Ages + Stages

Check out these early learning activities for your little ones!     You get a stuffed animal! You get a stuffed animal! You get a stuffed animal!  (In my Oprah Winfrey voice. :) )   Oh, the joys of cute button eyes, custom fur colors,...

May your worst nightmares go unvisited ...   It was a Sunday evening.   I was loading up the last of the dishes, my sudsy hands trembling as my daughter called out in desperation.   I, too, called out desperately, but my husband was...

How can a maker space enhance your child’s development?  Kiddie Academy of Des Peres can show you!   Children are natural creators— they’re born ready to make things, sometimes out of unconventional parts. A maker space is designed to tap into this natural curiosity...

You’re probably laughing right now, thinking, “what is independence??” My children are always touching me, always interrupting me, and are always needing me for something. It’s so much faster if I just do things myself, then I know I’ve...

Ready or not, Back-to-School time is here!     Transitioning from summer to back-to-school is rough for even the most seasoned moms, but hopefully, these tips and tricks might make your experience a little less painful:   School Supplies     Outsource, if possible – Some schools/PTOs...

Being a parent and an educator gives Rita a deeper insight into the parent-teacher relationship!   I've worked in education my entire life, but there was nothing that could prepare me for my own daughter's first day of Kindergarten last year....

I can’t believe we are finally on a journey to a new school year - back to the future!   The past few years will be listed as the “COVID-19 School Year,” where things were unprecedented, and the entire world had...

What season of life do you find yourself in?    The days are long, and the years are short. This could not ring more true in this season as I quickly approach forty-five. With another birthday staring at me, I sit in...

Start a half birthday tradition in your family!   Are you looking for an easy tradition to start with your family? One that nearly guarantees cake, smiles, and an easy spin on a classic song? If so, I invite you to...

Are you looking for a summer science activity? Would you like something easy to set up that will keep your kids playing for a while? I have three sun investigations to share with you.   Summer Science for Kids: 3 Sun...