Children’s Preferences
ABOUT PREFERENCES Everyone has things they really enjoy doing, and things they’d rather avoid. (Tasks, commitments, some conversations, and so on.) Looking at the big picture, varied preferences make the world go round. What if we all focused on—or avoided—the same activities, such as reading, painting, dancing, playing soccer, or whatever? It would pose […]
Building Confidence One Small Goal at a Time: A Guide for Preschool Parents
Goal setting can often be an encouraging way to help children grow, build responsibility, and develop healthy habits. For preschoolers, this can start their journey in self-growth, but approaching it the right way is critical for success. School-based therapists emphasize that the issue isn’t the goal setting itself, but it’s how those goals are […]
The Importance of Including Grandparents in Contingency Planning When Raising Children with Special Needs
When a parent has a child with special needs, whether a physical disability, chronic illness, or neurodivergent condition, contingency planning is often avoided. Perhaps they’re unsure how to start, or hesitant to face a future when they’re no longer around. But preparing for the unknown can be a profound act of love, one that […]
Helping Kids Find Their “Thing”: A Parent’s Guide to Exploring Hobbies (Without the Pressure)
Parents are often the gatekeepers of kids’ hobbies—because you control time, rides, money, and the emotional temperature in the house. The tricky part is that a hobby can turn into a power struggle fast: kids resist, parents push, and suddenly “try soccer” becomes a weekly negotiation. What works better is treating hobbies like a buffet, […]
Creating Joyful, Meaningful Learning Moments Through Guided Play
Play is the natural language of young children. It’s how they explore, test ideas, and make sense of the world, providing a foundation for learning. Yet many parents and educators wonder how they can support child development without relying on expensive toys or elaborate setups. The truth is that meaningful, joyful learning doesn’t depend on […]
Challenges? Positive Perspectives for 2026
Even when things are really challenging, there’s always some way to find a glimmer of hope. For me, the path forward involves embracing creativity. Whether writing, listening to music, or exploring the beauty of nature, creativity buoys my spirits and brightens my outlook. I’ve written about this optimistic, strength-oriented approach elsewhere. (For example, in […]