Karen Nespoli “How was school today?” “Fine.” If you’ve ever picked your child up from school only to get a one-word answer, you’re not alone. After a full day of learning, making decisions, solving problems, navigating friendships, and following routines, many children simply need a little time to decompress. Asking better questions—not more questions—can open the door … Read more
Simple Ways to Ease First-Day Jitters and Build a Brave Beginning The backpacks are packed. The pencils are sharpened. Everything seems ready for the first day of school. Everything… except maybe your child. For many children, the start of a new school year brings a mix of emotions. They may be excited to see friends … Read more
Looking for some screen-free summer activities that encourage creativity, confidence, problem-solving, and family connection? 10 Screen-Free Summer Activities Kids Will Love 1. Backyard Nature Scavenger Hunt Create a list of items to find: Bonus: Let kids draw their discoveries in a nature journal 2. Book Blanket Fort Build a cozy fort with blankets and pillows, … Read more
Summer has a special kind of magic. The schedules slow down. Bedtimes become a little more flexible. Days are filled with sunshine, adventures, and opportunities to make memories that last long after summer ends. While family vacations and trips to the beach are wonderful traditions, there’s another summer ritual that may have an even greater … Read more
SUMMER OF GROWING HEARTS SERIES 12 Simple Summer Kindness Challenges That Help Kids Grow Big Hearts Summer is a season of sunshine, family adventures, and making memories. School may be out, but one important lesson never takes a break: Kindness. Summer offers some of the best opportunities for children to practice compassion, empathy, generosity, and … Read more
SUMMER OF GROWING HEARTS SERIES Summer is finally here. The backpacks are unpacked.The lunches are over.And suddenly, the days feel wide open. For many parents, summer brings one big question: How do I keep my child reading without turning it into a battle? The good news is this: Summer reading doesn’t have to feel like … Read more
The end of the school year brings a mix of emotions for kids. Excitement.Pride.Nervousness about what comes next. For teachers, it’s also a time filled with reflection, celebration, and helping students transition confidently into summer. While academics matter, the final weeks of school are also a powerful opportunity to strengthen something just as important: confidence … Read more
There’s a moment many parents recognize instantly. Your child sits down to try something new—reading a tricky word, tying their shoes, shooting a basket—and within seconds, frustration takes over. “I can’t do it.”“I’m not good at this.”“I want to quit.” It’s hard to watch. And even harder to know what to say. But here’s the … Read more
I always love featuring books that entertain and educate…and when they are written by dear kid lit friends. Author Candace Spizzirri and I met a few years ago when she wrote her first Finley book, Finley: A Moose on the Caboose. When I discovered that she has a new book, Finley: A Moose in Chartreuse, … Read more
Fear is a natural part of childhood. First day of school. A first tryout for a team.Reading out loud.Sleeping in a dark room. These moments can feel big—sometimes overwhelming—for young children. But here’s something important: Confidence doesn’t come from avoiding fear.It comes from learning how to move through it. When we support children with patience, … Read more
