June 18, 2024 by Christopher Hooker

Another Swimming Summer!

Staying Safe in Summer Sun And Fun

With the sun shining bright and the gentle breeze singing through the trees, it feels like the perfect time to chat about one of our favorite summer pastimes — swimming! Whether it’s in a twinkling pool, a serene lake, or the sparkling sea, there’s nothing like seeing our little ones’ eyes light up with joy as they splash around.

Do you remember our June 2023 discussion in “Teaching Your Kids about Swimming & Dangers“? We talked about the importance of water wisdom. Let’s dive a bit deeper and sprinkle a little safety magic for an unforgettable and secure swimming season!

Prep

Before those tiny toes touch the water, make sure you’re all set with the essentials:

Life Jackets: For our pint-sized swimmers moving into deeper waters or boating, a properly fitting life jacket is a must. The type which holds the head up in case one is unconscious is best.

Water-Wings: A great fit for water play is water wings, to keep their heads above water at all times without being too constrictive.

Sunscreen and Hats: Keep that delicate skin shielded from the UVA/UVB rays with a high SPF sunscreen and wide-brimmed hats. Even cloudy days need sunscreen as UV rays still penetrate clouds at about 90% of normal on a sunny day. Did you know that SPF is to help you determine how long you can be in the sun without burning or needing to reapply? Fair skinned person such as this writer will start burning in 15 minutes so SPF 30 means that under ideal circumstances–thick application, no sweating or water exposure, I can stay out in the sun for up to 30 times longer than my normal 15 minutes before burning. But, be careful—that’s only under perfect laboratory conditions. This writer cuts that time in half to account for human and environmental error.

How to Determine Which SPF to Use: https://www.science.org.au/curious/people-medicine/what-does-spf-rating-really-mean#:~:text=To%20get%20the%20SPF%20number,there%20is%20no%20sunscreen%20applied.

Safe Splashing Tips

Now that we’re dressed for success, let’s make sure our water play is as safe as it is fun:

Always Keep Eyes on the Prize: And by prize, we mean our adorable aquanauts! Continuous supervision and communication is key. It only takes a moment for water play to turn into worry, so let’s keep our eyes on the fun. Avoid distracting conversations or media.

Teach the Basics: Many of you already knew this, but a few more follow the tips we gave in “Teaching Your Kids about Swimming & Dangers”. Reinforce these lessons: no running near the pool, and always ask for permission before diving into the pool.

Set Boundaries: Make sure your child knows where they can and cannot swim. Setting physical or imaginary lines can work wonders for keeping them safe and sets rules that are part of the fun.

Keep the Water Clean and Clear: Ensure the swimming spot is free of hazards. Clear water means better visibility, not just for finding exciting sea creatures, but for keeping an eye on our swimmers too! Consider a brightly colored swimsuit as soft colors–especially pink/tan/beige can look like sand colors and do not show in deeper water. Whn searching for a missing swimmer, bright colors are very helpful. If you’re in a common swimming area, make sure your kids wash any toy they bring into the water.

Learn the Signs of Struggle: Sometimes kids don’t splash or yell when in trouble. They might just look like they’re silently trying to climb a ladder. Drowning and dry drowning do NOT look like what we see in the movies. Recognizing these signs can lead to a quick and calm response.

Be Emergency Ready

In case of a “just in case”, make sure you’re prepared:

Learn CPR: This is a wonderful skill, regardless of the season. You might never need it, but if you do, it could be a lifesaver. The American Red Cross offers training and certifications.

Have a First-Aid Kit: A prepared parent is a confident parent. Have it handy for those unexpected slips and trips. Bandages, antiseptic wash, and of course, sunburn lotion are smart items to include in a swim first aid kit.

Making Every Splash Count

Create beautiful memories by integrating fun and educational swimming games. How about a treasure hunt for waterproof toys or a floating ring toss? Not only will these games keep their minds and bodies engaged, they’ll reinforce swimming skills and safety measures! With a little bit of prep and preparedness, we can ensure that every splash comes with a smile. Let’s relish this radiant season by making each swimming day sunny, safe, and super!

Let’s keep our community conversations bubbling up! If you’ve got more tips, stories, or a little underwater photo you’d like to share, dive into our comment section. We’d love to keep “swimming” in this wonderful conversation with all of you! If you’d like to discuss a place at Creekside Kids for your kids, we invite you to click this embedded link to schedule an appointment. Let’s get to know each other! Like us on Facebook to follow our stories for news and updates. We’re located at 1201 W Cheyenne Road, Colorado Springs, CO 80906, and we can be reached at (719) 635-9111. Our new hours of operation are 6:45 a.m. until 5:45 p.m., Monday through Friday.

June 4, 2024 by Christopher Hooker

The Hidden Anxieties of Change

Image by Julie Rose from Pixabay

Embarking on a Kindergarten Adventure

Hey there, wonderful Creekside Parents and Caregivers!

It’s that time again when the tiny tots we’ve watched over in our cozy preschool nest start spreading their wings for the giant leap into the boundless skies of Kindergarten. Once again, another handful of our Creekside Kids are outgrowing us. We’re sad to see them go but so excited to watch them grow into the people they are meant to be– people who will make a better world someday. We look forward to seeing them on elementary school breaks and possibly next summer too!

Amidst the excitement, it’s perfectly natural for our little sprouts to feel a flutter of butterflies in their tummies. Various people in their lives (teachers, minders, strangers, and family members) may be adding to their anxieties by telling your child that the differences between preschool/child care and Kindergarten are significant, to the point that your child may have anxieties under the surface about this substantial change in their lives. Most children have worries about leaving the nest and they may engage in unusual (often negative) behaviors.

In last year’s blog, we discussed the reluctance kids have to face the change and how to head it off; this year, we’re here to discuss what to do once the anxieties manifest themselves. Let’s chat about the signs of Kindergarten Anxiety and how we, as their cheer squad, can ease the transition and turn those jitters into joyful jumps!

Spotting the Signs of Kindergarten Jitters

First off, let’s play a little game of detective and look for clues that our kiddos might be feeling anxious about their new adventure. Your child may engage in a mix of these behaviors:

The Case of the Clingy Koala: Is your little one suddenly glued to you like a koala to a eucalyptus tree? Extra clinginess might mean they’re seeking comfort as they face the unknown.

The Mystery of the Mood Swings: One minute, they’re sunny as a beach day; the next, they’re stormier than a raincloud. Moods changing faster than a chameleon’s colors could signal inner worries.

The Puzzle of the Popped-off Playtime: Stepping away from playtime faster than a jack-in-the-box? This could mean school thoughts are crowding out play.

The Riddle of the Restless Nights: If your cutie is tossing and turning like a pancake at breakfast, it may be those kindergarten thoughts baking in their dream oven.

But don’t panic about their anxieties. With a sprinkle of parenting magic and a little communication, the worst of these fears can be overcome.

Many children feel an unrecognized sense of grief or even rejection at being forced to leave their comfortable nest of the preschool/child care environment. Some children are confused and may feel a sense of abandonment by their teachers and the school. Some feel more loss about not seeing their current friends and worry about making new friends. Being welcomed back to the old stomping grounds for short visits helps ease the underlying feelings of rejection and loss of connection in being made to leave preschool/child care for Kindergarten. Creekside Kids offers drop-in care on school breaks for our graduates which is a great way to ease the emotional transition.

Helping Hands for a Smooth Kindergarten Transition

Chatter Matters: Let’s make “talk time” our prime time! Sit down for a cup of pretend tea and chat about what Kindergarten might be like. Knowing more can turn a shadowy and uncertain future into a welcome change.

Playdate the Anxiety Away: Arrange playdates with future classmates. New friends before school starts can make that first day feel like a reunion rather than a mystery guest party.

Role Play, Hooray!: You be the teacher, and they’ll be the student (or the other way around – we love a good twist in the tale!). Act out a school day to show that Kindergarten is just another stage for them to be the star.

Visit the Kingdom of Kindergarten: If it’s okay with the new learning palace, take a royal tour of the Kindergarten grounds during the summer for play and exploration time. Knowing where they’ll hang their backpack to learn and play can help the children realize it is similar to their preschool experience. Going with them reminds them that there’s nothing to be afraid of and that you are always watching over them.

Routine, Routine, Routine Turns the Scary into Serene: Establish and practice a solid morning routine that would make the movie Groundhog Day jealous. Consistency can turn the Great Unknown into the Great “I’ve Got This!”

Hang On Once the Train Leaves the Station: Let’s lace up our adventure boots and help our kids take this next grand step together. After all, every new chapter is just a chance to add more delightful stories to our children’s book of life.

If you’d like to discuss a place at Creekside Kids for your kids, we invite you to click this embedded link to schedule an appointment. Let’s get to know each other! Like us on Facebook to follow our stories for news and updates. We’re located at 1201 W Cheyenne Road, Colorado Springs, CO 80906, and we can be reached at (719) 635-9111. Our new hours of operation are 6:45 a.m. until 5:45 p.m., Monday through Friday.

April 1, 2024 by Christopher Hooker

The Importance of Speaking Your Child’s Individual Love Language

Photo by Juliane Liebermann on Unsplash

Hello, Creekside families! Since February, we’ve been thinking about the way we express love, to each other and to our kids. It’s all about the precious love languages of our little ones and how it may differ from the embrace we’re ready to give them. Are you intrigued? Let’s hop into this cozy puddle of love and understanding together.

The Chatterbox Language

Did you know that our tiny tots may have a different love language from us adults? Feeling loved is an essential part of every child’s early years, and even more so when they step into the world of preschool! Straddling two worlds–home and school is a big step and children need to feel loved in both places. Some of our little chicks find comfort in words of affirmation and assurance. Listening and responding to their imaginative stories, even those about purple monkeys on the moon, shows our interest in them as individuals and validates their emotions.

On the flip side, grown-ups may be conditioned to show love through acts of service (like preparing their favorite meal) which leaves them wondering, “Why doesn’t my child appreciate this?” But rest assured, they do! It’s just that their little hearts may feel extra loved when we invest time in their fanciful tales, endless questions and rambling thoughts.

Physical Affection: A Toddlers’ Love-Language

Let’s get physical, shall we? No, not the gym! We’re talking about good old cuddles and tickles! For our lovable mischief-makers, physical touch such as a warm bear hug or gentle hair ruffle might speak volumes more than the coolest new toy. For them, that touch may be their love language providing strong feelings of affection. Sometimes the best way to bridge the love language gap between parents and preschoolers is simply by dedicating time for a giggle-filled tickle session! Children who crave more back rubs, hugs and snuggles than their siblings are often filling their emotional bucket with those touches.

Quality Time That Adds Up

Here’s our favorite nugget of wisdom – spending time is the quintessential love language of our little ones. Be it baking a yummy batch of cookies, reading their favorite story for the umpteenth time, or making a tower out of those stubborn blocks, the memory of being together is the best gift we can give them. When we break down our day to the moment, every second of shared laughter with our kiddos is precious. Many young ones just like doing things with a parent—even “helping” with chores which builds self esteem.

In a Nutshell

Understanding your child’s love language can be like peeking into their little hearts. It teaches us that love can find its expression in the simplest of ways – a listened story, a shared laughter, a returned hug. But remember, dear families, there’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to love languages. Each child is a unique little package of love, ready to be unwrapped in their sweet time! By responding to your child’s individual love language(s), you are filling their emotional bucket which helps them through hard times later on.

Living and learning about these love languages with our children not only brings us closer to them but also helps us grow alongside them. Let’s continue to nurture this understanding, in turn, nurturing their little minds and hearts in the warmest way possible.

At Creekside Kids, we believe in playful learning, safety, and community. Share your skiing adventure stories with us in the comments below – we can’t wait to hear about your little one’s first skiing triumphs! If you’d like to discuss a place at Creekside Kids for your kids, we invite you to click this embedded link to schedule an appointment. Let’s get to know each other! Like us on Facebook to follow our stories for news and updates. We’re located at 1201 W Cheyenne Road, Colorado Springs, CO 80906, and we can be reached at (719) 635-9111. Our new hours of operation are 6:45 a.m. until 5:45 p.m., Monday through Friday.

March 25, 2024 by Christopher Hooker

Spring into Fun: March Adventures for Creekside Kids

Photo by Юлія Дубина on Unsplash

On the back of 2024’s first snowstorm, spring has finally sprung. New adventures are waiting right around the corner, in Colorado Springs. It’s that time of year when everything seems to start anew. And what could be better than discovering all the excitement this spring season brings with your little ones– sharing that discovery time with them? From feeling the fresh grass under their tiny toes to learning about those tiny leaf buds on the trees and bushes, every moment is a chance for hands-on learning and growth.

So why wait? Spring Break is here, and there’s lots to do in our area. Buckle up, we’re going on a Spring venture.

Adventure 1: Visit the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo

Ever heard an elephant trumpet or watched a giraffe eat its lunch? The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is just the place to let your little Peppy Parrots, Kindly Koalas, and Curious Cats experience these and so much more! This is not only a day of fun but also an opportunity to foster their love for animals and teach lessons about conservation. Don’t forget to take the Sky Ride for an astonishing aerial view of the zoo!

Adventure 2: Treasure Hunt at Garden of the Gods

A spring snowstorm makes the Garden of the Gods even more magical. Create a nature-inspired treasure hunt or a simple scavenger list. Help them look for things like heart-shaped rocks, rainbow-colored leaves, or little critters. This activity will open their eyes to the beauty of nature right under their noses – and maybe yours too!

Adventure 3: Ride the Broadmoor Pikes Peak Cog Railway

All aboard! How about an enchanting train ride? The Broadmoor Pikes Peak Cog Railway is definitely a journey for the little choo-choo train lovers. They’ll gaze at budding trees, deep snow banks and may get glimpses of wildlife all the while learning about this historic railway. Don’t forget those high altitude donuts! Tickets are available now.

Adventure 4: Storytime at Manitou Springs Public Library

Slide into the magical world of literature with the Manitou Springs Public Library’s storytime sessions. These sessions will transfer your kids to enchanted worlds, inspiring future astronauts, adventurers, and artists. Plus, it’s a great way to help them meet new friends!

Adventure 5: Share the Fun at the Manitou Springs Penny Arcade

Are you ready to sprinkle a little magic into your afternoon with a trip that’s as colorful and lively as a crayon box? Imagine a place where the music of laughter fills the air, and twinkling lights guide you through a wonderland of fun. That’s right, we’re talking about an enchanting afternoon at the Manitou Springs Arcade! 🕹

This isn’t just any arcade—it’s a treasure trove of joy for our pint-sized explorers and their biggest fans (that’s you, dear parents!). Including a penny arcade, bumper cars, and an old-fashioned carousel. Play-based learning is at the heart of what we cherish here at Creekside Kids. It’s about seeing your child’s eyes light up with wonder while they unknowingly pick up valuable skills, from physical coordination to social interaction.

Spring certainly breathes new life into us all, especially for our growing little adventurers. Each activity is a memory made, a smile formed, and an opportunity for hands-on learning. We can’t wait to hear about your family’s springtime adventures! As always, don’t forget a hearty dose of sunscreen and a side of laughter. Here’s to creating beautiful spring memories in Colorado Springs with your preschoolers.

February 4, 2024 by Christopher Hooker

Black History Month and Young Kids

Photo by Dmitry Ratushny on Unsplash

Each February is Black History Month. It’s a good thing for our country and future to celebrate our diversity from a young age. This month educators make sure the contributions of black people survive time and tide by highlighting them in history lessons. Teachers use Black History Month to introduce concepts of diversity and inclusion to kids who are beginning to grasp differences in themselves and their friends.

While our little ones may still need to grasp the concept of race fully, it’s never too early to start building a foundation of diversity and inclusion. Studies show that children typically only form their views on race after early childhood, and often, these ideas come from the adults around them. If you’d like to start the conversation with your child to steer them towards understanding Black history and themselves, here are our humble suggestions.

The heroes of black history are heroes for all children. They teach us about standing up for ourselves. At ages three through five, kids are not yet able to grasp the enormity of the injustice of slavery or even the struggle of the Civil Rights movement.

There are plenty of heroes in Black History for kids to admire. Activists like Rosa Parks, Harriet Tubman, Sojourner Truth, Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X, and John Lewis contributed to freedom. President Barack Obama and Vice President Kamala Harris have made history in U.S. politics. In science, there are innovators like George Washington Carver, Vivien Thomas, Mathematician Katherine Johnson, and chemist Marie Maynard Daly. In sports, Muhammad Ali proved to be much more than just a superb athlete, taking a difficult stand for his beliefs. There are even heroes of the Old West, such as lawman Bass Reeves.

We’ve compiled a list of books featuring black characters and stories to expose your little ones to different cultures and perspectives. The books on this list are a great way to introduce your child to some important stories they may never have heard, all featuring characters who are black. Whether you’re looking for significant history or just want something fun to read together, we’ve got you covered.

“One Plastic Bag: Isatou Ceesay and the Recycling Women of the Gambia” by Miranda Paul and Elizabeth Zunon: this brilliant book talks about a Gambian woman who sees a problem and decides to be the solution. This book is an excellent story of what one person can do with their time and energy to improve their community and the world around them. Grade Level: Kindergarten to 3rd Grade.
“The Snowy Day” by Ezra Jack Keats: Join Peter as he explores a snow-covered neighborhood filled with joyful discoveries and a lovable main character.
“Sulwe” by actress Lupita Nyong’o (writer) and Vashti Harrison (Illustrator): Dive into the magical story of young Sulwe as she embarks on a journey of self-discovery and self-love. Reading Age: 1 – 5 (per customers)
“Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History” by Vashti Harrison: Introduce your child to trailblazing black women who made significant contributions to history in an engaging and accessible way. Reading Age: 4 – 9 years (per customers)
“All Are Welcome” by Alexandra Penfold: Explore the beauty of diversity as children from all walks of life come together and celebrate their unique identities. Reading Age: 2 – 6 years (per customers)
“The Colors of Us” by Karen Katz: Take a colorful journey with Lena as she discovers the many shades of skin colors and embraces the beauty of diversity. Reading Age: 2 – 5 years (per customers)
“Hair Love” by written by Matthew A. Cherry and illustrated by Vashti Harrison: Follow along as young Zuri and her father celebrate natural hair and the bond between a parent and child. Reading age: 2 – 7 years (per customers)
“A is for Activist” written and illustrated by Innosanto Nagara: Learn the alphabet while exploring activism, justice, and inclusivity themes in this empowering book. Reading Age: 1-3 years (per customers)
“Mae Among the Stars” written by Roda Ahmed and illustrated by Stasia Burrington: Join aspiring astronaut Mae Jemison as she perseveres and achieves her dream of reaching for the stars. Reading Age: 2 – 6 years (per customers)

These books are beautifully illustrated and provide important messages of acceptance, diversity, and the celebration of Black history. Enjoy snuggling up with your little ones, and let these stories educate, inspire, and spark meaningful conversations. Consider embarking on a tradition of learning about different cultures and histories during this important month. Explore books, movies, and activities that showcase the incredible contributions of African Americans to our society. Let’s instill a love of learning and respect for all people in our Creekside kids from a young age. Thanks for entrusting your children’s early learning experiences with us – we love being part of such a caring and community-oriented group!

Another Swimming Summer!

Staying Safe in Summer Sun And Fun

Prep

Safe Splashing Tips

Be Emergency Ready

Making Every Splash Count

The Hidden Anxieties of Change

Embarking on a Kindergarten Adventure

Spotting the Signs of Kindergarten Jitters

Helping Hands for a Smooth Kindergarten Transition

The Importance of Speaking Your Child’s Individual Love Language

The Chatterbox Language

Physical Affection: A Toddlers’ Love-Language

Quality Time That Adds Up

In a Nutshell

Spring into Fun: March Adventures for Creekside Kids

Adventure 1: Visit the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo

Adventure 2: Treasure Hunt at Garden of the Gods

Adventure 3: Ride the Broadmoor Pikes Peak Cog Railway

Adventure 4: Storytime at Manitou Springs Public Library

Adventure 5: Share the Fun at the Manitou Springs Penny Arcade

Black History Month and Young Kids

Location & Hours

Affiliates

Testimonials

Staying Safe in Summer Sun And Fun

Prep

Safe Splashing Tips

Be Emergency Ready

Making Every Splash Count

Embarking on a Kindergarten Adventure

Spotting the Signs of Kindergarten Jitters

Helping Hands for a Smooth Kindergarten Transition

The Chatterbox Language

Physical Affection: A Toddlers’ Love-Language

Quality Time That Adds Up

In a Nutshell

Adventure 1: Visit the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo

Adventure 2: Treasure Hunt at Garden of the Gods

Adventure 3: Ride the Broadmoor Pikes Peak Cog Railway

Adventure 4: Storytime at Manitou Springs Public Library

Adventure 5: Share the Fun at the Manitou Springs Penny Arcade

Location & Hours

Follow Us

Affiliates

Testimonials