CHILDHOOD EARLY GUIDETO 2025
The Early Years
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THERE’S SOMETHING SPECIAL about every stage of parenthood. Those precious baby years, when you and your little one first meet, and every milestone feels both gratifying and bittersweet. There are the big kid years, when you watch your child blossom into their own person; you have meaningful conversations, inside jokes and life no longer revolves around nap schedules. And then there are the teen years—and while I’m not there yet, I’m sure they come with their own wonderful facets (right?!).
But early childhood is perhaps my favorite time of my parenting journey. These are the years when we get to witness firsthand as our babies become little people. They grow so much in this time, but still have that sweet sense of innocence and wonder. And while their independence flourishes, Mom and Dad still reign supreme.
For our children, these years are paramount too. It’s a critical period of development that comes with long-term impacts. Early childhood experiences provide the foundation for our child’s future learning, behavior and health. So with the importance—and magic—of these years in mind, we bring you this Guide to Early Childhood.
Flip through this book for insight into this special time in your child’s life. We dive into everything that comes with these early years, from health to brain development to preschool and more.
Enjoy the journey,
BELOW // Amanda Collins Bernier, managing editor, with her sons Max and Owen.
Little Germ Factories
10 Common early childhood illnesses every parent should know, plus expert tips for outwitting these ailments
WORDS JENNIFER CASSEDAY-BLAIR
LET’S FACE IT—LITTLE KIDS ARE MAGNETS FOR GERMS. Between day care, school and their questionable hygiene habits, they’re constantly picking up new bugs. Why is this? Because their immune systems are still in training mode, gearing up to fight off all the congestion, coughs and random mystery illnesses that come their way. The good news is that you can protect against the germ invasion in many cases. We’ve turned to two pediatric specialists to arm you with game-changing prevention tips and give you the scoop on the 10 most common early childhood illnesses.
COLD & FLU
Cold and flu season is the time of year when your hand sanitizer feels like a trusty sidekick, especially when your toddler explores in public spaces. A cold and the flu are both viral respiratory illnesses that are highly contagious. Both are spread through respiratory droplets when someone coughs, sneezes or talks, and if someone touches a contaminated surface and then touches their eyes, nose or mouth. This is bad news at a stage when your kid seems to put almost everything in their mouth.
Common Symptoms
Colds rarely cause your child to have a fever; however, a fever and chills are often associated with the flu. Dr. Preeti Sharma, pediatric pulmonologist at
Children’s Health in Dallas and associate professor at UT Southwestern Medical Center, says, “Sometimes the symptoms for a cold and the flu overlap. A cold is typically milder with sore throat and congestion, and the flu is more severe and includes body aches, gastrointestinal issues and tends to last a little longer.”
Prevention Tips
Avoiding the cold or the flu can be tough for young children because they tend to be in group environments, such as day care or preschool. “What’s most helpful is encouraging them to wash their hands as often as possible. Another good practice is teaching them to cover their cough or sneeze. Most importantly, however, is to keep kids home when they are sick to help prevent the spread of illness,” Sharma says.
How to Treat a Cold or the Flu
Sharma warns parents to ignore the adage “Feed a cold, starve a fever.” She says, “Both are signs of illness. When you are ill, your body is working harder. It’s important to fuel yourself when you are sick. Stay well-hydrated and focus on good nutrition.” While there is no vaccine for the common cold, there is one surefire way to reduce the chances of your kids getting the flu. Sharma advises everyone to get vaccinated. “Flu shots are approved in children ages 6 months and up,” she says. For a cold, the best thing parents can do is keep their kids home and allow them to rest. In some cases of the flu, children may be prescribed antiviral drugs to help their little bodies fight against the virus.
RESPIRATORY SYNCYTIAL VIRUS (RSV)
RSV is one of the leading causes of respiratory infections in children 5 and younger. Consider it a cold’s bigger, stronger cousin. RSV doesn’t mess around—it’s extremely contagious. It spreads fast through droplets from coughs and sneezes. But that’s not all. The virus lingers on surfaces too. Touch a contaminated doorknob, then your face, and you’ve just given RSV an invitation to spread. For most people, RSV remains contagious for three to eight days. However, it’s a whole different story for infants—they can spread this virus for up to a staggering four weeks.
RSV hits infants particularly hard and is the leading cause of hospitalization in babies younger than 1 year old. Up to 3% of babies who get RSV need a hospital stay, and may require oxygen, IV fluids or other more intensive treatment.
Common Symptoms
The symptoms of RSV mimic those of the cold but are more amplified. Your child may experience the following:
• Runny nose
• Congestion
• Loss of appetite
• Coughing
• Sneezing
• Fever
• Wheezing
How to Treat RSV
Sharma says, “For most children, they will get through RSV like they would a cold. These illnesses will usually resolve with supportive care. However, for kids that have underlying lung problems or other medical problems, RSV could lead to complications like pneumonia.” Over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen (Tylenol) can help bring down a fever, and a few drops of nasal saline followed by gentle suctioning can work wonders to help your little one breathe more easily.
PINK EYE
Pink eye, aka conjunctivitis, is hands-down the most common eye issue kids deal with. There are multiple culprits behind conjunctivitis. Kids can catch pink eye from bacteria or viruses, but pink eye can also be caused by allergies or irritants from a child’s environment. This kind isn’t contagious.
Common Symptoms
If their eyes are red, itchy, swollen, or oozing gross white, yellow, or green goop, chances are they’ve got it.
Treatment and Prevention of Pink Eye
“Viral and bacterial infections can cause very differ-
ent symptoms,” Sharma explains. “There are no great medicines to treat viruses. Bacterial infections tend to require antibiotics because it’s a foreign pathogen in a specific area of the body.” For bacterial conjunctivitis, your pediatrician or eye doctor may provide antibiotic eye drops or ointment. Parents can use a warm washcloth to help ease their child’s discomfort. Like many illnesses, the best way to prevent spreading is through regular hand-washing and by avoiding children you know are ill. To stave off reinfection, you should wash your kids towels, washcloths, and pillowcases following each use.
FIFTH DISEASE
Fifth disease is a common viral illness that tends to affect children from the age of 5. It is caused by the parvovirus B19, and your kids will typically catch it during the winter and spring months. Fifth disease spreads through droplets when others cough, sneeze or touch a germy surface. Interestingly, it’s most contagious before the rash appears when symptoms resemble a common cold. By the time the rash develops, the body has already been fighting the virus, and a child is no longer contagious. While it might sound alarming, most kids recover quickly without any complications.
Common Symptoms of Fifth Disease
The illness often starts subtly, with symptoms that mimic a mild cold like a low fever, headache and stuffy or runny nose. These symptoms typically fade, making it seem like the illness is gone. But then, a red rash appears within a few days. The first stage is bright red cheeks (resembling a slapped cheek), followed by a rash that spreads to the chest, back, arms and legs. As the rash progresses, it develops into a lacy, net-like appearance. The rash can last one to three weeks, coming and going before disappearing completely.
Treating Fifth Disease
Since the illness is caused by a virus, antibiotics are not effective. Fortunately, it’s usually mild and resolves on its own. Parents can make sure their child gets plenty of rest and can give them acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) to help with fever and aches, but pediatricians say no to giving aspirin to children because it can cause Reye syndrome. An antihistamine can help with itching. You can also try adding oatmeal to your child’s bath or use an oatmeal bath product. Parents may also want to dress their children in loose-fitting cotton clothing.
HAND, FOOT & MOUTH DISEASE (HFM)
HFM is a notorious troublemaker for kids under 5, and it spreads fast. Child care centers, preschools and playgrounds are hotbeds for this pesky virus. Sharma says, “Hand, foot and mouth disease is one that sneaks up on people. Kids remain contagious for a little while. The best preventative tips are frequent hand-washing and isolating your child until the lesions have scabbed over.”
Common Symptoms
This viral party crasher loves to leave its mark with painful, red blisters on the mouth, throat, hands, feet, and, yes, even the diaper zone. Aside from the obvious red blisters, kids often get a fever that’ll make them crankier than normal. Swallowing can become a painful ordeal, which can lead to dehydration.
Treating HFM
There’s no magic cure or miracle vaccine for HFM, but there are ways to make your little one feel a bit better. Parents can stock up on cold treats to numb mouth pain and use lukewarm soap and water to ease discomfort caused by blisters. Lasting up to 10 days, popsicles and patience may be the keys to getting through HFM with your sanity.
EAR INFECTION
Ear infections strike when inflammation (usually from trapped bacteria) wreaks havoc in your child’s middle ear—the cozy space connecting the ear to the back of the nose and throat. In most cases, when your kid catches a cold or some nasty upper respiratory bug, bacteria hitch a ride through the eustachian tubes where fluid starts pooling behind the eardrum.
Common Symptoms
“Signs of an ear infection may be difficult to detect. There is often a fever, and little ones will be fussier, not wanting to drink from a bottle because of pain, or they may have disrupted sleep and may be pulling at their ear,” Sharma says. Other symptoms might include fluid draining from the ear, a loss of balance or trouble hearing.
Treating an Ear Infection
Most ear infections will sort themselves out. Doctors will typically employ the “wait-and-see” strategy paired with some trusty over-the-counter pain meds because overusing antibiotics can turn bacteria into antibiotic-resistant supervillains. If your kiddo is getting chronic ear infections (five or six a year), it might be time for a more permanent fix. Doctors can perform a quick surgical procedure to insert tiny tubes into the eardrums that will improve airflow, prevent fluid buildup and generally keep the peace in those tiny ears.
GASTROENTERITIS
Often called the “stomach flu,” gastroenteritis is an illness caused by an infection and inflammation of the digestive system. The usual suspects causing gastroenteritis are viruses, bacteria, toxins, or even parasites. While the condition can be uncomfortable, the good news is that it often resolves on its own in just a few days.
Common Symptoms
Dr. Bradley Mercer, pediatrician at Cook Children’s Pediatrics Forest Park in Fort Worth, says that the biggest risk with gastroenteritis is dehydration. “Signs to watch for include dry cracked lips and a dry mouth; decreased urine output and very dark urine; drowsiness or irritability; cold or dry skin; low energy levels, appears weak or limp; no tears when crying; and eyes sunken or a baby’s soft spot (fontanelle) sunken in.” Other symptoms for parents to watch out for are:
• Loss of appetite
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Abdominal cramps
• Lethargy
• Nausea
• Fatigue
Treating Gastroenteritis
Mercer advises encouraging children to take oral rehydration solutions because milk or juice might make matters worse. “Commercially available solutions such as Pedialyte, Gastrolyte or Enfalyte will contain the properly balanced amounts of water, sugars and salts to promote absorption of the fluid … Give your child 5–10 milliliters (1–2 teaspoons) of one the previously mentioned drinks every five minutes, slowly increasing the amount as your child tolerates. If you breastfeed your child, continue to do so,” he says.
SORE THROAT & STREP THROAT
A sore throat is basically throat discomfort—usually thanks to a pesky cold virus. On the flip side, strep throat is next level. It’s caused by the Streptococcus bacteria and comes with more drama like fever, swollen tonsils and white patches.
SOMETHING MORE PUZZLING
The truth is, not every illness fits neatly into a checklist. Sometimes parents must become medical detectives and look at the clues or get medical professionals involved to diagnose what’s ailing their kiddos. When even your pediatrician is stumped, here are steps to find a solution:
1. Seek Answers: Don’t hold back—discuss every concern and symptom with your pediatrician.
2. Request More Testing: Feel something’s being missed in diagnosing your child? Request more tests—be it blood work, nasal swab, scans or something else. For example, something like human metapneumovirus—a little-known respiratory virus that has spiked recently—can be tested for. Even if there’s no specific treatment, it might give you peace of mind to know just what’s causing your little one’s illness.
3. Record Every Detail: Absorbing a sea of medical information in one go is a challenge for anyone. This is especially true when the information is about your child’s health. That’s why it’s crucial to actively record every symptom and significant moment during medical appointments. Don’t hesitate to ask for a comprehensive summary of their medical records.
4. See a Specialist: If your primary care provider can’t pinpoint what’s causing your toddler’s symptoms, don’t hesitate to ask for a referral to a specialist.
5. Explore Genetic Testing: Genetic testing can help in diagnosing rare illnesses in your child. It’s often an essential part of understanding their medical condition, especially if parents can’t find any answers with their pediatrician.
6. Get a Fresh Perspective: Still unsure? A second opinion might shed new light on finding a diagnosis for your child.
Common Symptoms
Expect chills, loss of appetite, stomach pain and nausea. If your kids are coughing and sneezing, it’s a safe bet that it’s not strep throat. Sharma says, “Strep throat is bacterial, and we can determine its presence with a throat culture or swab … We also look at what is happening in the community.” Mercer agrees that it can be difficult to distinguish between a sore throat and strep throat. He says, “Studies have been done that shows that without the proper tests, physicians can’t tell the difference half the time. The only accurate way to diagnose strep is through a strep screen or a throat culture.”
While it’s uncommon, strep can lead to scarlet or rhematic fever, which can cause more severe conditions that affect the heart. Sharma says, “A fever is the body’s way of telling us that it is fighting off an infection. It’s an indication that our immune system is doing its job … Any fever above 100.3 in very young infants is concerning because their immune systems are not fully developed. In older children, it is more important to monitor how your kid is feeling rather than relying solely on temperature itself. Parents should be alert as to if their child is eating, drinking, playing, and how they are acting. If your child is not acting like themself, especially not keeping food or drink down, you should seek attention.”
Strep Throat Treatment
Unfortunately, this is one that doesn’t just go away. You’ll likely need antibiotics to kick it to the curb.
CROUP
Croup is a virus that inflames your child’s airways, causing that infamous barking cough. Croup mostly targets kids under 5, making its grand entrance in the fall. The good news is that your kids usually bounce back in about a week. While at first it may just seem like a common cold, the virus tightens your kiddos upper airways and can affect their ability to breath.
Common Symptoms
Croup symptoms normally start slowly and may begin with a runny nose and then worsen to a barking cough. Other mild symptoms include:
• Fever
• Rash
• Hoarseness
• Eye redness or pink eye
• Swollen lymph nodes
In more severe cases of croup, parents may notice that their child has:
• Difficulty breathing
• Restlessness or nervousness
• Retractions (sucking in the skin around your child’s ribs and the top of their breastbone)
• Cyanosis (bluish skin color)
Treating Croup
Most cases are mild and can be handled at home.
WHEN TO SEE THE DOCTOR?
Acetaminophen works wonders. For kids 6 months or older, ibuprofen is also an option. Hydration and a lot of rest are key when your kid has croup. For more serious cases, a doctor may prescribe a steroid to shrink airway swelling or provide a breathing treatment. Sharma says, “We don’t recommend any cough or cold medicine for children. There is no concrete evidence these are helpful. These products are tested in kids. We do suggest supportive care such as the medications Ibuprofen or acetaminophen for fever or discomfort, as well as nasal saline drops or nasal suction to clear congestion. Warm humid environments like the bathroom with the shower running can sometimes provide relief of the nasal congestion as well.”
PNEUMONIA
Pneumonia is more than just a lung infection—it’s a battle ground where air sacs are overwhelmed by pus and fluid instead of air. While viruses like the flu or RSV are frequent offenders, bacteria are also notorious for causing more severe cases. Bacterial pneumonia can escalate quickly, marked by a sudden high fever and intense coughing. It’s crucial to identify the type of pneumonia, as the treatment varies greatly between viral and bacterial origins.
Common Symptoms
• Fever
• Persistent cough
• Chills that shake you up
• Rapid breathing or struggling for air
• Grunting or wheezing that breaks the silence
• Chest and belly pain that refuses to ignore
• Vomiting
• Decreased activity levels
• Loss of appetite
Treatment for Pneumonia
For viral types, antibiotics won’t help; instead, antiviral medications might be the chosen arsenal if caught early. Bacterial battles, however, are fought with antibiotics, often manageable from the comfort of home. Parents can arm their children with rest, ample fluids and fever management with acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Recovery times can vary—bacterial pneumonia often clears within one to two weeks, while viral types might linger for up to six weeks. Pneumonia itself isn’t contagious, but the pathogens causing it are. These germs can travel through air droplets from coughs or sneezes, or by sharing utensils and handling contaminated items. Mercer says, “To help reduce your child’s chances of infection, follow these tips: have them wash their hands, don’t let them share food or drink, have them avoid exposure to other people with illness and replace their toothbrush after starting antibiotics.”
Sharma says, “Clear signs that a child needs to go to the doctor include not being able to keep down liquids, signs of dehydration, such as crying without tears, acting different from their baseline, lethargy and struggling to breathe. These can indicate emergency situations. Parents usually have good instincts about how their children act when sick, so if there is concern that things seem worse than expected, it’s always safe to speak to your child’s health care provider.”
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The Preferred Parent
Coping with hurt when kids play favorites
WORDS ERIN HAYES BURT
PARENTHOOD CAN STIR UP BIG FEELINGS, but one Cate Wiggins never expected was rejection. So when her first child gravitated almost immediately to his dad, the Fort Worth mom wasn’t at all prepared for the hurt she felt when her child expressed such a clear preference for her husband. “That took an emotional toll on me, and feeling like he was mad at me all the time,” she says. “I was like, I went through so much pain having you, and I would just like you to be nice to me.”
Parental preference is normal, but that doesn’t mean it’s not hurtful when you’re not the chosen one. But on the flipside, being the favorite can be taxing too. While it might sound like an honorific, it’s exhausting to be the go-to caregiver for everything
Here’s the good news: Kids playing favorite is often just a phase. It’s common in toddlers, who are beginning to “categorize their environment to make it easier to understand,” says Amy Henry, parenting coach at Big Picture Parenting in Dallas.
“And that includes making a hierarchy out of people in their life.”
Children of any age can go through cycles of feeling closer to one parent or another. Here’s why it happens, and how to work through it.
WHY FAVORITES EMERGE
A child’s favorite might be a parent who’s the same gender as them, who shares similar interests or personality traits, or who is perceived as being more
fun. It could also be the parent who’s more predictable or emotionally stable.
Autonomy is another driver. “No!” is a huge theme among 2- and 3-year-olds, because these kids just realized this newfound power. “They’re really in a phase of autonomy and trying to figure out, can I be in control? Can I be in charge?” explains Sarah Rees, a licensed professional counselor and registered play therapist at Brave Space in Plano. She says some toddlers choose a favorite parent at this age not because they really have a preference, but simply to exercise a choice.
As kids get a little older, it’s common to have a parent they tend to go to when they want to talk, says Dr. Christina Sevadjian, licensed psychologist at Sparrow House Counseling in Dallas. “It might be the parent that’s more patient or more understanding or calmer, because a lot of times that’s what they’re looking for.” Surprisingly, it’s often, that’s the caregiver who they are least like. “The parent that can be tricky for them is the parent that’s more like them. That can be harder ... When personalities are similar, you get those clashes.”
IN THE FEELS
For moms, who are often the primary caregiver in those early weeks and months of life, being the preferred parent can feel overwhelming—like they never get a break. Wiggins’ fourth child is a steadfast mommy’s girl, which is new for her, and hard in a different way. “It’s exhausting being the favorite. I’m like, can you switch over to Dad just a little bit? That would be nice.” This constant on-call can lead to burnout.
But it can be just as hard for the other caregiver, who might feel slighted or miss out on bonding time. “I think for the parent who doesn’t feel preferred or favored, there can be a lot of sadness and frustration and resentment,” says Rees. “It’s important for that parent to know it’s not a personal attack against you. It’s a situation.”
Child preference can cause or deepen relationship rifts that already exist, says Henry. “Family tension can cause kids to choose a favorite parent. So if parents are bickering, fighting, going through a divorce…a child will typically feel like they have to choose sides.” This can leave one parent feeling like the whole family is against them.
ENCOURAGING EQUAL BONDS
When favoritism is clear, work out ways to ensure the non-preferred parent gets their share of quality time—and parenting responsibilities. When possible, trade off for things like bedtime routines, school
5
WAYS TO SPREAD THE LOVE
1. Switch off bedtime duties.
2. Swap out school pick-ups/drop-offs.
3. Make a point to spend one-on-one time together once a month.
4. Plan an activity your child enjoys and let them lead.
5. Invite the child to take part in an activity that you enjoy.
pick-ups, sports drop-offs or running errands. With younger kids, be prepared to move through some protest. “Even though it’s going to be hard to stick with it, you’ll find value in it in the long run. And reassuring the child, ‘I know Mommy usually does this, or I know Daddy usually does this, but tonight it’s my night,’” says Rees.
Stay away from bribes to entice your child to spend time with the other parent. It can be tempting to calm a tantrum with a trip to the store for a toy or treat, but it’s not a long-term solution. Instead, offer them autonomy in other areas. “‘Which shoes are we going to put on today? Are we going to put on your left shoe first or your right shoe first?’ Some small, tangible choices help the child feel in control and move through the situation,” says Rees. “They’re looking for control, and then they’re trying to control and navigate two relationships at the same time, which is challenging.”
Parental preference is normal, but that doesn’t mean it’s not hurtful when you’re not the chosen one.
Raising Young Readers
Instilling a love of reading from the earliest years
WORDS GINA MAYFIELD
SOON AFTER THE BIRTH OF YOUR FIRST CHILD, well-meaning friends and family offer a laundry list of do’s and don’ts that involve everything from feeding and sleeping down to doing the laundry itself. But mixed among the chores and warnings, there’s sweet advice for creating joy and peaceful moments: Read to your child.
As simple as it sounds, the benefits and great rewards of reading from birth and through every stage of a child’s development can last a lifetime. Most parents, when they think back on their own childhood, can still rattle off the titles of books that meant something special to them decades ago.
Books matter, more than just for happy memories. Young children whose parents read them five books a day start kindergarten having heard a million more words than those whose parents didn’t read to them. But if five books sound a little ambitious, consider this: Reading just one picture book a day can expose your child to about 78,000 words a year. And studies show that the number of words a child hears profoundly impacts language development and literacy.
A love of reading opens kids up to new ideas, sets them up for academic success and fosters critical thinking and empathy for others. So, how do you bring up a kid who associates books with fun and adventure? Here’s a guide to raising a reader, starting in these early years.
THE LITTLEST READERS
You can help instill a love for books long before a child can actually read. “It’s that whole social activity of give and take. There’s also the idea that stories come out of these books, so books are interesting,” says Dr. Sheryl Frierson, who’s worked with all levels of readers as the medical director of Luke Waites Center for Dyslexia and Learning Disorders at Scottish Rite for Children in Dallas. She’s also a UT Southwestern associate professor of developmental and behavioral pediatrics. She notes that reading to the youngest children also teaches them how to use a book. “You hold it up so the pictures are right side up, you turn from left to right. You learn a lot about how books are structured.”
Research tells us that children who are exposed to a lot of words at home during their early childhood are more ready to learn when it comes time to go to school. “Talking with your young child is really important, however, reading typically exposes them to a wider variety of vocabulary words that we don’t typically use in regular conversations,” says Frierson.
In early childhood, they benefit from the physical connection, the sound of your voice and hearing the rhythm and tempo of the words in a book. Live and in-person language, focused on the child, matter, so phoning in your favorite true crime podcast or e-book won’t work here.
Make eye contact with your child and respond when they light up when they mimic what they hear in a book. Get the rest of their senses involved with
TIPS FOR READING TO TODDLERS
Dr. Dr. Sheryl Frierson, medical director of Luke Waites Center for Dyslexia and Learning Disorders at Scottish Rite for Children in Dallas, offers these expert tips for making shared reading more enjoyable for toddlers.
1. Read with enthusiasm. Be excited and use different voices—make it fun!
2. Respond to the child’s attempts to look at and play with books.
3. Read stories that include rhythms and rhymes.
4. Follow the child’s interest. Allow them to pick what they want to read.
5. Read the child’s favorite stories and rhymes over and over again.
6. Engage children in reading just long enough for them to stay engaged. When they’re disengaged, move on to something else.
sensory board books such as the colorful See, Touch, Feel with its raised textures, finger trails and (spoiler alert!) mirror at the end of the book.
And don’t feel like you have to wait years before taking your baby to your local library’s storytime for littles. “It’s building a culture of reading with a positive experience that includes song and play. It’s good exposure to hearing and sharing stories,” says Lisa Zinkie, who spent more than a decade as a school librarian for Fort Worth ISD and is now the manager at the Hampton-Illinois Library, a branch of the Dallas Public Library.
Research tells us that children who are exposed to a lot of words at home during their early childhood are more ready to learn when it comes time to go to school.
TODDLERS & PRESCHOOLERS
At this age, children absorb all that books have to offer, far beyond new words and language. “They’re learning what things mean, they’re learning new categories of things such as animals, and how horses and dogs and cows fit into this category. That’s different than people or trucks. So they’re learning a lot about the structure of the language,” Frierson explains.
As you’re reading to a toddler, avoid shooting for a quick cover-to-cover rush job, even if it’s bedtime and you’re trying not to fall asleep yourself. Think about reading throughout the day, not just when it’s time to get out your beloved childhood copy of Goodnight Moon. Stop to respond to your children’s questions and comments or point out any interesting similarities between the story and your own lives. Talk about not just what you’re reading, but what you’re seeing in the pictures.
Beyond your own childhood favorites, know that your children will establish their own thoughts, preferences and opinions on books. Depending on your toddler’s development, they may be ready to walk around the library and make a few selections of their own. “I would definitely let them pick out some books themselves. I’m a huge proponent of free choice in reading. A lot of times, kids don’t want to read what they don’t pick,” Zinkie says.
That means you may find yourself reading the same book to your child, day after day. “That’s not a problem. Anybody who has children knows that the things they like to do, they like to do over and over again,” says Frierson. “When they enjoy a book, they’ll go back to that same book over and over again. Sometimes kids may even memorize a favorite book. They’re still spending time in a book, in a story, learning vocabulary words, attaching the pictures to the words they’re hearing.” Pay attention to what it is about those particular books that engage your child and seek out other books by that author or ask a librarian for similar recommendations.
One last thing to keep in mind at this age: “When children are choosing books, it’s very important for them to be able to see themselves in them. Having
READ ON
Want to learn more about raising a reader? Check out these books with practical advice for parents and fun activities to do together.
Reading Magic: Why Reading Aloud to Our Children Will Change Their Lives Forever, by Mem Fox
The Read-Aloud Handbook, by Jim Trelease
The Read-Aloud Family: Making Meaningful and Lasting Connections with Your Kids, by Sarah Mackenzie
The Book Whisperer: Awakening the Inner Reader in Every Child, by Donalyn Miller
stories about people that look like them helps keep their interest, makes them feel validated as a human and helps them find their place in the world,” Zinkie says. That may mean size, skin color, abilities or religion. And when children read books that have someone different in it, well, that comes with its own set of benefits. “Reading is a beautiful tool for developing empathy. There’s a saying in library circles that books need to be windows and mirrors,” she says.
EMERGING READERS
The wonder of reading really comes to life around age 4, when your child starts to identify letters and even sight words, not only in books but out in the real world. While reading to your child, allow them to read to you too, first by pointing out letters and words you know they’ll recognize. The goal here is to make the experience feel organic and not like a pop quiz. Later, take turns reading full pages at a time.
You can begin to point out letters and words in the same way you were pointing out pictures and the sounds different animals make. “You can say, ‘Your name is Ben, that starts with a B. Do you see any B’s on this page?’ That engages them in paying attention to those letters. Even if they’re not ready to read words, they may be able to find the first letter in their own name,” Frierson says.
When your child starts coming home from school with leveled readers and book logs, share a sense of wonder about the topic. A simple, “I didn’t know that about monkeys!” will do, so your child can see that even you learn from books.
Continue reading books they’ll understand but can’t quite read on their own level yet. Beyond the library, take them to local, independent bookstores. Make reading about fun and adventure.
A LAST WORD
And at every age, lead by example. When it comes to raising a reader, like all things with parenting, model the behavior you want to see. “Your kids should see you reading for enjoyment as well,” says Frierson says. “When they see that you do that, they will copy you.”
Rigley Primrose Schools
Preschool Perks
The immediate and long-term benefits of attending preschool
WORDS ALEXIS PATTERSON
PLUSES TO PRESCHOOL LEARNING
WHEN YOU HAVE A LITTLE ONE, you know it won’t be long before they’re immersed in school and all that entails. Most of the day will be spent with teachers and classmates. Homework will be a thing. Cocurricular activities will pop up. So it may be tempting—on some days or when they’re not trying your patience—to keep them home with you or loving relatives as long as you can. But hold on, Mom. Preschool may not be required, but there are plenty of reasons to enroll your child. We break down the benefits of preschool here. and less screen time. He became familiar with sitting at a desk, walking in a line, sharing with other children, speaking up, listening to adults beside Mom or Dad and following the directions.
My son is an only child, and he was never in nonfamilial care before he started preschool. It was hard to see his quivering chin when I dropped him off that first day, but he was soon happily heading off to class. His first preschool experience was two days a week; the next year, we enrolled in full-time pre-K. I’m so thankful for both of those experiences. They helped me fill his day with purposeful activity
“Pre-kindergarten establishes the foundation for a positive school experience,” affirms Kristi Brown, director of early childhood for Grapevine-Colleyville ISD. “It helps our youngest learners transition from home or childcare to a structured school day. This
“Through these experiences, it gives students the opportunity to build language skills and vocabulary that will benefit them for years to come.”
transition allows them to hit the ground running in kindergarten because they have a solid foundation of the expectations and procedures of a classroom.”
Of course, there’s also the education aspect. We worked on letters, numbers, colors, reading and so on at home, but preschool (full-time pre-K, in particular) really cemented those concepts.
“Pre-K teachers are able to create learning opportunities through purposeful play, allowing students to learn through experiences rather than worksheets,” explains Brown. “The Pre-K classroom has opportunities to play, explore and create in a way that is developmentally appropriate and meets the unique needs of each student. Through these experiences, it gives students the opportunity to build language skills and vocabulary that will benefit them for years to come.”
LONG-TERM PRESCHOOL OUTCOMES
Indeed, various long-term benefits are documented in research. A recent study looked at children who attended a preschool with an enrichment program developed by Penn State. The program was designed to improve social and emotional skills plus language and literacy through “stories, puppets and other activities that introduce concepts like understanding feelings, cooperation, friendship skills and self-control skills.”
Researchers found that the students were less likely to have behavior problems, trouble with peers or experience anxious or depressed feelings in adolescence.
“The program had an effect on internal benefits, including better emotion management and emotional well-being, as well as external benefits, such as reduced conduct problems,” reported Karen Bierman, professor of psychology. “So not only did the program result in fewer distressed adolescents, but it also resulted in less distress for their teachers and peers, as well.”
The program in the study focused on kids from low-income families, but the ideas and outcomes are important for children across the board.
Of course, not just any preschool program will do—its important to vet various schools and find the program that’s best for your family. Before scheduling preschool tours, be sure to find out first if the school is licensed or accredited, and, also, its philosophy. Since the answers to these questions could impact which schools you seriously consider, get those answers before taking a tour or putting them on your final list.
PRESCHOOL Q&A
The more information you have about the preschools you tour, the better you’ll be able to make your final decision. Don’t be shy about asking all the questions you want, but in case you need a place to start, here are 11 questions to ask when choosing a preschool.
• What does a typical day look like?
• What is your school’s approach to discipline?
• How is screen time and technology used during the day?
• How many kids are usually in a class?
• Does my child need to be potty trained?
• What kind of safety training do the teachers and staff have? Do you have a security protocol?
• If it’s a religious preschool, how is that faith incorporated?
• What is the policy for sick children?
• How involved are parents? Are there parent-teacher conferences?
• Are references from other parents available?
• Is there any financial aid or assistance?
➽ ABOVE // Process-based artwork using tempera sticks, tissue paper, cellophane and colorful masking tape.
More Than a Mess
How art processes help littles learn
WORDS ALLI ROGERS ANDREEN
YOUNG CHILDREN ARE NATURAL ARTISTS. They’re eager to explore their surroundings through creative problem solving, whether that’s building with blocks, telling stories with dolls, using sidewalk chalk or making mud pies. And art is a cornerstone to early childhood development—fostering critical thinking, social-emotional learning, fine motor skills and more. But it turns out, there are different ways to art—and different benefits too.
We might be most familiar with product-based art—say, a popsicle stick house. But when we shift our focus to the process of artmaking—no sample to follow, no step-by-step instructions—it becomes an open-ended experience where children are free to explore techniques, tools and materials. And the more open access we give to children to art supplies and opportunities for creation, the more we increase their development creatively, physically and cognitively.
Those of us who may have grown up in preschool and home environments ruled by the almighty “craft,” where we all made identical cotton ball snowmen destined for the fridge, may have a few questions about how to transition away from a product-focused creative mindset. What’s the difference between a product-based craft and process-based art? What does a child learn through process-based art? Is my entire home about to be covered in finger paint and glitter? Where do I even start?
As a practicing artist and art museum educator who creates process-based artmaking opportunities for families with young children, I know the power of a well-placed artful play provocation. I’m here to make a case for developmentally appropriate artmaking opportunities for children, and give you tips on how you can create those opportunities at home.
PROCESS OVER PRODUCT
There is a place for product-based crafts at home and in the classroom. These guided activities can be valuable tools for practicing important skills like listening to instructions, supporting executive function and honing fine motor coordination. Product-based projects are easy to spy because they do not align with developmental expectations for artmaking in early childhood. If a child has to follow specific instructions in order to make an owl project that looks just like every other owl project in their class, they are not making art
➽ ABOVE // Creating a collaborative garden with paper, art wire, pipe cleaners, curly straws and clay.
Without a focus on “right or wrong” approaches to creation, children engaging in process-based art activities get to focus on learning through experience and experimentation as they test combinations of materials, solve problems, collaborate and build new motor skills. This type of art is child-led, flexible, often relaxing or calming and unique to the child. While a preschool classroom’s art station might provide paint and scrap cardboard for all students to use, each child will make different choices while using the materials, resulting in distinctly different learning experiences and final artworks for everyone.
For littles, art is often a playful practice. Just as children enjoy assembling and combining their favorite toys to meet their imaginative ideas, children enjoy visiting and revisiting art materials to engage in sensory experiences and express ideas. The freedom to utilize paper, paint, glue and other artistic materials gives children the opportunity to practice cause and effect, confront challenges and explore complicated ideas visually and independently. What may look on the outside like a child “just making a mess” is, in reality, a child learning many life lessons all at once.
ADDRESSING THE MESS
Often, parents and caregivers skip out on processbased art projects at home because of the mess. And, yes, there is an inherent mess to the artmaking process. When encouraging early learners to play with art materials, things are bound to get chaotic in more ways than one. There will likely be stray marks on tables, scraps of paper littering the floor, and the odd puddle of glue to wipe up. The major adjustment for adults, however, comes with embracing the messiness and nuance of the learning process itself.
It can be frustrating to watch a 3-year-old learn how to use a glue bottle, because in order for them to build their fine motor and spatial skills enough to use it properly, they’re first going to be squeezing way too hard, or not hard enough, and “wasting” sticky glue in the process. At minimum, it’s a cleanup challenge. On a more nuanced level, this activity means watching your child struggle, make mistakes and work their way through frustration and resisting
the urge to swoop in immediately. The same carries over into other projects—learning to properly use paint, how to use scissors, how to pour liquids into new containers, how to fold and rip paper.
But instead of swooping in, sit back and watch. Give your child some space while they work. If you notice them struggling, wait to see how they fix their problem first. Don’t take over before they’ve had time to process and troubleshoot. Help your child build their tolerance for challenges.
You can even work on your own creation nearby and talk out loud while solving problems. For example, “I am having trouble getting this button to stick to my sculpture with just glue. Not sticky enough. I will try using some tape!”
When setting your child up for process-based artmaking, choose developmentally appropriate (non-toxic, washable) art materials. Invest in a smock or dedicate an outfit or oversized shirt to wear while painting. Cover your work surface in newspaper or a reusable vinyl tablecloth to make cleanup a breeze. And build 5-10 minutes of “clean up” into your schedule and teach your child how they can help with the process—sweeping, wiping things down, putting crayons back in containers, etc.
Virtually every artistic medium provides children with an opportunity to make a literal mess and engage in messy and complicated life learning skills. With process-based art in early childhood, the learning is worth the mess.
TRUST THE PROCESS
Process-based art helps young children realize…
• I can make something all by myself!
• I can help myself feel calm or relaxed when I draw or paint.
• I can share my stories and ideas using pictures and words.
• I can take challenges and solve problems, like learning to use scissors or finding the right way to glue things together.
• I can use my hands to do important things, like squeeze a glue bottle or tie a knot.
See ad on page 19.
Celebree School
celebree.com/dallas-tx 410/515-8750
Celebree School provides exceptional early childhood
469/642-2000
Challenger School offers uniquely fun and academic classes for preschool through eighth grade. Students learn to think for themselves and to value independence—results are
at the More Choice Expo. See ad on page 9.
Goldberg Early Childhood Center jccdallas.org/goldberg-earlychildhood-center
214/239-7117
The Goldberg Early Childhood Center is a safe, inclusive and respectful space built on a foundation of Jewish values that guide our everyday learning and decision-making. See ad on page 22.
Hope Day School hopedayschooldallas.org
214/351-5657
Hope Day School provides faith-based early childhood education for children ages 6 weeks to 12 years, offering fulltime care, part-time programs and enrichment activities in a nurturing environment focused on academic and spiritual growth. See ad on page 11.
Lumin Education lumineducation.org
214/321-9155
At Lumin Education, we transform the lives of children. Through early childhood education programs and an uncompromised approach to Montessori, Lumin Education helps children realize their potential and unlocks their love of learning.
See ad on page 25.
Montessori Children’s House and School mchsdallas.org
214/348-6276
MCHS is dedicated to providing quality Montessori education to children 2–6 years of age when children are naturally enabled with the capacity to make substantial leaps in their academic, cognitive and social development. See ad on page 25.
Oakridge School theoakridgeschool.org
817/451-4994
The Oakridge School’s Early Childhood program fosters curiosity, creativity and character through hands-on learning, play-based experiences and individualized attention— empowering young learners to grow academically, socially and emotionally in a nurturing, inclusive environment. See ad on page 12.
Parker-Chase Preschool parker-chase.com
Parker-Chase Preschool offers
top-tier education for infants to pre-kindergartners. Our curriculum and teachers foster a love for learning through engaging activities. With two locations in Collin County, we’re ready to start your child’s academic adventure! See ad on page 19.
Rigley Primrose Schools
primroseprestonwood.com
469/791-9131
The Primrose Balanced Learning® Focuses on intellectual development, creative, physical, social emotional and life skills in authentic, age-appropriate ways tailored to each child. Early education experts, insights from the latest child development modern research. See ad on page 19.
Southwest Christian School southwestchristian.org
817/294-0350
At Southwest Christian School, each child is seen as a gift from God where we seek to grow the whole child—heart, mind and body. We are academically excellent, globally minded and distinctively Christian. See ad on page 15.
Spanish World School spanishworldschool.com 214/826-6350
Spanish World School is a Spanish immersion, projectbased school located in East Dallas with two preschools (ages 3 months–5 years), an accredited private school (grades K–5) and an adult school. See ad on page 25.
Trinity Lutheran
Children’s Center
tlcfw.org
817/732-8522
TLCC is a ministry of Trinity Lutheran Church to the families of the congregation and the community. We provide Christian loving care as well as emotional, intellectual, physical, social and spiritual growth for each child.
The Westwood School westwoodschool.org
972/239-8598
Our toddler and primary Montessori program provides a safe, welcoming
community where students are encouraged to explore through hands-on learning and can begin building the foundation they need to thrive in the classroom and beyond. See ad on page 22.
Classes
River Legacy Nature Center riverlegacy.org 817/860-6752
Our Nature School, summer camps, enrichment classes, Homeschool Club and Nature Adventurers offer hands-on, immersive nature education and bonding experiences tailored to various age groups, fostering curiosity and environmental stewardship for all learners.
Healthcare
Children’s Health childrens.com
Children’s HealthSM is the #1 pediatric hospital in North Texas and ranked in all 11 pediatric specialties by the U.S. News & World Report
Our #1 goal: making life better for children. See ad on page 2.
Scottish Rite for Children scottishriteforchildren.org 214/559-5000
Scottish Rite for Children is a world-renowned leader in the treatment of pediatric orthopedic conditions, sports injuries and fractures, and certain related arthritic and neurological disorders and learning disorders, such as dyslexia. See ad on back cover.
Special Needs
Behavior Exchange behaviorexchange.com 972/312-8733
The Behavior Exchange has helped children with autism, developmental delays and special needs reach their potential through expert ABA therapy for over 20 years. Visit us in Plano, Frisco or Prosper, Texas. See ad on page 22.
Expert Care for Growing Bodies
From common conditions to the most complex, Scottish Rite for Children provides premier patient-centered orthopedic care with unmatched expertise.
The U.S. News & World Report ranking is in conjunction with Children’s Medical Center Dallas where our physicians provide services through their