Infant Activities

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Where Did It Go?

Take a koosh ball or other soft ball and squish it into a small container with a lid. Close the lid. Ask your baby, “Where did the ball go?”

Encourage him to open the container and watch the ball spring out, jack-in-the-box style.

The popping ball is sure to get his attention, and the game is an exciting way to learn about object permanence — the fact that an object still exists even if you can’t see it — explains Susan P. Epstein, a parenting coach in New London, Connecticut. Kitchen Stack-Ups, empty cereal boxes, plastic yogurt containers, and unbreakable bowls are perfect building materials for teetering towers. As you stack each item, describe its size and shape. Once your homemade skyscraper is complete, you and your baby can take turns knocking it down. This activity, Epstein says, will teach your baby about shapes and sizes as well as cause and effect (“Wow, when I push on these boxes, they come down with a big boom!”).

Book of the Month

Hello Baby!
By Mem Fox
After meeting a bevy of baby animals — including a clever monkey, a hairy warthog, and a dusty lion cub — the baby in this story discovers the most precious creature of all…itself, of course!

With an exuberant rhyming text by bestselling author Mem Fox and adorable cut-paper illustrations by Caldecott-Honor recipient Steve Jenkins, this book is an irresistible celebration of the joyful connection between parent and child.

About the Author
Mem Fox is the author of many acclaimed books, including Hattie and the Fox, Time for Bed Hello Baby!;The Goblin and the Empty Chair, the New York Times bestselling Ten Little Fingers and Ten Little Toes, as well as the adult title Reading Magic: Why Reading Aloud to Our Children Will Change Their Lives Forever. She lives in Adelaide, Australia. Visit her at www.memfox.net.

Portrait of one-year old boy in chef's hat

Fun Recipe of the Month

Baby Oatmeal Recipe

Put a cup of water in a saucepan on the stove top to boil. Meanwhile, take 1/4 cup (4 tablespoons) of oatmeal (non-quick cooking) and whiz it in the blender until it becomes a powder, stir it into the cup of boiling water, turn the heat down to low, and let cook for 10 minutes. Stir with a whisk or fork to prevent lumping and scorching on the bottom. Let cool thoroughly before feeding to your baby. It will look just like the commercial boxed baby oatmeal mixed with liquid, but much, much more economical!

Baby’s food should be only moderately warm, about 99 degrees or body temperature — like breast milk.

TIP: You can double the recipe and store half of the cooked oatmeal, covered well, for up to two days in the refrigerator.

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Advice, Childcare Blog, Learning

Helping Your Child Master the Skill of Playing Alone

Playing alone is an important step toward independence. However, many children are reluctant to go out on their own, so a little coaxing may be in order.

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Is Traveling with Kids Worth the Effort? (Hint: YES!)

While traveling with children may seem like a daunting prospect, experts say it has significant benefits. Travel can expand a kid’s world, making them more empathetic toward cultural differences and helping them adapt to changing situations.

Advice, Childcare Blog, Learning

Nagging Won’t Help a Child Kick the Thumb-Sucking Habit

Child development experts tell us that thumb-sucking isn’t anything to worry about in children under 5. In fact, it can be an appropriate and useful behavior.

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Independent Play is Healthy for Children – and Good for Everyone

Open-ended and independent play is one of the things that can build all the skills and tools necessary for kids to grow into successful and sufficient adults.

Advice, Childcare Blog, COVID 19, Wellness

Planning the “Perfect” Family Vacation

It is important to remember that summer vacations are some of the fondest memories your family will make and are therefore worth the effort!

Advice, Childcare Blog

Bed-Wetting is a Frustrating – but Normal – Stage of Development

Children who wet the bed do so because they are not physically capable of staying dry through the night. And unless they have other symptoms, it is almost always completely normal. That doesn’t make it any less frustrating for children and their parents, however.

Advice, Childcare Blog

Three Tips for Helping Your Child Break the Thumb Sucking Habit

When a baby finds his or her thumb for the first time, it can be sweet to watch. However, after a few years, this habit can cause angst for parents who wonder if they should step in and help their child break the habit.

Advice, Childcare Blog

Is Your Toddler Talking Back?

A toddler that talks back to you or is defiant can be frustrating. However, it is important to remember that these behaviors are very common (and normal!). What’s more, with a little positive discipline you can stop these unwanted behaviors as you guide your toddler into better behavior.

Advice, Childcare Blog

Infant Activities

Ready to see Premier Academy for Yourself?

Schedule a walkthrough!

Where Did It Go?

Book of the Month

Fun Recipe of the Month

WANT TO SEE MORE?

SCHEDULE A TOUR!

Helping Your Child Master the Skill of Playing Alone

Is Traveling with Kids Worth the Effort? (Hint: YES!)

Nagging Won’t Help a Child Kick the Thumb-Sucking Habit

Independent Play is Healthy for Children – and Good for Everyone

Planning the “Perfect” Family Vacation

Bed-Wetting is a Frustrating – but Normal – Stage of Development

Three Tips for Helping Your Child Break the Thumb Sucking Habit

Is Your Toddler Talking Back?

When a Toddler Overreacts, Parents Need to React Calmly

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