Author: Rachel Barna
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Mathematics in the Early Years: Supporting Infant to Preschool Development
When I worked as an infant teacher, parent–teacher conferences were mandatory. More than once, a parent would laugh and ask, “What do you need to report to us—whether our child poops or if they’re learning baby algebra?” I always smiled and had a lighthearted retort ready, but when it came time for sit-downs, I explained Read more
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Infant Feeding: A Parent’s Guide for the First Year
Feeding your baby in the first year goes beyond nutrition. It lays the foundation for growth, immunity, independence, and early social-emotional development. For many parents, this stage brings worry: Starting solids, can babies have water, honey, or sugar, and allergy concerns. This guide combines expert recommendations with practical advice so you can feel confident as Read more
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Reading Development at Every Stage: Simple Ways Parents Can Help
Introduction In Blog 1, we introduced the Science of Reading — showing how the brain learns to connect spoken sounds with written symbols through phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension. In Blog 2, we explored why reading is so important — not only for school readiness but also for shaping the brain, building empathy, Read more
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Why Reading Is Important — From Birth and Beyond
Introduction When most people think about reading, they picture a child in grade school sounding out words or curling up with a bedtime story. But the truth is, reading readiness starts long before your child ever opens a book. From the moment they are born, children are building the foundation for one of the most Read more
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The Science of Reading: What Every Parent Should Know
Introduction Did you know the human brain wasn’t designed to read? Unlike speaking, which comes naturally, reading is a skill our brains must build by connecting sounds, symbols, and meaning. That’s why some children seem to “catch on” quickly while others struggle—reading is complex work for the brain. The good news? Decades of research, known Read more
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The 10 Developmental Domains Every Parent Should Know (and How to Support Them)
Every child embarks on a unique journey of growth and development. As parents and new caregivers, we often find ourselves wondering, “Is this normal?” “What should I be watching for?” or “How can I help my child thrive?” To address these concerns, we can turn to the science of child development. This field provides us Read more
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Pacifiers: The Good, the Bad, and How to Use Them Right
You’ve probably been given plenty of advice about pacifiers—some people swear by them, others say “never start.” The truth is, like most things in parenting, pacifiers are a tool. And tools work best when you know how, when, and why to use them. Pacifiers can offer comfort to babies and relief to parents, but they Read more
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Theories in the Classroom: What to Look For in Daycare
We explored the brilliant minds behind early childhood education in my article here: Famous Early Childhood Education Theorists To Know. We then examined how these theories manifest in various programs and what to consider when evaluating a quality daycare in How to Choose the Right Daycare: Curriculum, Accreditation, and Philosophy. Now it’s time to bring Read more
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How Intentional Parenting Builds Stronger Bonds and Better Behavior
In today’s fast-paced world, intentional parenting is more important than ever. But what does it really mean to be “intentional” in your parenting? It’s not about being perfect, strict, or having all the answers. It’s about being present—actively guiding, modeling, and nurturing your child’s development with purpose and consistency. Research across child development, psychology, and Read more
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How to Choose the Right Daycare: Curriculum, Accreditation, and Philosophy
Choosing the right daycare isn’t just about the playground or snacks—it’s also about how your child will learn and grow. Most daycares follow a specific curriculum, which is a learning plan that helps teachers support your child’s development through play, stories, songs, routines, and hands-on activities. So, how to choose the right daycare best for Read more