The Nanny League recognizes that childhood is shaped not just by joyful milestones but also by the ways we help children through life’s inevitable disruptions, both big and small.

From Catastrophic to Mundane: Why All Transitions Matter

Grief doesn’t always show up in obvious ways. For some children, it can show up as quiet withdrawal. For others, it may be sudden emotional outbursts or trouble sleeping. And while returning to school after summer break may seem routine to adults, for a child, it can bring feelings of anxiety, sadness, or overwhelm.

Transitions, whether catastrophic or everyday, can leave children feeling nervous. But with the right emotional environment, we can help them regain a sense of safety and stability.

What Caregivers Can Do: Supporting Children Through Life’s Ups and Downs

Here are a few tools to help you create a supportive, emotionally secure space for the children in your care:

1. Prioritize Predictability

In times of stress or grief, even the smallest routine can provide comfort. Keeping wake-up and bedtime routines consistent, building in quiet moments, and maintaining shared mealtimes can go a long way in helping children feel safe.

Tip: If your existing routines have been disrupted, consider introducing gentle structure like a morning “check-in” or after-school walk to reestablish a sense of normalcy.

2. Take Breaks

Not every moment needs to be productive. Children and their caregivers need a balance of activity, rest, and connection. When transitioning into the school year or recovering from a traumatic event, it’s helpful to notice energy shifts throughout the day and adjust accordingly. While routines are helppful, slowing down is just as important.

Tip: Allow extra time during transitions, and notice what moments seem to drain or energize your child.

3. Create or Reinforce Family Habits

Whether it’s singing a song at bedtime, sharing daily gratitude, or having a special goodbye phrase before school, these little habits offer emotional security and continuity, even when the world around them feels uncertain.

Tip: Ask your child to help choose a new ���Ϲ��� habit to empower them with a voice in their changing environment.

4. Make Room for Emotion Without Needing to “Fix” It

Children experiencing grief or anxiety may not always verbalize what they’re feeling. Let them know that it’s okay to feel sad, scared, or confused. Sometimes, the most supportive response is simply being present and listening.

Tip: Instead of saying “don’t cry,” try “I’m here with you.” Your calm presence is more powerful than your solution.

5. Be Gentle With Yourself Too

Children look to the adults in their lives for cues on how to navigate the world. Just like how nervous plane passengers look to the Flight Attendants to see if they’re calm during turbulence, children look to their caregivers.��

Offering them support doesn’t require perfection, it just requires presence. When you take time to regulate your own emotions, you’re modeling self-care and resilience for the little ones you love.

In Partnership With Families

The Nanny League is committed to supporting families through every chapter, especially the hard ones. Whether you’re navigating grief, back-to-school nerves, or something in between, know that you’re not alone.

We encourage you to explore this resource on and for more tools and inspiration. It’s full of practical ideas for bringing calm, connection, and care to your daily rhythm.

Let’s keep showing up for the children in our lives with grace, patience, and love.

Photo via��

In a rapidly evolving world, fostering a child’s enthusiasm for learning is more crucial than ever. As parents, we have the unique opportunity to shape our children’s educational experiences, encouraging them to explore, question, and grow. This guide provides actionable strategies to inspire your child’s curiosity and creativity, laying the foundation for a lifelong love of learning. From engaging in artistic endeavors to exploring the wonders of science, each activity is a stepping stone towards a brighter future.

Nurture Creativity With Artistic Activities

Engaging in artistic activities with your children is a wonderful way to foster their creativity and strengthen your bond. Whether you’re painting, drawing, or crafting, these moments can become cherished memories. To preserve these artistic treasures without cluttering your home, consider digitizing their artwork. With the��, you can quickly and easily capture any image from your device’s camera and convert it into a PDF. This digital approach not only saves space but also allows you to revisit and share your child’s artistic journey for years to come.

Create a Dynamic Learning Routine

Routines help us all feel more comfortable because they help to prevent anxiety about the unknown��. However, it’s essential to develop a learning routine for your child that balances structured activities with ample breaks. Tailor the schedule to fit your child’s age and developmental stage, ensuring younger children have more frequent breaks, while older ones can engage in longer periods of focused activity. Involving your child in creating their schedule can foster independence and a sense of ownership over their learning journey.

Get Busy In The Kitchen

Engaging your children in cooking activities is a fantastic way to nurture their love for learning while��. When kids measure ingredients, they practice math concepts like addition and fractions. By following a recipe, they learn the importance of sequencing and precision. Cooking also offers a hands-on opportunity to explore scientific concepts, such as how heat transforms solids into liquids or gasses. This approach not only makes learning enjoyable but also instills a sense of independence and accomplishment in your children.

Take Field Trips

Regular visits to museums, libraries, or science centers can greatly enrich your child’s understanding of the world by exposing them to a variety of ideas and knowledge. These outings provide an immersive learning experience that goes beyond what books can offer, engaging the imagination through interactive displays and large installations. By exploring exhibits that connect with their school subjects or personal interests, children can enhance their critical and creative thinking skills. If you can’t find a local museum that offers kid-friendly exhibits, try��.

Transform Reading into an Interactive Adventure

To nurture a lifelong love of learning in your child, consider integrating interactive e-books and audiobooks into their reading routine. These����make reading more engaging and accessible, catering to children of various reading abilities. Some platforms offer tools to create personalized e-books featuring your child’s favorite characters and stories, making reading both fun and educational.

Let Them Choose

Encouraging children to choose their own books is a powerful way to nurture their love for reading and learning. When kids have the autonomy to select stories that resonate with their interests, they are����deeply with the material. This choice not only enhances their enjoyment but also supports their emotional development by allowing them to explore themes and characters that reflect their own experiences.

Find Life Lessons Through Community Service

Engaging your children in community service projects can be a powerful way to nurture their love for learning and personal growth. By participating in activities that resonate with their interests, they not only develop new skills but also gain valuable real-world experiences. Encouraging involvement in such projects helps build a����as children witness the positive impact of their efforts on the community.

Lead By Example

Your enthusiasm for learning can significantly impact your children, demonstrating the importance of education and personal growth. If you’ve been postponing your educational goals, consider the flexibility of an online degree to pursue your dreams while managing daily responsibilities. For example, if you’ve always wanted to help people, you can gain insights into human behavior by exploring��, equipping yourself to support others. This not only fulfills your aspirations but also sets a powerful example for your children, showing them that learning is a lifelong journey.

By embracing these strategies, you can empower your child to explore the world with curiosity and confidence. As they navigate this path, they will be equipped with the tools and mindset needed to thrive in an ever-changing world.

Discover the perfect match for your ���Ϲ���’s unique needs with��The Nanny League, where you can find the right caregiver for your child through a trusted and personalized placement process.

As the school year comes to an end and summer approaches, children rejoice, while parents and nannies adjust. The transition from structured school days to the freedom of summer break marks a time of excitement and adaptation for families and their trusted caregivers. It’s a season filled with endless possibilities for exploration, learning, and creating cherished memories. Let’s delve into how families and nannies can navigate this transition and make the most of the upcoming longer days and warmer nights.

Adjusting Nanny’s Schedule: If you have a nanny who is transitioning into a summer role, discuss and finalize the new schedule and hours for the summer months. This may involve shifting from a school-year schedule to a full-time or part-time summer schedule, depending on the ���Ϲ���’s needs.

Collaborative Planning: Work collaboratively with the nanny to establish a summer routine that includes daily activities, mealtimes, nap times (if applicable), outdoor play, and educational enrichment activities. Clear communication and planning can help ensure a smooth transition for both the nanny and the children.

Flexibility, Adaptability, & Organization: Emphasize the importance of flexibility and adaptability during the summer months. Whether it’s preparing for summer camps and or coordinating travel plans, staying organized is key. Create checklists, set reminders, and communicate schedules with ���Ϲ��� members and nanny to ensure everybody is on the same page.

Prepare for Transitions: If there are any major transitions happening during the summer, such as moving to a new house or starting a new school in the fall, take time to prepare children emotionally and provide support during these changes. Your nanny can play a crucial role in helping children navigate these transitions by providing comfort and consistency.

Support and Appreciation: We always encourage our families to show appreciation for the nanny’s dedication and commitment to caring for their children. During the summer, the nanny’s hours may often be longer. Acknowledging their role in creating a positive and nurturing environment for the children and expressing gratitude goes a long way.

Summer break is a great time for learning outside of school, staying active, and recharging. Nannies can engage children in hands-on activities like science experiences, art projects, or cooking lessons, fostering curiosity and creativity in a relaxed environment. Trips to museums, libraries, and nature centers can further ignite their thirst for knowledge and discovery. Sunny days beckon outdoor adventure and physical pursuits. Amidst the excitement of summer, it’s equally crucial to carve out moments for rest and rejuvenation. Nannies can collaborate with families to establish a balanced routine that includes downtime for reading, imaginative play, or simply basking in the tranquility of nature. These moments of relaxation are essential for mental well-being and fostering creativity.

By embracing the multifaceted opportunities that summer break presents, families and nannies can co-create a dynamic and enriching experience for children. It’s time to celebrate curiosity, foster growth, and build lasting memories that extend beyond the classroom walls.

Shop some of our favorite summer related children’s books, ���Ϲ��� friendly organizational products, and more . We’ve done the research for you, gathering a collection of must-have items and engaging activities to enhance your summertime experience.

Don’t forget to make your summer travels hassle-free with the help of BabyQuip. They’ll work with your vacation rental host or hotel concierge to deliver the essential gear directly to your accommodation before arrival or once you’ve settled in. Book today and use code TNL20 for a discount!

We’re excited to announce our partnership with BabyQuip! BabyQuip makes travel with young children easier by matching parents and nannies with a network of certified Quality Providers to rent baby gear from. Rent items that are clean, safe, and insured.

BabyQuip is the #1 Baby Gear Rental Service. With over 1,000+ locations worldwide, 1,500+ quality providers, and a 94 net promoter score. Choose from 50,000+ items to rent from and more!

How Does it Work?

Airport Deliveries

Ready to hit the ground running as soon as your plane lands? Have a car seat, stroller, or other baby gear delivered to you right at the airport.

Just like if a friend or a ���Ϲ��� member were meeting you at the airport, your local Quality Provider will ask for your trip details ahead of time and monitor your flight status. Simply call or text your QP once you’ve landed and follow their instructions on where to meet!

Due to logistics and potential delays, some Quality Providers charge an additional fee for airport deliveries.

Hotels, Resorts, or Vacation Rental Properties

Whether you’re staying at a cozy Airbnb or a popular resort, BabyQuip delivers gear to all types of vacation accommodations.

BabyQuip Quality Providers can often coordinate with your vacation rental host or hotel concierge to have your gear ready and waiting for you before you even arrive. Another option is to have your gear delivered to you once you’ve settled in.

Just let your Quality Provider know what works best for you!

Family Residences

If you’re hosting ���Ϲ��� from out of town or traveling to visit a loved one, BabyQuip Quality Providers are happy to deliver and set up your gear ahead of time so you can focus on the fun.

Coordinating delivery with local ���Ϲ��� members prior to your arrival is perfect for grandparents who need a car seat in order to pick up their grandchild from the airport or want to have a cozy crib ready for naptime after a long road trip.

Chat with your QP to arrange delivery details!

Self-Pickup & Self-Return

You can arrange to pick up your rental gear yourself and return it when your reservation ends. When choosing a QP, make sure to select one that offers self-pickup and self-return. You will see their approximate address before booking and the exact address will be sent to you in an email after the reservation is confirmed. Same-day reservations are not guaranteed. Be sure to reach out to your Quality Provider to confirm availability.

Please note that full-size folding cribs do not fit in all vehicles. Your QP can help answer any questions you have.

Life has a way of putting you in odd situations – like you becoming a parent (or soon-to-be one) just
when you’re committed to starting your own business. If this is happening to you, you’re going to have
to stay on your toes to balance ���Ϲ��� time with the needs of your business. Here, the
offers advice to new (or soon-to-be) parents on taking care of their child while running a business:

Understand what your newborn needs
Newborns sleep for up to 16 hours a day, going by a, which means you won’t need to
spend every waking hour with your child. Still, your – including diapering, bathing,
feeding, playtime, massaging, and more. You’ll have to anticipate said needs (it takes practice) and
manage your time to adequately care for your child and business.
Introduce your child to a routine

Routines can be your best friend – not only do newborns thrive on routines (it offers a sense of
consistency and security), but they also allow you to organize your day optimally for work, child care,
and, hopefully, personal time. a flexible routine, starting about a month old,
with activities like designated feeding times, monitored naps, and sleep cues.

Organize your space
Organizing your space makes it easier for you to look after your child and work simultaneously. For
instance, consider setting up a home office next to the nursery. That way, you can keep an eye on both your business as well as your child and quickly walk over when they need you. Also, will make it easier to tend to your child.

Follow a business plan
Having a business plan can give you clarity on what you need to do to be successful and give you
concrete goals to aim for, short-term and long-term. This document contains details about your
company, your monetization strategy, the structure of your company, your funding sources, financial
projections, market research, and other key details. By making this document, you’ll be able to use your
time constructively and avoid missteps.

Make your business processes more efficient to save time
There are only so many hours in the day. is essential to
getting the most out of your time (and becoming more profitable). Some ways to bring in more
efficiency are automating processes, redesigning processes, digitizing, using , and
using data analytics for decision-making.

A simple but powerful suggestion is re-organizing your files by using just one of many . If you have multiple projects involving multiple teams or clients, you will likely have to work with
countless individual files for each client and project. You can make life easier by using the PDF merger
tool to re-organize various individual files into one (or a low number), having a primary PDF file for every
project. You can move page orders around in the PDF as you like. It cuts down on the time it takes to
find important documents and information.

Don’t do it alone – ask for help
You shouldn’t do everything on your own. You should, ideally, work with your partner (if applicable) to
take turns looking after your newborn, and you can always ask for help from ���Ϲ��� or friends. When it
comes to your business, you should delegate. If your budget is an issue, you can hire part-time
employees or outsource work to freelancers.

Last, but not least, consider acquiring a We staff
newborn care specialists and nannies who help with infant care. Also, we provide household managers
and personal assistants to look after day-to-day tasks and chores, leaving you free to focus on key
business tasks.

Conclusion
Being efficient and organized is how you’ll have enough time to take care of your child as well as your
business. Don’t forget to take care of yourself while you’re at it – being a parent-cum-entrepreneur is
hard work. Leave enough time for rest, follow a self-care routine, and ask for help to avoid burning out.

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Arguably one of the most sought-after skills for a good nanny is one’s ability to put others before themselves. Consequently, as a result, this often leads to one’s inability to properly take care of themselves. However, in order to be a great nanny, there needs to be a balance between caring for others and caring for yourself. Below we have listed our top tips that allow you to not only achieve this balance, but also set you up for success in all things nanny!

Create Work-Life Balance

Nobody gets into the nanny field because they want to ditch the old 9-5 and take on a smaller workload. On average, a nanny can find themselves . Throw some overnight shifts in the mix, and you’re looking at some long, tiresome weeks.

The regular routine that comes with being a nanny does not leave a whole lot of time to yourself, so in order to make certain that you’re getting the most out of what little free time you might have, spend it doing the things you love the most. Hobbies such as writing, exercising, and engaging in activities with loved ones are some of our personal favorite ways to spend our time away from work. If you find yourself being able to better relax and decompress alone, then we suggest a more “self-love”-y route. Doing things that allow you to fully submerge yourself into some well-deserved me-time, such as reading your favorite book, adding bubbles to a hot bath, digging out your cookbook, and making a home-cooked meal for yourself.

Put Your Health First

How can we care for somebody else’s health if we can’t care for our own? This is a very straightforward question, yet, lots of nannies still struggle with it. Staying on top of our own physical and mental health sets us up with the best foundation to care for others. Forget the way Hollywood romanticizes nannying because, in reality, the day-to-day of a nanny is not as glamorous as it is made to seem. Certain situations may arise where you need to be quick on your feet, something that you won’t be able to do if you are mentally and physically exhausted and unwell.

Our eyes are a wonderful example of putting this into practice. With how busy and on-the-go nannies can feel, it’s easy to neglect that headache that won’t go away, and ignore the obvious signs of eye fatigue from long days and nights with little to no rest. Solutions like updating your prescription take just a few minutes now that you can A few minutes compared to that 3-hour nap you might accidentally slip into on the job is a pretty fair trade-off. You’ll barely even miss a beat in your day, and the proper prescription will have you feeling clear and ready to take on all of the other important responsibilities of being a nanny. Not to mention, you’ll score personal bonus points by demonstrating that your health is your priority!

Seize New Opportunities

The year 2021 has been nicknamed “The Great Resignation” because it was a time when the cost of living increased while the wages of many workers remained unchanged. Do you find yourself working for a ���Ϲ��� that is becoming increasingly toxic, or you simply aren’t happy with the money you’re making? Making the decision to leave might be in your best interest. Thousands of nannies right now are leaving their positions behind in search of new opportunities, especially if they are not being paid fair and legal wages. Whether you’re being micromanaged, have a growing list of tedious responsibilities, or feel a lack of appreciation; this might just be your sign. The internet makes the job search easy as you have hundreds of waiting for you at the tips of your fingers every day. Know your worth and start the new year with a better position. You just never know what dream job you might end up with if you never try!

Change Up Your Work Routine

Burnout can happen no matter what line of work you are in. While you can reach this physical and emotional exhaustion from working too many hours, you can also experience burnout if your workdays become repetitive. As a nanny, this can be very difficult but staying agile with dynamic ideas can assist in combating this. For starters, you can reevaluate your daily routine to pinpoint the areas of frustration that may need a little revamping. Keep in mind that being a nanny is so much more than just caring for children. It’s being a mentor, role model, and keeping them active. Things such as cooking and day trips offer an endless amount of potential. Adding some new activities to do with your little ones may be the breath of fresh air you’ve been looking for.

Nanny Tip: As the weather gets warmer, look for fun ways to break out of your winter habits! Discovering will allow you to break up your routine and offer fun new activities to keep the kids busy and you feeling refreshed. Adding new events like these adds variety to your schedule which, ultimately, puts a halt to your burnout.

Putting yourself first as a nanny this year will guarantee that you can show up as the best version of yourself. Need any advice or further insight to help you achieve success in your nanny career, don’t hesitate to reach out to us via info@thenannyleague.com. We are always here for support; to offer advice, to serve as mentors, or to just lend an ear!

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Homework has several benefits for students. Apart from extending the studies beyond class, homework teaches children to manage their time and to exercise independent thinking. You can help them stay organized, solve problems, and , which is especially important in terms of co-parenting. However, without the right strategies, homework can be problematic and stressful for both you and your child, which can lead to meltdowns or behavior issues. The more you can do to get involved and find strategies that will work for your child’s specific needs, the easier it will be for her to take responsibility and get the job done.

Here are a few tips you can employ the next time you help your child with homework.

can match your ���Ϲ��� with competent and nurturing nannies you can trust to care for your children. Call 310-893-9355 to learn more!

Leverage The Power of Technology

provides tremendous benefits for homework. Your child can submit assignments online, and you need not worry about losing the files. Through mobile devices such as smartphones, tablets, and laptops, your child can do their homework in school, on the way home, and at home. With a portable device, and an internet connection, children have access to unlimited books and information online. Adding in a pair of ensures they can stay focused.

Talk with the Teachers

Staying in with teachers is crucial in helping your child with homework. Most teachers do not have the time to tailor homework to meet every student’s needs, but with your feedback, they can work on a different approach to teach your child or give them individual assignments. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, and encourage your child to do the same. Many schools offer communication tools that allow parents to keep in touch with their child’s educators via an app, which can make it easier to stay on top of assignments, due dates, and potential issues. You can also set up a parent/teacher conference each semester to get an idea of your child’s progress.

Lead by Example

Children emulate what they see around them. If you want your child to develop good, or to ensure that they do their homework on time, you have to do it, too. Does this mean that you should do homework? No. However, your child will take up your reading habits if they see you reading, and the benefits of with younger children are numerous. They will also be more organized if you lead by example and give them the right tools.

in your child has several benefits. They will understand vocabulary better, improve their attention span, and increase their thirst for knowledge. Each of these habits will, in turn, reflect on their homework. If your child is an avid reader, the chances that they will perform better on their homework are higher, since they will have the know-how.

Reward Effort

The way you react to your child’s habits influences their behavior, both positively and negatively. As a parent, your mission may be to cultivate a positive attitude toward homework in your children. For example, rewarding your child after they finish the assignment will help them perform better continuously because it boosts motivation. Things like attention, toys, screen time, and praise are essential in boosting your child’s confidence. Even engaging your child in some fun activities outdoors can show your appreciation for their effort. For example, you could set up a fun treasure hunt or take a trip to the zoo. Such activities also make for great bonding time, which is crucial for families who are dealing with divorce or are experiencing co-parenting.

Helping your child with their homework will improve your bonding experience with your child. It will also help them approach you for solutions and stay organized. By communicating with your child’s teacher, using technology, and rewarding your child, homework will be easier for both of you.

by: Jenna Sherman Jenna��Sherman��| Parent-leaders.com |��jennas@parent-leaders.com

As children we were told that reading is important, and many of us are among the millions of library users, audible subscribers, and bookstore shoppers. But exactly why is it important and how do we convince kids of its inherent value? Well, like most things, there’s a fiscal angle here. According to��, “adults whose annual household income is $30,000 or less are more likely than those living in households earning $75,000 or more a year to be non-book readers.” In other words, reading is associated with a higher income.��

But, of course, it’s not only about the money. Reading is the gatekeeper of knowledge acquisition. Readers tend to be more empathetic humans because they view the world from multiple different perspectives thanks to the lens of fiction. Reading both fiction and non-fiction helps us become stronger communicators, better at speaking and writing. It’s only natural, therefore, to want to give our children an edge in life by encouraging them to read–to read well and read profusely. Here, we’ll examine the many different benefits there are from reading and how to encourage kids of any age to read more.

What Are the Benefits of Reading?

Most of us know that reading offers many benefits, but it’s helpful to spell them out, especially if we’re faced with��. Who are reluctant readers? They’re the 27% of adults who haven’t read a book in the last year, a statistic that’s up, according to Pew, by 10% from a decade ago. Parents know that reading requires some self-discipline and patience; and, the truth is, it doesn’t always provide the instant gratification that streaming movies and video games do. But, the better we understand the benefits of reading, the more disciplined we can be about supporting our children’s healthy reading habits and encouraging them to spend time with books.��

Key Benefits of Reading:

Builds vocabulary:��children who read are likely to encounter more new words than non-readers. Reading supports vocabulary acquisition and helps kids to become more effective at expressing themselves in speech and writing.��

Supports communication and social skills:��as kids read, they pick up on sentence structure and multiple ways of expressing thoughts. This helps them to become more skilled at communication. Better communicators tend to navigate their social environment more effectively than people who struggle to communicate.

Promotes independence and self-confidence:��reading is a life skill. When children feel that they’ve mastered this skill, they grow in self-confidence and are certainly more independent because they are aware that they have the skills to find answers to their questions.��

Enhances safety: can books make kids safer? When kids are reading books, they aren’t encountering content on YouTube or TikTok that is potentially harmful.��

Supports imagination:��reading words on a page allows kids to transport themselves to other places, other worlds, other mindsets with their imaginations running full steam ahead.

Entertains and engages the reader:��if you haven’t stayed up past your bedtime because you’ve gotten lost in a great book, have you really lived your best life? We think not.��

Improves grammar skills:��Learning the mechanics of good writing isn’t fun. Somehow, when we learn these things through reading our favorite stories, it’s fun. We aren’t even aware that we’re learning these things!

Stimulates curiosity:��reading inspires new interests because it confronts us with topics we weren’t familiar with before. That spark of curiosity can set up on a path to life-long learning.

How to Encourage Your Children to Read at Home

The earlier we begin to encourage reading, the better, but it’s never too late to nurture a love for books in your kids. Although you know your child best, you can rely on some tried-and-true techniques among other parents and educators for encouraging your kid to read. Here are some ideas to try out:

Create a reading niche:��just because you can’t have Belle’s library (alas), you can still create a small library or cozy����in your home. It might be a reading tent in a corner of your child’s bedroom or a window seat beside a shelf of good books. Have your child help with its design so they’re invested in its success.��

Set an example:��parents are the most successful teachers–and kids learn our positive and negative behaviors. If they never see us reading, they’re unlikely to be convinced of reading’s fundamental importance to life–to real life, the life that adults are privy to.����so they understand that you value it with actions, not just words.

Read to them when they’re young:��children enjoy listening to stories, and that builds developmental skills too. Read to them and then discuss the stories. You’ll find that your chats will become treasured experiences you share together. Plus, when kids are interested in books when��, the more likely to find them interesting as they age.

Keep reading materials in your home: “no kid who has parents who are interested in him and a houseful of books is poor.” –Sam Levinson. Enrich your kids’ lives by filling their bookshelves.��

Support kids’ reading interests:����or adventure stories might not be your cup of tea, but it’s more important for kids to enjoy what they’re reading when they’re young than to instruct them to read classics or more cumbersome texts before they’re ready. Support their interests by visiting libraries and bookstores together to find their favorite types of books.

Enjoy audiobooks: audiobooks are easy on the eyes, and they offer many of the same����as reading, but in listening form. Listen to audiobooks together when driving or doing household chores together.��

Read each day:��by making reading a part of the daily routine, you can help kids develop robust reading skills. Reading will become a positive habit for them, one they can carry into adulthood.

Reading and Post-Reading Activities

Parents and other ���Ϲ��� members can enhance the benefits kids can obtain by complementing reading with a few related activities. While you might think that school teachers have plenty of time for these types of activities, the truth is that there often isn’t time during the school day for kids to “luxuriate” over books and book activities. However, you can supplement what happens in the classroom with����of your own such as these:

Illustrate text:��encourage your budding artist to create art for their favorite books. Have them design a book jacket, bookmarks, or a poster for their��. Grab some crayons and you can channel your inner artist too!

Describe the text:��ensure that kids are comprehending what they’re reading by asking them to describe what’s happening in their book.��Paraphrasing is an important developmental skill. You can also encourage them to describe settings and characters. By discussing the texts, you help children feel more connected to what they’ve read. This connection helps build a foundation for loving books.

De-stress and unwind:��kids get stressed too. Books can help them take a break from their worries. Unwinding with books conveys to them that there are healthy ways to decrease stress and rejuvenate after a trying day.

List new words:��ask your child to pick out some words from the text that are unfamiliar to them. Then, tell them to go look up the definitions in the Merriam Webster–Nah! Just kidding. Don’t do that! Leave that activity for the classroom! Instead, choose a new word together and discuss its meaning. Then make a game of using that word throughout the day when talking. This will help them to improve their working vocabulary.

Write a letter to an author:��when your child finds a book they love, take time to write a letter or send a postcard to the author or the publisher. In many cases, publishers will reply–and sometimes send cool stuff like bookmarks.��

Attend library programs:��public libraries feature book-related activities and storytelling sessions for kids of different ages throughout the year. Be sure that your child, at least, takes part in the summer reading program. It’s a great way for them to connect with other young readers and enjoy fun activities together.

Reading Skills by Age

While we all develop our skills at a slightly different pace, there are some markers that we can use as a guide for ensuring that our children have the����to thrive as young learners. Here, we’ve outlined them for you:��

Babies��(up to 12 months)

Understand that speaking communicates meaning

Learns up to 50 words with their meanings

Responds when they are spoken to

Toddlers��(ages 1-2)

Pretend to read books

Can point to pictures and identify images in books

Can turn book pages

Can answer simple questions about stories (what is the farmer’s name?)

Preschoolers��(ages 3-4)

Knows how to care for books (i.e. doesn’t rip pages or color in them)

Can retell their favorite stories

Sit with a book independently

Is aware that letters make words

Begins to learn (or even masters) the alphabet

Kindergarten��(age 5)

Learns letters and their sounds

Can match spoken words to written words

Can provide a definition or explanation of words

Can predict what may happen in a story

Can retell a story with accuracy

Young elementary school students��(age 6-7)

Read longer books (i.e. chapter books) on their own

Can read aloud with increasing proficiency

Correctly use basic punctuation (i.e. period and question mark)

Can spell age-appropriate words correctly

Older elementary school students��(ages 8-10)

Can spell increasingly difficult vocabulary and use the words in their own writing

Can provide written summaries about what they’ve read

Can answer questions about what they’ve read with accuracy and increasing complexity

Understands different types of writing (i.e. poetry, biography, fiction, non-fiction, etc…)

Can identify different parts of speech (i.e. noun, verb)

Middle and high schoolers��

Can read and write about more complex writing

Write essays and research papers

Cite their sources

Determine central ideas conveyed in texts��

Analyze point of view or perspective in text

Read increasingly challenging texts

What Are Some Top Books for Kids?

If you’re eager to encourage your kids to read, we’ve got some great recommendations for you. It can be helpful to seek out award-winning books when building your home library. Check with your local kids’ librarian about the best books for your��.

Young readers��(age 4-7 years)

��by Simms Taback

��by Kevin Henkes

��by David Shannon

Middle readers��(ages 8-10 years)

��by William Steig

��by Madeleine L’Engle

��by Kate DiCamillo

Older readers��(ages 11-14 years)

��by Richard Peck

��by Lois Lowery

��by Christopher Paul Curtis

All ages

��by Jon J. Muth

��by Donald Hall

��by Dylan Thomas

These books can help you inspire a love for reading in your kids, but there are thousands of others. Be sure to visit your local library and area bookstores with your kids so they can explore their reading interests. In fact, you may find that you expand yours too!

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Maria Jose is a Marketing Specialist and does Content Marketing at Porch. She is passionate about animals and her hobbies are reading, writing, traveling and music.

Teaching toddlers is somewhat of a hidden mystery. Of course, we have Pinterest (thank goodness for Pinterest!), but it doesn’t really tell us the timeline to teach certain skills or always the why behind it. We want learning and crafts to be fun for our kids, of course, or why even do it? The goal of play-based learning in early childhood education is to begin to foster a love of learning. We want to create this love of learning early. The deeper the roots, the wider the garden.

If you can teach your child to find joy in the learning process, they (and you) will reap the benefits for years to come. Sending your child off to preschool and kindergarten with a mindset that learning is fun and enjoyable is equivalent to sending an athlete onto the field knowing that they are the best at their craft. We wouldn’t send our kids into game day without significant practice and learning the rules of the game first, would we? We want to give our children the appropriate head start that will in essence give them the confidence and ability to tackle new challenges that will eventually come their way.

Starting this learning process early and making sure it’s play-based and fun will set your child up to thrive for years to come.

Here are some ways to teach your toddler to love the learning process.

#1 Make it FUN & Encourage Them

Toddlers should be having fun. Learning should not feel like work to them. They will have plenty of work for years to come; the learning process at this age should be fun. Focus on what motivates your child and use it. Toddlers and encouragement go hand and hand. Toddlers love anything encouraging so do your best to be positive and enthusiastic as possible when you’re teaching your child. Well-meaning praise can really enhance your child’s self-esteem and can help them tackle any new challenges that will come their way.

#2 Find Their Learning Style

While teaching kindergarten, I had many different types of learners. The majority fell into three categories: visual, auditory, and kinesthetic (movement). My goal when teaching��various types of learners��is��to always give each learner an opportunity to learn the material using their preferred learning style. This wasn’t something I labeled or anything they knew about, but you could often see how they best learned when something clicked for them.��Using��varied��techniques��to��teach��all��three��learning styles��can benefit��every��student,��since they are getting multiple chances to learn and experiment with the new material. When teaching your toddler a new skill, try to teach them using each learning style and notice which style seems to��resonate��with them most. I encourage you to continue using all��three��learning styles each time you introduce a new��skill. This way,�� they��will be getting multiple��opportunities to practice, retain, and fully��understand the new information.

#3 Play Games

One of my favorite things to do with my toddler is to play learning games. To him, it’s just fun because it’s a game and we’re playing it together, but it’s certainly a bonus since he’s in the learning process. Some of our favorite games to play right now are matching. We like to match uppercase & lowercase letters, letters & letter sounds, numbers & quantities, colors & color words, etc. One of his most favorite games to play is to hide all of the letters around the room and try to find them in order from A-Z, which is actually quite a hard task. Sometimes he even hides them and then finds them- which turns out to be a game of solo playing. Games are a great way to learn and practice new skills.��And remember, when you’re having fun, they’re having fun. And when they’re having fun, the learning will stick.��

#4 Make it Easy

As I mentioned earlier, Pinterest is an amazing resource to find fun crafts and activities to teach your little one, but it can be time-consuming and sometimes the timeline of when and how to teach it can be confusing or missing. My goal when I created our toddler curriculum was for it to be a parents’ complete one-stop shop and have everything parents/nannies need when teaching their kids from home. The entire curriculum was built to meet families where they are. For busy parents or nannies who want something for on the go, it can be as simple as print and go. You can learn more about the curriculum at��.

#5 PLAY, PLAY, PLAY 

Remember, the key is for them to play and have fun! Toddler learning is not meant to be overly structured, it’s meant for meaningful and enjoyable play. “How can I make it fun for kids so learning feels more like play” was the question I asked myself as I created T is for Tot. Check out my ����for more ideas. Happy playing and learning!��