comprehension, and cognitive abilities. Here is how you can help!
Reading Aloud
Reading aloud is one of the most effective ways to introduce children to language and literacy. It exposes them to new vocabulary, sentence structures, and storytelling techniques.
Benefits:
Expands vocabulary and comprehension skills.
Develops listening skills and attention span.
Builds a love for reading and storytelling.
Recommended Activities:
Daily story time with age-appropriate books.
Interactive reading, asking questions about the story.
Using expressive tones and voices to engage interest.
Phonemic Awareness Activities
Phonemic awareness refers to the ability to hear, identify, and manipulate sounds in words, which is central for reading success.
Benefits:
Strengthens the understanding of sound-letter relationships.
Helps children recognize patterns in words.
Prepares children for decoding and spelling.
Recommended Activities:
Singing nursery rhymes and songs that emphasize rhyming words.
Playing sound-matching games (e.g., “What starts with B?”).
Clapping out syllables in words.
Storytelling and Dramatic Play
Encouraging children to create their own stories and engage in pretend play helps develop their narrative skills and imagination.
Benefits:
Enhances oral language skills and vocabulary.
Improves sequencing and logical thinking.
Encourages creativity and expression.
Recommended Activities:
Using puppets or props to retell favorite stories.
Encouraging children to act out scenes from books.
Creating “story boxes” with themed toys for storytelling.
Print Awareness Activities
Print awareness involves recognizing that written words carry meaning and understanding how print functions in everyday life.
Benefits:
Helps children understand the structure of books (left-to-right reading, turning pages).
Reinforces the connection between spoken and written words.
Develops familiarity with common words and letters.
Recommended Activities:
Labeling household objects with their names.
Reading environmental print such as signs, labels, and menus.
Encouraging children to point to words while reading.
Alphabet Recognition and Letter Play
Recognizing letters and understanding their associated sounds is essential for early reading development.
Benefits:
Builds a foundation for phonics and decoding skills.
Helps children recognize letter shapes and sounds.
Encourages familiarity with uppercase and lowercase letters.
Recommended Activities:
Using alphabet puzzles and flashcards.
Tracing letters with fingers or sensory materials (e.g., sand, playdough).
Singing alphabet songs and playing letter recognition games.
Writing and Fine Motor Activities
Early writing activities help children develop fine motor skills and understand that writing is a form of communication.
Benefits:
Strengthens hand-eye coordination.
Encourages early spelling and letter formation.
Builds confidence in expressing ideas through writing.
Recommended Activities:
Providing opportunities to scribble and draw.
Encouraging tracing and copying of letters.
Creating homemade books with children’s drawings and dictated text.
Dialogic Reading and Conversations
Engaging children in meaningful conversations and interactive reading helps develop critical thinking and language comprehension.
Benefits:
Expands vocabulary and sentence structure.
Encourages active participation in storytelling.
Develops comprehension through discussion.
Recommended Activities:
Asking open-ended questions about books and daily experiences.
Encouraging children to predict what happens next in a story.
Engaging in daily conversations about their interests.
Music and Rhymes
Music and rhymes introduce children to rhythm, patterns, and repetition, which support phonological awareness.
Benefits:
Helps children distinguish sounds in words.
Enhances memory and language rhythm.
Makes learning fun and engaging.
Recommended Activities:
Singing classic nursery rhymes and songs.
Playing rhyming games with familiar words.
Using movement-based songs to reinforce learning.
Incorporating a variety of early literacy activities into a child’s daily routine is essential for building a strong foundation in reading and writing. Activities such as reading aloud, storytelling, and phonemic awareness exercises equip children with the necessary skills for future academic success. Parents, caregivers, and educators can foster a love of literacy by providing engaging and meaningful experiences that encourage a lifelong passion for learning.
Cooking is more than just a daily necessity—it’s a hands-on, educational experience for children that supports their development in multiple ways. The kitchen is a wonderful place for young learners to explore, grow, and build confidence with you. With St. Patrick’s Day around the corner, it’s a perfect opportunity for families to create fun, festive foods together while fostering essential life skills.
Why Cooking is an Educational Experience for Children
Math Skills – Measuring ingredients, counting spoonfuls, and dividing portions help children practice basic math concepts like fractions, addition, and subtraction.
Science Exploration – Cooking introduces kids to scientific principles, such as how heat changes food, how ingredients react with one another, and why certain mixtures rise or thicken.
Fine Motor Development – Stirring, pouring, kneading, and chopping (with safe, child-friendly tools) improve hand-eye coordination and strengthen small muscle groups.
Language & Literacy Growth – Following a recipe allows children to practice reading and comprehension skills, while discussing ingredients and steps expands their vocabulary.
Cultural Awareness – Exploring different recipes introduces kids to new traditions and cultures, deepening their understanding of the world.
Healthy Eating Habits – Kids who help prepare meals are more likely to try new foods and develop an appreciation for balanced, nutritious eating.
Problem-Solving & Creativity – Deciding how to substitute ingredients or fix a cooking mistake encourages critical thinking and adaptability.
Easy & Fun St. Patrick’s Day Recipes to Make with Kids
Celebrate the holiday by creating delicious, simple recipes that embrace the festive green theme:
Shamrock Sandwiches – Use a shamrock-shaped cookie cutter to make festive sandwiches with fillings like cheese, peanut butter & jelly, or turkey and avocado.
Green Pancakes – Blend a little spinach into pancake batter for a naturally green, nutrient-packed breakfast.
Leprechaun Smoothies – Blend banana, yogurt, and spinach (or avocado) for a creamy, kid-approved green smoothie.
Rainbow Fruit Skewers – Assemble skewers with red strawberries, orange slices, yellow pineapple, green grapes, blueberries, and purple grapes for a fun, healthy treat.
Pot of Gold Popcorn – Drizzle popcorn with white chocolate and mix in green and gold sprinkles for a festive snack.
By involving children in these kitchen activities, parents can create meaningful learning experiences while making St. Patrick’s Day even more special. Whether it’s measuring, mixing, or simply decorating, every moment in the kitchen can be a moment of discovery and fun!
Developing strong relationships with the parents and teachers in your child’s daycare community is vital for fostering a supportive environment for your child’s growth and development. These connections can provide a sense of belonging, open lines of communication, and create a network of support for both you and your child. Here are practical steps to help you build meaningful connections.
Why Connection Matters
Strong relationships with other parents and teachers at your child’s daycare can:
Enhance Communication: Clear and open communication with teachers ensures you stay informed about your child’s progress and activities.
Foster Community: Relationships with other parents create a support system for sharing advice, resources, and experiences.
Improve Your Child’s Experience: A positive, collaborative atmosphere helps children feel more secure and engaged.
Steps to Connect with Teachers
Introduce Yourself:
Start with a friendly introduction during drop-off or pick-up times.
Share a little about your child, such as their interests or any special needs, to help the teacher better understand them.
Schedule Regular Check-Ins:
Attend parent-teacher meetings or schedule one-on-one check-ins to discuss your child’s development.
Use these opportunities to ask questions and provide feedback.
Show Appreciation:
A simple thank-you note or verbal acknowledgment of a teacher’s efforts goes a long way.
Participate in teacher appreciation events or contribute to group gifts.
Get Involved:
Volunteer for daycare events, field trips, or classroom activities when possible.
Being an active participant shows your commitment and allows for more interaction with teachers.
Steps to Connect with Other Parents
Start Small Conversations:
Use drop-off and pick-up times to chat with other parents. A quick “How’s your day?” can lead to more meaningful conversations over time.
Compliment or ask about their child’s achievements to break the ice.
Join or Create a Parent Group:
Many daycares have parent groups or social media communities. Join these groups to stay connected and informed.
If your daycare doesn’t have one, consider organizing a group to foster connections.
Organize Playdates or Meetups:
Suggest playdates for your children, which naturally encourages parent interaction.
Organize casual meetups, such as a coffee morning or a park day, to get to know other parents better.
Use these opportunities to connect and exchange contact information.
Tips for Building Genuine Relationships
Be Consistent: Relationships take time and effort to develop. Regular, friendly interactions help build trust and familiarity.
Be Supportive: Offer help when needed, whether it’s carpooling or sharing parenting advice.
Respect Boundaries: Not everyone may want a close connection. Be friendly but also mindful of others’ comfort levels.
Benefits of a Connected Community
Shared Knowledge: Other parents can offer advice on common childcare challenges or share resources.
Emotional Support: Parenting can be overwhelming, and having a network of understanding parents can be a relief.
Positive Environment for Children: Seeing their parents interact positively with teachers and other families creates a sense of security for children.
Building relationships with the people in your child’s daycare takes time, but the benefits for your family are well worth the effort. By fostering these connections, you’ll create a supportive, engaging, and enriching environment for your child to thrive.
Tantrums are a common part of early childhood development and childcare. While challenging, they are also opportunities to teach young children emotional regulation and problem-solving skills. Here are practical strategies for parents and caregivers to respond to tantrums effectively.
Understanding Tantrums
Tantrums often occur because young children are still learning to express their emotions and needs. Common triggers include frustration, hunger, tiredness, or feeling overwhelmed. Recognizing the cause can help you respond with empathy and understanding.
Steps to Respond During a Tantrum
Stay Calm:
Children look to adults for cues on how to react. Maintaining a calm demeanor helps de-escalate the situation.
Respond with firmness and empathy, ensuring the child knows their feelings are heard but boundaries remain.
Offer Comfort When Ready:
Once the intensity subsides, provide a hug or soothing words if the child seeks comfort.
Let them know you are there for them without forcing interaction.
Redirect Attention:
Engage the child in a different activity to shift focus. For example, suggest a calming activity like drawing or reading a book.
Teach Problem-Solving Skills:
After the tantrum, discuss the situation calmly. Ask questions like, “What made you feel upset?” and “What can we do differently next time?”
Encourage them to use words or gestures to express their needs in the future.
Proactive Strategies to Prevent Tantrums
Establish Routines:
Predictability in daily routines can help reduce feelings of stress or frustration.
Consistent schedules for meals, naps, and playtime support emotional regulation in young children.
Use Clear Communication:
Explain transitions and expectations in advance, such as “In five minutes, we will clean up toys.”
Offer choices to give the child a sense of control (e.g., “Would you like the blue cup or the green cup?”).
Recognize Triggers:
Pay attention to patterns and identify what might be causing tantrums, such as specific situations or unmet needs.
Address triggers proactively, like packing a snack for outings or ensuring enough rest.
Encourage Emotional Expression:
Teach children to name and understand their feelings. Use tools like emotion charts or books about emotions.
Model healthy ways to express and cope with emotions.
When to Seek Additional Support
While tantrums are typical in early childhood, frequent or extreme episodes might signal underlying challenges. Consult a pediatrician or early childhood specialist if:
Tantrums persist beyond the age of 5.
The child shows signs of aggression or self-harm.
You feel unsure or overwhelmed about how to manage their behavior.
