August 9, 2025 by Christopher Hooker

Changes are Scary Things

As the summer begins to turn to autumn, our co-learners prepare to say farewell to some of our friends as they transition to the upper level of preschool and into kindergarten. We know they’ll do great. We’ve put in considerable effort to make the transition less intimidating for them, and we know you have, too. Your thoughtful support and encouragement about how much they will enjoy their new classroom and new friends is key to their success.

The leap from child care to preschool and from preschool to Kindergarten is a significant one—not just for children, but for parents as well. What seems like a small change on the outside—new classroom, new teacher, new schedule—can feel monumental to a child. They may ask, Why is everything different? Where are the friends I know? Will my grownups still come back for me? And underneath those questions is often a quiet fear: Am I going to be okay here? Many children struggle with unspoken worries and fears regarding their transition, which may result in increased clingy-ness or whining. This is very normal, and a few children may act out in search of reassurance that their grown-ups will be reliable with rules and compassionate consequences.

As parents, we can help our children address those nagging fears, which children often lack the words for, not with lectures or logic, but with rituals—reliable, repeatable routines that quietly reassure our child, ‘Yes, you’re safe.’ Yes, this is okay. Yes, I’ll always come back.

Here are some thoughtful, heart-centered ways to ease the transitions of growing up using simple rituals that reassure and empower:

Create a Morning Goodbye Ritual

Instead of rushing through drop-off with a distracted “Bye, sweetie!” while juggling keys and coffee, try making the goodbye itself a special moment. A simple three-step ritual—like a hug, a high-five, and a silly wave through the window—gives your child something to count on.

Why it works: It creates a sense of control and predictability. It tells your child, I know this part is tricky. I’m here, and I’m doing it with you.

Use a Visual Calendar at Home

Create a kid-friendly calendar that indicates which days are “Preschool Days” and which days are “Home Days.” Add little stickers or drawings to mark fun events, such as show-and-tell or library day.

Why it works: It demystifies time. Instead of the scary unknown, school becomes something they can “see” coming and going.

Bring Familiar Comforts Along

Let your child choose a “transition object” like a small stuffed animal, a photo of your family, or a charm they can keep in their backpack or cubby. For some, a chewy pendant on a necklace can really help alleviate anxiety.

Why it works: These items serve as emotional anchors—a quiet reminder that home is always nearby.

Make After-School Connection Rituals

Whether it’s a snack picnic in the park, reading a special book together, or just singing a favorite song in the car, create a “reconnection ritual” for after pickup. Let your child look forward to that moment as part of their school day.

Why it works: It reinforces the idea that separation is temporary, and reunions are joyful.

Play “Pretend Preschool/Kindergarten” at Home

Act out the school day together with dolls, stuffed animals, or dress-up props. Practice saying goodbye, sitting at circle time, and even making new friends. You can even pretend to be the nervous student—and let your child play the reassuring adult!

Why it works: Play is how children process big emotions. This kind of imaginative rehearsal builds confidence and resilience.

Keep a Steady Routine—But Be Flexible With Emotions

Children thrive with routine, especially during times of transition. But emotions will still come—tears, clinging, or even regressions. That’s okay. Acknowledge their feelings gently without trying to “fix” them too fast. Try saying:

“It’s okay to miss your old classroom. Big changes can feel hard. But guess what? You’re strong, and we’re in this together.”

Celebrate the “Firsts”

Your child’s first day of preschool is a milestone. Take a photo, pack a special lunch, write a little note, or share a story about your first day of school. Make it meaningful.

Why it works: Framing the transition as a celebration, rather than a loss, gives your child pride and ownership of this next significant step.

Transitions Don’t Have to Be Traumas

What makes transitions feel scary to children is the uncertainty. Rituals—especially when repeated with love and care—remove that uncertainty. They give your child a gentle bridge between the world they know and the new one they’re stepping into.

So don’t worry if the first few weeks come with tears or clinging. That’s normal. With time, consistency, and a few meaningful rituals, you’ll help your child not only survive the preschool transition—but thrive in it. You’ve got this. And so do they.

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.

July 1, 2025 by Christopher Hooker

Teaching Kids About the Fourth of July, Patriotism, and Everyday Courage

Image created by ImageAI

As a child, did you ever experience an injustice or had someone use their size, age, or status to take something from you, or prevent you from taking your fair turn?

Fairness is an issue our co-learners at Creekside Kids protect as we work to ensure that all our kids know they have received fairness and, in turn, treat others with the same ethics and kindness.

As fireworks light up the sky this Fourth of July, we celebrate more than just a birthday. Independence Day is a chance to talk with our children about bravery, sacrifice, and the people who helped shape our nation—not just the names in history books but the everyday heroes walking among us.

From Capes to Courage: Superheroes and Real-Life Heroes

Kids love superheroes. From Spider-Man to Wonder Woman, these characters show courage, kindness, and a willingness to stand up for what’s right. But before there were superheroes in comics, there were real people who did heroic things—and they didn’t wear capes.

We’re living in an age where superheroes are celebrated and a massive part of our culture. On September 11th, 2001, Americans witnessed something so horrible and senseless, that we called back to a place where superheroes righted our wrongs, because we felt powerless in the enormity of the fall of the twin towers. We needed the superhero to right our wrongs at that moment. The legends of superheroes helped comfort us and give us a sense that someone, somewhere, would stand up for us.

Since then, the idea of the superhero has been the dominant genre on television and film. Culturally, we forgot that it’s the everyday person, the real person, who saves the day in this world, by standing up to aggression.

Talk to your children about:

Nathan Hale was a young schoolteacher who became a spy for the American colonies. When the British captured him, his final words were, “I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country.”

Sybil Ludington, just 16 years old, rode twice as far as Paul Revere through the night to warn American troops that the British were coming. She wasn’t famous, but she was brave—and she acted when her country needed her.

Alexander Hamilton was an orphan who utilized his brilliant mind to contribute significantly to the Revolutionary War and helped shape the U.S. Constitution. He was very young, bold, and believed deeply in a better future.

Crispus Attucks, a free Black man, became the first person to die in the Boston Massacre. His courage made him the first casualty of the American Revolution—and a symbol of the cost of liberty.

John Paul Jones, a daring Navy commander who, in the middle of battle, shouted, “I have not yet begun to fight!” when asked to surrender. His bravery on the seas played a crucial role in helping America win its independence.

Even though most of these people were adults (many in their early 20’s), they didn’t have superpowers or immunity from prosecution or execution. They were ordinary people in extraordinary circumstances, who risked their fortune, their freedom, and their prosperity for the sake of others. And in the case of Sybil Luddington, she was still a child when she took an enormous risk for the liberty we enjoy today– showing that courage starts early.

Patriotism Isn’t Just Waving a Flag

Patriotism comes in many different forms, but it doesn’t mean blind obedience. The founders of our country were rebels who broke the laws of the British crown because they believed in something better: freedom, justice, and representation. They put these ideas down into a constitution, effectively declaring war on King George and the British empire. It’s important to teach our children that loving your country means wanting it to be its best self—even if that means standing up when something’s wrong.

Sometimes, what’s right isn’t easy. That’s what real patriotism is: choosing what helps others, even when it’s hard. And that can be as complex as election law or as simple as a snack extorted by a bigger child from a smaller child. The United States is a society where we value everyone and seek fairness for everyone, even if that means planting trees that we’ll never enjoy the shade of ourselves. Because our children are those trees, and they will need that shade someday.

Ordinary Heroes in Everyday Life

Today, we still have heroes—police officers who protect communities, firefighters who run into danger, EMTs who respond in emergencies, teachers who nurture minds, and neighbors who assist and care for us when no one is watching.

Ask your children:

Who are the helpers in our community?
What makes someone a hero?
What’s something that you don’t like about the world (litter is a concrete example) and how can you help fix it?

These questions help children understand that, while they may be small, their actions can have a significant impact on the world around them.

June 1, 2025 by Christopher Hooker

Toes In For the Summer!

Image created by ChatBox

Summer Swims Into View

Summer is right around the corner! That means even if our mountain-blessed Colorado weather has us wearing our long socks into July this year, we are still contemplating and savoring upcoming visits to lakes, beaches, and pools. And for many of our kids, it may be their first taste of a swim without being in a parent’s arms.

As another season of trips and reunions begins, we believe that this is a good time to introduce toddlers to the joys of swimming. Water play is a fun way for kids to enjoy the warm weather and an essential skill that can promote a healthy respect for water safety and a feeling of confidence around waterplay. We’re pleased to share some great resources, tips, and recommendations for making this summer a splashing success for your little ones!

Bringing Out Our Old Blogs

Each June, we worry about the kids we’ve come to know and love over the year, as they dart off to their vacations and holidays. This comes from poolsafety.gov:

In 2020, 339 children younger than age 15 fatally drowned, but in 2021, that figure rose by 12% with 380 children fatally drowning. Children five years old and younger are especially vulnerable – this age group represents 75% of child drowning deaths and 77% of nonfatal injuries.

As discussed in our June 2024 blog, Another Swimming Summer!, it contains a great checklist for prepping swim time and what to watch out for. If you missed our June 2022 blog, Teaching Your Kids About Swimming and Dangers, we encourage you to check it out for more insights on why early swimming lessons are crucial, as well as understanding the dangers of dry drowning and secondary drowning.

Swimming is a fantastic activity for toddlers, providing numerous benefits beyond just staying cool. It helps improve coordination, enhances physical fitness, and promotes social skills through play. Additionally, learning to swim at a young age sets the foundation for a lifetime of water safety. We believe that it’s important to balance the dangers of not respecting a body of water with the confidence to survive in a crisis. And it’s great to be as prepared as you can for the fun!

Top Wading Pools for Toddlers

For families wanting to create a swim oasis at home, several brands offer fantastic inflatable and above-ground pools that are perfect for toddlers. Here are our top recommendations:

This spacious inflatable pool can comfortably hold toddlers and their parents, making it perfect for family fun. With vibrant colors and a design that features built-in benches, it’s ideal for splashing and play.

Intex Inflatable Family Lounge Pool: this inflatable swimming pool comes with a built-in bench with a backrest for a supervising parent. It has a water capacity of 156 gallons

And even includes a repair patch in case of punctures.

Little Tikes Slam ‘n Curve Slide Inflatable Outdoors Kiddie Pool: while this pool doesn’t have room for mom or dad to lounge, it is enormous fun, with a rock wall side for climbers, and rewards a good climb with a cool slide.

VISTOP Extra Large Foldable Dog Pool: conceived as a pet pool, this collapsible structure requires no inflating, and is recommended by users for its durability.

Splash Pad for Dogs & Kids: another pet creation, this reminds us of running through sprinklers as kids. The only drawback is that it doesn’t recycle and filter the water, so it can be a bad choice in drought months.

Recommended Swimming Schools for Toddlers

If you’re looking to enroll your toddler in structured swim lessons, several local swimming schools offer fantastic programs tailored for young children:

SafeSplash: This dedicated swim school focuses on building essential water safety skills in a fun environment.
British Swim School: Offering a unique approach that blends swimming lessons with safety skills, they ensure that your toddler is prepared for any water situation.
PPYMCA: With a solid reputation for quality swim instruction, the YMCA provides a nurturing atmosphere for toddlers learning to swim.
Pikes Peak Athletics: This local program offers personalized instruction to build water confidence.
Little Fins Swim School: Specializing in young children, they provide engaging lessons that keep toddlers excited about swimming.
Villa Sport StarBabies: Villa Sport’s swim lessons provide an early introduction to swimming for ages 6 – 36 months. (Swimmers who are incontinent or not fully toilet trained must wear Villa Sport-approved swim diapers with a tight-fitting protective covering.)

Local Swimming Spots

For parents seeking safe destinations to take their toddlers swimming, Colorado Springs has several excellent spots, and some with lifeguards on duty. These locations ensure a secure environment for your little ones to splash and play:

Memorial Park: A beautiful space with a sizable pool area, perfect for family outings. (Although there are wonderful picnic spaces, there are no lifeguards at Prospect Lake.)
Villa Sport: This facility combines fitness and fun, providing a safe environment for kids with lifeguards overseeing swim activities.
Cottonwood Creek YMCA: Out east where Dublin and Rangewood intersect, the Cottonwood Creek YMCA offers swimming facilities that are well-supervised and designed for families.
Wilson Ranch Pool YMCA: This community pool is ideal for families, offering shallow areas and supervision for young swimmers.

Have a Great Summer!

Summer swimming is an exciting way for toddlers to experience water, learn valuable skills, and create cherished memories with their families. Whether you’re considering setting up a home pool or enrolling your child in swim lessons, there are endless opportunities for water fun this season. We hope you explore the resources listed above to make this summer unforgettable for your little ones. Happy swimming from all of us at Creekside Kids!

May 2, 2025 by Christopher Hooker

Cherishing Little Moments: Creating Meaningful Memories at the End of the School Year

Photo by Kristyna Squared.one on Unsplash

As the school year comes to a close, you may find yourself experiencing a bittersweet feeling. The year seems to have flown by! This is a wonderful time to breathe in the summertime ahead, celebrate accomplishments, and reflect on how much our children have grown since those first steps into their classroom months ago.

This season serves as a gentle reminder of the fleeting nature of time. Someday, the same child whose tiny hand you once held on the first day of school will be packing for college, moving out for their first job, or simply heading off to forge their own path—and you might find yourself wondering, “Where did the time go?”. The old saying is that ‘the days are long but the years are short’ is so true.

As parents and caregivers, handling these emotional moments is part of the beautiful journey of growing alongside our children. The end of the school year offers an exceptional opportunity to celebrate growth and create something tangible that helps preserve the memories we’re making along the way. For some of you, that begins in the coming school year as your child begins kindergarten; why not turn the tradition of cleaning out your child’s backpack into an annual ritual with purpose?

Turn Bookbag Clutter into Treasured Keepsakes

When your little one empties their backpack at the end of the school year, you’ll likely uncover a treasure trove of their year’s work: colorful drawings, crayon-filled worksheets, encouraging notes from teachers, and maybe even a few scribbled moments of creativity that only a child could bring to life. Instead of tossing these into the recycling bin, consider creating a scrapbook that captures your child’s early school days year by year.

Collect the highlights—the assignments that made them proud, the art showing their creativity blossoming, or even the moments that made you laugh. Include photos, if you can, like their first-day-of-school picture or snapshots from field trips and classroom parties. If you’re short on time, even collecting one or two special pieces each year can create a meaningful scrapbook by the time they graduate.

And you can start now– with the artwork your child produces here at Creekside Kids. Consider adding in photographs and locks of hair from their haircuts. This treasure trove you will transform as they transform, becoming an echo of how you experienced their childhood.

To make this process even sweeter, involve your child. For younger kiddos, let them tell you which drawings or projects they’re most proud of. Older children might even want to jot down a favorite memory to include. By working together, you’ll turn this end-of-year task into something much more meaningful: a celebration of their accomplishments and dreams and another ritual within the family as you put away the old school year and prepare for the new one. This ritual gives you a moment to reflect with your child on the things they have learned and who they are becoming in the course of their life.

A Gift for the Road Ahead

The beauty of this yearly ritual is that it puts both the past and future into perspective. When that moment arrives—years from now—and your child is ready to step into the next significant chapter of their life, you’ll already have a heartfelt gift to remind them how far they’ve come and how much you’ve cherished every step of the journey.

Imagine handing your child that scrapbook on the day they leave for college or perhaps on their graduation day. As they flip through pages filled with their younger self’s art, words, and triumphs, they’ll be reminded, in a very tangible way, of just how deeply loved and supported they’ve been all along.

Here’s a resource if you need a little help getting on step with scrapbooking: Easy Scrapbooking for the Busy Mom.

Taking Time to Soak It All In

It’s easy to get caught up in the busyness of life with seasons that come and go in a flurry. The end of the school year can serve as a quiet reminder to slow down, acknowledge how far your family has come together, and treasure the simple joys of childhood while they’re still unfolding. At Creekside Kids, we know that creating meaningful moments out of the everyday builds a foundation of love, curiosity, and connection that will last a lifetime.

The years may pass us by quickly, but by preserving memories and celebrating your child’s unique story, you’ll create a keepsake worth holding onto and giving away—and a tradition that reminds you both of the incredible journey you’re sharing. Here’s to another year of growth, joy, and endless possibilities. 💕

At Creekside Kids, we love celebrating these milestones with our community because we truly believe in the importance of building joyful, lasting memories for every family. If you’d like more ideas for creating traditions that matter or celebrating the little moments in your child’s early learning years, don’t hesitate to connect with us. We’re here to walk alongside you every step of the way!

April 2, 2025 by Christopher Hooker

Spring in the Springs

Image by Penny from Pixabay

Spring is here! After so many March snowstorms, it’s wonderful to see the green returning to Colorado Springs. With the return of spring comes a renewed sense of energy and the desire to get outside and enjoy the warm weather, especially for the young (and the young-at-heart).

April is the perfect month to celebrate spring’s return with various indoor and outdoor activities. Whether you’re looking to fly a kite, enjoy a park, or find fun things to do inside, there are plenty of options available. Here’s our quick guide to some Springtime fun in the Springs!

Celebrate Earth Day

Earth Day falls in April on the 25th, and serves as a great reminder for all of us to engage in environmentally friendly activities. You can create recycled art projects, start a compost bin, or simply discuss ways to be more eco-conscious. If you’re looking for a way to celebrate Earth Day, consider planting a tree. Trees provide shade and beauty, but they also help reduce air pollution by absorbing carbon dioxide. They also provide habitat for birds and other wildlife, and will grow with your child.

Outdoor Activities

Plant a Family Garden

Gardening is a rewarding way to spend time outdoors and celebrate the growth and renewal that spring represents. It’s also an excellent opportunity to teach kids about nature and responsibility, and the cycle of life. Some delicious veggies can be planted this early in the season– check out Rick’s Garden Center for a list of plants which can be planted in April.

Your family garden can be as simple as a few pots on the patio or as elaborate as an entire plot in your backyard. It’s up to you and your kids, but be advised: some living things require a great deal more attention than you might expect!

Here are some tips to get you started:

Choose a sunny spot with good drainage.
If you don’t have access to a garden, consider planting in containers instead.
Start small and add more plants as you gain experience.
Use organic soil amendments and fertilizers whenever possible.
Water deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Have a Family Picnic

There are great parks all around Creekside Kids and Cheyenne Mountain where you and your kids can get a little taste of nature on the verge of civilization. The Canon School is closed on the weekends, but has a playground and field that can be used for a great picnic. North Cheyenne Cañon Park offers trails and wonderful waterfalls. For those looking for a little bit less civilization, the Stratton Open Space offers wide open prairies.

Go Fly a Kite!

April in Colorado Springs often brings consistent, moderate winds, making it ideal for kite flying. It’s a wonderful activity for both kids and adults to enjoy on a breezy day. And if you feel like making a kite as a family, there are plans for kites that are demure and mindful, and some that are bombastically huge (if you feel like attaching a GoPro to your kite).

Our neighborhood parks provide a great escape with open spaces for running, playing, and relaxing, giving you plenty of room to get the necessary running start with your kite.

Some recommended parks where kite flying is permitted include:

You might also be able to fly drones in these parks– but be sure to do your research on any requirements. We are near several military outposts, after all!

And don’t forget, Easter is April 20th, so when you and your kids are out, think about where you can hide the eggs this year!

Indoor Activities

Create Spring Crafts

When April showers keep you indoors, crafting is a fantastic way to keep the spring spirit alive. Create flower arrangements, birdhouses, or other spring-themed decorations[5]. Bake cookies and look at the recipes together to learn letters and numbers and the concepts associated with print.

Have an Indoor Picnic

If the weather isn’t cooperating, bring the fun inside with an indoor picnic. Spread a blanket on the floor, prepare some spring snacks, and enjoy a meal with the family indoors.

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.