A few days ago I heard an interview on NPR asking the question, "Is It Time to Bring Risk Back Into Our Kids' Playgrounds?" (didn't hear it? You can read about it here.) Spoiler alert: the answer is YES! They talked about how exposure to controlled risk through play is an important part of learning and establishing a person's risk tolerance in other areas of life even into … [Read more...]
Posts about Childcare Groups
My Toddler Hits!
January 4, 2018 · by · Leave a Comment
Dear Miss Faith, I care for a little boy of 24 months. His parents are having big relationship problems, and this sweet little boy has suddenly become very aggressive, hitting me and the other kids I care for many times each day. I have tried telling him "Gentle hands!" and I help him touch gently, but it is not working at all. I'm losing my patience and the other children … [Read more...]
Quick Tip: Throwing Sand
August 28, 2017 · by · Leave a Comment
If your child is a little too exuberant in the sandbox, what to do? Saying "Don't throw sand" seems to have little effect, as does the ubiquitous "Be careful!" Instead, look at what's going on and try one of these things: Is your child a young toddler and just flinging sand around for the joy of it? Try saying, "You can put your sand into a bucket!" If that has little … [Read more...]
The Summer Play Garden
July 16, 2017 · by · 4 Comments
Last year I shared my efforts to transform my my large-but-boring back yard into a wonderful space that children and adults would both enjoy. This spring I opened my yard to families when I started my outdoor parent-child Play Garden classes. And what fun it's been! I'd love to share some photos and things I've learned about what makes a space truly inviting. My first … [Read more...]
Make Your Yard Fantastic
October 3, 2016 · by · 11 Comments
When I haven't been working on my book this past spring and summer, I've been working with my landscaper friend Tim Francis (http://www.nettle.co/) to transform our yard into a wonderful play space for children and a beautiful and relaxing place for adults. He did all of the earth-moving and construction, and I did the planting and accessorizing. It has been a labor of love … [Read more...]
Being Too Rough with Baby
January 12, 2015 · by · 9 Comments
Dear Miss Faith, What can I do when my toddler is rough with the baby (usually unintentionally, but sometimes by-accident-on-purpose)? My impulse is to yell and I know that’s not good and honestly doesn’t really help! It seems like you often suggest being light-hearted or making things into a game, but that doesn't feel right in this case. I want her to know that it’s … [Read more...]
Hoarding Toys
August 16, 2014 · by · 3 Comments
Dear Miss Faith, I have a 3yo boy in my play program who is a toy hoarder. All of his play seems to consist of dumping out toys into a big pile and “protecting” them against anyone else that wants to play with them. Talking to him about how others feel seems to be getting nowhere. I’m feeling frustrated and I’d love some new ideas. Dear Early Childhood Teacher, Thanks for … [Read more...]
Mean Preschool Girls
July 25, 2014 · by · Leave a Comment
Dear Miss Faith, My daughter is now 3 1/2 and is having a hard time with simply being kind to those who love her the most. Her cousin/best buddy (who she sees on a daily basis) told her he loved her yesterday and she turned her head and walked away! She has started telling others that they can’t play with her, and she’s even mean to my parents and sister, who love her very … [Read more...]
An Outdoor Summer (Miss Faith Guest Post)
July 25, 2013 · by · Leave a Comment
Hi Everyone, Check out my guest post on the LifeWays North America blog. It's called An Outdoor Summer, and I share some of my tips for making it possible to spend long stretches of time outdoors with your little ones during these lazy summer months. … [Read more...]
Birthday Celebrations
April 11, 2013 · by · 3 Comments
Dear Miss Faith, I want to throw a birthday party for my daughter turning three, and am looking for age-appropriate ideas for party activities. What do you do for a 3yo birthday party? … [Read more...]
