Wearing masks has become part of the “new normal” for anyone needing to venture into public. Masks help slow the spread of the virus and can reduce risk of transmission by over 70%. In many places, children over the age of 2 have to wear masks, and for kids not used to seeing people with masks, it can be scary…

Winter is here, and while that doesn’t necessarily mean snow in Central Florida, there’s still plenty of opportunity to enjoy winter wonderland activities with your family. Here are some of our favorite ideas for winter fun with your child:  Coffee filter snowflakes This is a classic craft that you probably did when you were young! Grab extra coffee filters (or…

Due to safety concerns surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, Lake Forrest Preparatory has suspended its extracurricular activities until further notice. This can be a tough time for students who enjoyed those after school events. While we look forward to the day when we can reinstate extracurriculars, here are some ways to foster those passions at home. For Sports Schools around the…

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…