It has been a strange and stressful few months for everyone but as families begin sending their children back to childcare and schools begin to reopen, we thought we’d shine a light on the value of school, even for our youngest learners. Back in July, The Center for Disease Control (CDC) made the case for… Read More
Describing the brain as “complex” is a true understatement. Understanding the structure and functions of the mind can even be a challenge for doctors and scientists. However, there are some basic concepts in brain science that can help humans with emotional regulation, social interactions, and learning. Young children are more than capable of grasping these… Read More
Since the pandemic began, one of the toughest things to face has been social isolation. This has been especially true for senior citizens. As one of the populations with the highest risk, seniors have been missing their loved ones for months. Many nursing homes, retirement communities and assisted living facilities have requested messages from “pen… Read More
Some people shudder at the word “discipline” but it is not (or doesn’t have to be) a negative thing! According to an article published by the Extension Alliance for Better Child Care, “Discipline is a positive method of teaching a child self-control, confidence, and responsibility.” It is about teaching a child what behavior is okay and… Read More
Thanksgiving is upon us once again! It’s easy to get caught up in the planning and preparation of the turkey and stuffing and we often forget to embrace the true spirit of the holiday… giving thanks. Everyone knows gratitude is important. It’s meaningful, and sometimes vital, to express gratitude for what (and who) you have… Read More
Children won’t say “I had a hard day, can we talk?” They say “will you come play with me?” You may have seen this quote on social media recently. We, at Ducklings, found this very powerful! Young children may ask for help, support or someone to talk to in very different ways than adults. It’s… Read More
Everyone knows physical movement is an important part of a healthy life, especially in childhood. Physical activity impacts our health in many ways but did you know that one specific type of physical movement can impact a child’s cognitive and emotional development? “Crossing the midline” requires both sides of the brain to communicate and work… Read More
With the current 24/7 news cycle, it can difficult to shield your children from hearing about violent acts and tragic events. Many parents wonder, “how do I talk to my young child about something so serious?” We have collected various resources to help. The first thing for parents and caregivers to understand is that safety… Read More
Many of us have memories of Sesame Street from our childhood. The show, premiering in 1969, has been welcomed into homes for half a century. Sesame Street has constantly evolved over the past five decades, integrating educational with timely social issues. An article from Smithsonian Magazine explains, “For years the show’s creators have been spicing up… Read More