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Explore our free Mini Masterclasses: Guides, tools, and resources for the early.
Why Pencil Grip Starts Long Before the Pencil
When children begin colouring, drawing, or writing, one of the first things adults tend to notice is how they are holding the pencil. Are they using three fingers? Should we correct their grip? Are they behind if they are still holding the crayon in their fist? Those are understandable questions, but they focus on the most visible part of a much bigger developmental process. Pencil control does not begin in the fingers. It develops through a chain of skills involving the whol
Melissa Martinet
Sep 48 min read
Why Fewer Toys Often Means Better Play
More toys doesn't mean more fun. Here's why fewer, simpler choices lead to longer, more focused, more creative play, and how to make it work at home.
Melissa Martinet
Aug 293 min read
Understanding Sensory Seekers: What Your Child's Big Movements Are Telling You
Crashing, tackling, touching everything, it can feel like too much. Here's what sensory seeking really means and simple ways to support your child's need for movement.
Melissa Martinet
Aug 284 min read
What Your Child Is Really Doing When They Play Pretend
Pretend play might look like simple fun, but it's building language, flexible thinking, and emotional understanding. Here's what's really happening and how to support it.
Melissa Martinet
Aug 213 min read
What It Means When Your Child Crosses the Midline
Crossing the midline is a skill that quietly supports reading, writing, and everyday coordination. Here's what it actually means and how to support it through play.
Melissa Martinet
Aug 113 min read
Handwriting Doesn't Start With a Pencil: How Your Child Has Been Preparing to Write Since Birth
Handwriting begins long before preschool. See the grasp milestone from birth to age 5, and how everyday play builds real pencil control.
Melissa Martinet
Aug 14 min read
Why Magnetic Tiles Grow with Your Child
Discover how magnetic tiles support problem-solving, fine motor skills, creativity and small world play for children ages 3–5, plus five unique ways to use them.
Melissa Martinet
Jul 285 min read
When Your Baby Cries Every Time You Leave the Room: Understanding Separation Anxiety
Wondering why your baby cries when you leave the room? Learn why separation anxiety happens, what it means for your baby's development, and four simple, evidence-based ways to help them feel safe and secure.
Melissa Martinet
Jul 244 min read
Playdough Is More Than Just Entertainment
Playdough is more than just a fun activity. Discover how it supports fine motor skills, communication, creativity, problem-solving, and everyday development through play.
Melissa Martinet
Jul 214 min read
The Best Thing for Building Your Child's Communication Is You
Discover how talking, listening, and connecting with your child every day builds communication skills, language development, and confidence from birth.
Melissa Martinet
Jul 174 min read
Before Responding to Your Child's Behaviour, Ask Yourself: HALT
Before responding to your child's behaviour, ask HALT: Hungry, Angry, Lonely, or Tired. Learn how unmet needs influence behaviour and how to respond with connection.
Melissa Martinet
Jun 295 min read
Why Your Child Falls Apart After Daycare (And Why They Reach for Their Soother or Favourite Blanket)
Wondering why your child melts down after daycare? Learn what restraint collapse is, why it happens, and simple ways to help your child regulate after pickup.
Melissa Martinet
Jun 296 min read
How Contrast Cards Support Your Baby's Vision, Brain Development, and Future Learning
Discover why black-and-white contrast cards are more than just a baby trend. Learn how they support vision development, brain growth, attention, and future learning during your baby's first year.
Melissa Martinet
Jun 227 min read
Scribbles Are More Than Messy Marks on Paper
Did you know writing skills begin in infancy? Learn how scribbling supports fine motor skills, communication, creativity, and early writing development through every stage of childhood.
Melissa Martinet
May 266 min read
Spring Activities That Support Child Development
Discover simple spring activities for kids that support child development through outdoor play, exploration, creativity, and family connection.
Melissa Martinet
May 194 min read
Rough & Tumble Play: Why It's Good for Kids
Learn why rough and tumble play is important for child development and how activities like wrestling, chasing, and climbing support key skills.
Melissa Martinet
May 83 min read
Risky Play Part 2: 8 Types of Risky Play and How They Support Your Child’s Development
Explore 8 types of risky play with real examples and how each supports your child’s physical, cognitive, and emotional development.
Melissa Martinet
May 83 min read
Risky Play Part 1: Why Letting Your Child Take Safe Risks Matters
Learn what risky play is, why it matters for child development, and how to support your child safely through everyday moments.
Melissa Martinet
May 74 min read
Ways to Connect with Your Child Before Bed
Discover simple bedtime routines that help you connect with your child while supporting language, emotional, and cognitive development in the early years.
Melissa Martinet
May 55 min read
Empowering Alberta Parents: Uncover Childcare Center Insights with Licensing Reports
This blog helps parents understand how to use Alberta childcare licensing reports to make informed, confident decisions when choosing a daycare, so you can prioritize safety, transparency, and quality care for your child.
Melissa Martinet
Apr 255 min read
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