by Cassie McKeown, Bright Horizons Early Education and Preschool Cleo, a 4-year-old preschooler, excitedly told her Mom, “…and then we drank purple milk that came from a purple cow.” Webster defines imagination as “the ability to form a picture in your mind of something that you have not seen or experienced; the ability to think of new things.” Every child is…
Counting on Community was the theme of this year’s PEPS Benefit Luncheon. Copies decorated the tables and everyone who attended came home with this colorful board book that counts up fun neighborhood activities and relationships. When PEPS contacted the author, Innosanto Nagara, to ask if we could share his book at the Luncheon, he said simply that community belongs to…
by Heather Cooper, Seattle Children’s Hospital Active kids enjoy improved mental wellness and reduce their risk of heart disease. When the days are short, the weather is cold or dreary, or you’re unable to head outside, kids still need to be getting physical activity each and every day. Emily Carter, athletic trainer, and Dr. Monique Burton, director of the Sports Medicine Program at Seattle Children’s Hospital, recently shared ideas for indoor activities that put a smile on a…
A note from The Little Gym Like clockwork the new year approaches and it’s time to shift your focus from your child’s never-ending holiday wish list to the resolutions that you’ll conquer. While it’s the perfect time to start fresh with a clean slate, it’s equally as important to set smart, attainable goals. Did you know that nearly 80% of…
Story time is a great time to teach your kids to be noticers. And noticing is half the battle. Western literature has a long history of racism. This has taken two forms. The soft racism of erasure and the hard racism damaging depictions of people of color. Teach your kids to notice erasure One of my daughter’s favorite books is…
Maybe it was the tickle of the breeze in my hair as I readied the soil for snap pea starts, or maybe it was the joyful ring of my daughters giggling as they splashed at the water table, their feet bare and their sweatshirts abandoned. Maybe it was the realization that our gloves have grown lonesome in their drawer for over a…
We asked what peoples favorite PEPS Group activities were and many PEPS families shared… My group has a monthly moms’ night out along with meetings/speakers and spontaneous outings. – Kimberly Besides the moms nights and play dates my favorite was to take an annual picture of the babies (and subsequent siblings). We have 5 of them and I love to…
One of the greatest gifts a parent can give to their child is a head start on money management skills. No, money won’t buy happiness. But money opens doors to opportunities that will help your children grow happier as they grow up. Obtaining an education. Broadening one’s worldview with travel. Giving to causes they believe in. These all require money.…
The holidays are a time of reflection, when folks look back on the year’s events and give thanks for what they have. It’s also a time when we’re reminded of those in our local and global community who are in need of assistance, support, and encouragement. As a result, charitable giving is at its peak during the holidays. This makes…
Tis the season for parties, traditions, and family gatherings near and far—all of which you might be shunning or dreading now that you have a plus one in tow. But fear not! Heeding this advice will have you dashing through the season like you’re on a one-horse open sleigh. Expect the Worst: My husband Bart is a huge Star Wars…