There seems to be a misconception around empathy that it’s a trait that can’t be taught. However, there are plenty of practical ways to help your child better understand the world around them and develop empathetic thinking towards others who have different thoughts and feelings than they do.  What is Empathy? Empathy is one of the most complex skills your…

For millions of families around the world, day-to-day work/life schedules got overhauled when COVID-19 hit communities. Remote work has replaced the office commute, and virtual education has replaced classroom learning for many students. It’s become harder for a lot of parents to juggle their workload with full-time parenting duties. These tips can help everyone manage their time and maintain good…

First sleepovers, riding a bike, reading a chapter book — all of these events come at different times in a child’s life based on emotional maturity and behavior. Another key event for many kids is their first movie. While the pandemic has made going to physical theaters a rare occurrence, there’s still a thrill from your kid being able to…

Ballerinas, astronauts, zoo keepers, firefighters — you never know what answer will come out of your child’s mouth when you ask them what they want to be when they grow up. Your young one might be two decades away from getting their first job, but it’s never too early to start fostering that sense of career exploration.  Use toys as…

Thanksgiving and the holiday season are upon us! For many of our Lake Forrest families, the 2020 holiday season will look different from previous years — and those differences might not always seem positive. Here’s how to help your child maintain gratitude and a thankful heart, even when it gets tough.  Start a daily gratitude list.  One of the best…

Whether they’re virtual or socially distant, science fairs have become a staple to learning. Go beyond the classic baking soda volcano, and help your child create a project that will be memorable, fun and educational. Here are science fair projects and ideas for all ages sure to wow teachers, judges and parents alike: Elementary school science fair Most grade school…

Travel might be limited, but your imagination doesn’t have to be! Your family can enjoy the magic of camping from your backyard. From start to finish, here are some easy ways to make backyard camping exciting for all ages: Setting Up Camp Creating a cozy campsite gives kids the opportunity to practice teamwork and build something the whole family will…

Telling time: it’s one of the most important life skills for children. While digital interfaces have become nearly standard, your child still needs to understand the basics of telling time- and yes, even an analog clock face.  Break down the concept of time Time can be a difficult concept for young children to grasp. Humanity took a few thousand years…

While some children strive to get an “A” on each assignment, other children may be less fussy about what their grades are. No matter how your child is performing in school, it’s important for them to be invested in their grades. As a parent, are there certain steps you can take to help your child become motivated to care about…