Teach. Play. Love. Parenting Advice for the Early Years

Biting, hitting, kicking, "I hate you!" Why does physically aggressive behavior happen in the early years? Where does it come from, and what can you do to deal with it proactively and manage it in the moment? Our early childhood experts Rachel Robertson and Claire Goss explain the many different underlying reasons why your young child might get physical, how to react when it happens, and how to he...

"Where do babies come from?" Your child's inevitable questions are coming — but when? What if they come up in inopportune moments or places? How should you answer? On this episode, early childhood experts (and moms!) Rachel Robertson and Claire Goss share guidance and personal tips. Tune in to learn how to prepare for body conversations, make everyone feel more comfortable, promote a healthy view...

Your child's brain is hardwired to categorize things — so they're going to notice and ask about differences. The question is: how should you respond? Join early childhood experts Rachel Robertson and Melanie Brooks to find out how to explore race with your child in a sensitive, positive manner. Plus, learn how to use play, books, images, and experiences to integrate important conversations on dive...

Your child has the desire to build new skills and learn new tasks from day one — but motivation is something they need to learn. And you can impact the inner workings of their brain to help them do so. In this episode, early childhood experts Rachel Robertson and Claire Goss cover strategies for inspiring motivation and the foundational steps that will set your child on the right track for becomin...

"What happened to my world?" "Am I going to be okay — will everyone be okay?" When stress and trauma disrupt your child's life, what can you say and do to help them feel safe and secure? Early childhood experts Rachel Robertson and Claire Goss say the four pillars of security — people, places, routines, and rituals — can guide your child through difficult times. On this episode, learn how to bring...

We're all born hard-wired for empathy — but we have to work at it. How can you help your child build this lifelong skill? In this episode, early education experts Rachel Robertson and Claire Goss offer a run-down on what empathy is and why it's important. Plus, hear how to set appropriate expectations for your child's age group and learn proactive, simple ways to encourage empathy in everyday life...

Hands-on, minds-on — that's how children learn best. When they can touch, wonder, explore, and discover, the opportunities are endless. In this episode, get expert advice from Rachel Robertson and Claire Goss on encouraging immersive and meaningful learning experiences. Plus, you'll find out how to build a foundation for happy, healthy development.

Healthy eating is an important part of your child's development. Nutrition impacts energy and brain function, so building healthy habits early on is key. But high cost and low availability of some foods, busy schedules, and picky eaters can throw a wrench in your healthy plans. Take another listen to this episode as Rachel Robertson and Ruth Fidino discuss how to make make healthy eating fun, easy...

Wondering how to help your child feel ready as they head back to the classroom? After remote or hybrid learning, the school-year transition might feel like a whole new ball game. But the good news is: your child needs the same strategies they've always needed to prepare for back to school. Tune in to hear early childhood experts, Rachel Robertson and Claire Goss, discuss what you can do to ease th...

Are you concerned that the mask-era hindered your child's language development? Listen to this episode to get advice from Rachel and Claire on how to keep helping your child improve their language skills.

Outdoor play offers so many developmental benefits – including healthy risk-taking. But bold, physical risks might make you feel uneasy. How can you encourage your child to bravely step outside their comfort zone, without letting on that you're worried? On this podcast episode, early childhood experts Rachel Robertson and Claire Goss cover how to help your child try new things, build skills, and d...

As things start to open up, opportunities for socialization do, too. Is your child craving social interaction, or are they nervous about what comes next? How can you support them as they ease back into social situations, and venture out into the world again? On this episode, early childhood experts Rachel Robertson and Claire Goss discuss how play, in particular, can have a major impact. Find out...

How has the pandemic affected children's learning? Are they behind? What can we do about learning loss? For over a year, child care and school have felt anything but normal — and if you're a parent concerned about learning loss, you're not alone. But according to early education experts (and parents!) Rachel Robertson and Claire Goss, we need to think about it differently. On this episode, hear ab...

Inspiring strong voices, boosting self-confidence, encouraging risks, and celebrating differences — it's all part of raising a girl. Who does your daughter want to be when she grows up? How can you help her get there? On this episode, Rachel Robertson and Claire Goss — early childhood experts and proud girl moms — talk about everything from setting up your home to tackle gender stereotypes, to hel...

Children are hard-wired to want to help others. Collectively, we're raising the next generation of leaders — and we can empower them to make a difference. On this episode, we're exploring social justice. Our child development experts share strategies to help you teach your child about diversity, equity, and inclusion, and encourage them to be curious, share feelings, and take action.

2020 brought unimaginable instability, and 2021 didn't begin with the fresh start we hoped for. No one knows what's happening next, and everyone's stressed — including kids. How can you tell if pandemic stress is affecting your child, and how can you offer the support they need? Early childhood experts Rachel Robertson and Claire Goss describe different types of stress and their telltale signs, an...

"Am I doing this right?" "How will my child turn out?" Overwhelming, isn't it? Join Rachel Robertson and Ruth Fidino — early education experts and parenting veterans — who say that parenting doesn't have to be perfect to be successful. There are so many ways to be a good parent, and you'll find what works for you. Tune in to hear what worked for them as they reflect on their many years of parentho...

Your child's brain is hardwired to categorize things — so they're going to notice and ask about differences. The question is: how should you respond? Join early childhood experts Rachel Robertson and Melanie Brooks to find out how to explore race with your child in a sensitive, positive manner. Plus, learn how to use play, books, images, and experiences to integrate important conversations on dive...

Building secure, social attachments…during a pandemic? None of us have trained for this. But it is possible to help your child stay connected with others, even while staying apart. Get ideas that will boost social-emotional development for little ones through elementary schoolers — including games, cooperative play, interactive technology, virtual field trips, and more.

School has started, but it's far from what we're all used to. Are you scrambling to create a remote learning environment that will make things easier on you and your child? Our early childhood experts Rachel Robertson and Ruth Fidino have ideas that can help. Tune in to hear how to set up a learning space, establish routines, rituals, classroom jobs, and more.

Remote learning, a hybrid model, or fully in-person, no matter how your school district decided to start the academic year, it's sure to look and feel different than you and your child expected. And, on top of that, no one knows what's coming next. Hear from Rachel Robertson, education and development vice president, and Ruth Fidino, senior education advisor, as they discuss success strategies for...

World events shake all of us — parents and children alike. So how do you answer when your child asks, "Are we going to be okay?" On this episode, Bright Horizons early childhood education expert Rachel Robertson gives concrete advice on all of it — supporting your child through difficult times, giving calm, simple reassurances to tough questions, and using play time to help process and express fee...

Full schedules and little downtime can cause stress for everyone – including children – but practicing mindfulness can alleviate that stress. We are bringing back this episode to help you learn about the many benefits of being mindful, how to pay attention on purpose, and how to do mindfulness activities like Shake the Sillies Out and Mind Bubbles.

Children need us to focus on their physical development — they need to play, take risks, connect with nature, and more. Why? To enhance fine and large motor skills and encourage exciting milestones. On this episode, Bright Horizons early childhood experts Rachel Robertson and Ruth Fidino discuss simple ways to give your child as many active, physical moments and experiences as possible throughout...

Do you find yourself picking up the same story over and over again? Are you wondering how to choose your child's next book? Join Rachel Robertson, education and development vice president, and Ruth Fidino, education and development senior advisor, for this previously aired episode about children's literature. They discuss what it means for a children's book to be high quality, the many benefits of...