In recent years, Minecraft has emerged as one of the most popular and influential games among children and adults alike. However, beyond its entertaining gameplay and creative possibilities, Minecraft has proven to be an excellent educational tool for children. This...
Career skills are the ones that will be applicable to some degree in every role. These skills are not specifically for one job or role but fall into a broader, more general category. These skills are transferable between jobs and therefore quite advantageous to the...
Sleep deprivation and other struggles in the early years are real, and it doesn't take long before bleary-eyed parents of small children ask, "What's the magical age? WHEN does parenting get easier?" As exhausted as you might be right now, there's hope for parents at...
What is Chancla Culture? How does it relate to Adverse Childhood Effects (ACEs), and why is it so important that we acknowledge this harm so that our communities can find healing? Chancla Culture is the totality of punitive, violence-based, authoritarian dynamics that...
Holiday stress is real for many of us--and it can come crashing down our chimneys with reliable predictability. According to Harvard Medical School, 62% of adults experience "very" or "somewhat" elevated holiday stress levels (source). One of the top holiday...
I remember sitting down on my couch and pulling a pillow on my lap. I was playing with the tassels to try and distract myself. I pushed the pillow against my lips to try and hide my face but I still wanted to make eye contact with my dad. Tears were streaming down my...
Here’s one thing I know for sure: every human being wants to belong. We’re wired for connection and relationship. We want to feel seen, heard, and understood. We desire belonging within family, community, and within ourselves. Nothing severs the opportunity for...
Getting divorced when you have children is challenging no matter what age they are. Just like you have probably never dealt with divorce before, discussing something so serious with your children is probably new territory as well. If you are struggling with how to...
It’s spooky season, which means jack o'lanterns, pumpkins, and candy for the whole family! There are many special memories to be made on Halloween, so before talking about safety tips, one of our biggest pieces of advice to caregivers is to have fun. Wear the silly...
Dr. John DeGarmoDr. John DeGarmo is an international expert in parenting and foster care and is a TEDX TALK presenter. Dr. John is the founder and director of THE FOSTER CARE INSTITUTE. He and his wife have had over 60 children come through their home as foster...
In order for children to learn, they must first experience love. Children express and receive love in different ways — some through acts of service; others through affirming words; still others through gifts, quality time or physical touch. Each of these expressions...
Nature activities for children and ideas for using more natural materials in the child care environment. Children and nature have always been connected. We all are connected to the natural world. The natural world is one of the best environments for children to...