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#30: 5 Things to know about starting preschool

#30: 5 Things to know about starting preschool

Parenting in the First 3 Years Podcast   #30: 5 Things to know about starting preschool Starting preschool is an exciting milestone for your child and will build a strong foundation for kindergarten. In this episode, you'll learn what types of programs are...

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What happens when a child puts on a costume?

What happens when a child puts on a costume?

What's going on in that little mind? If you are one who joins the celebration of this holiday, you’ve probably got a costume for your child and depending on their age, they either tolerate being dressed up (or not!) or love putting it on and instantly becoming the...

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Unlock what your child reveals through their artwork

Unlock what your child reveals through their artwork

A given for many parents is a refrigerator plastered with photos and children's artwork. You can learn a lot from their drawings.   Children’s art gives us insight into their development - the way they hold a marker, the amount of space they use on a page, the...

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4 Easy ways to encourage pretend play

4 Easy ways to encourage pretend play

Cadence loves to pretend to be “Grump Cera”, a baby dinosaur from the movie Land Before Time and she’s got it down! For over a year she's focused on this one character, honing her dinosaur skills as she plays. Note how she holds her body, kicks her foot slightly about...

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Make Playdough Together

Make Playdough Together

Best Playdough Recipe Ever Everybody loves playdough, especially me. It’s a universal soother for toddlers through grownups! It lends itself to great conversation and imaginative play (everybody makes playdough snakes and slithers them around the table…) Make a fresh...

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Children’s Books About Death

Children’s Books About Death

Reading can be a gentle way to face and process new ideas. By reading books about certain topics, like death, you give your child the opportunity to explore the concept, ask questions, and facilitate conversation. Here are my favorite children’s books that address death.

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how to prep your child for kindergarten

About Ann


I’m a child development specialist, parent coach and teacher trainer. I’ve cared for countless babies in child development programs, plus 3 kids, 3 grand babies and 5 foster babies! I LOVE babies and would come hold yours if I could. ❤️

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pregnancy blog
baby blog and advice for new parents
toddler blog and advice for parenting toddlers
blog on child development