October 2, 2025 by Christopher Hooker

Autumn Magic

There’s something truly special about the first days of autumn. For toddlers, it’s a season full of wonder and discovery — crisp air, warm colors, and new celebrations. At Creekside Kids, we love watching our co-learners’ eyes light up and their curiosity when they see the world changing around them. Their interest peaks as the leaves change color and the weather begins to chill.

As autumn settles in, we’re about to hit that hectic time of year, when the holidays seem to come so quickly. Before we know it, the calendar turns, and we’re sorting out what we’ll do in 2026. We hope you and your kids can slow down and take advantage of some of the fun of autumn.

From Green to Gold: Nature’s Little Lessons

One of the most enchanting transformations of fall in Colorado Springs is watching the leaves turn. That deep summer green fades into glowing golds, fiery reds, and amber browns. It’s a perfect opportunity for toddlers to learn new words, explore textures, and notice the changes in their environment.

Don’t miss out on the chance to introduce your child to small leaf walks. They can collect colorful leaves, press them in books, and trace their veins on paper. These simple activities encourage observation, vocabulary, and connection with nature, serving to mark the change in seasons.

Tips for Parents: Making the Most of Autumn

Dress in layers. Colorado’s fall weather can change quickly. Light jackets, hats, and mittens are handy.
Bring a treasure bag. Your toddler will want to gather leaves, acorns, pinecones, and sticks.
Savor snack moments. Think of cider, pumpkin muffins, and crunchy apples — foods that match the season can enhance the sensory experience.
Extend play into the classroom or at home. Use leaf rubbings, shadow tracing, or seasonal books to reinforce what children see outside.
Talk about change. Use simple language to help toddlers understand why leaves fall, why days are shorter, and why the air feels cooler.

Fall Fun Around Colorado Springs

There’s no shortage of family-friendly autumn events where toddlers (ages 3–5) can immerse themselves in the season. Here are a few highlights for this fall:

Event	Date / Time	What to Expect
Boo at the Zoo	Oct. 17th – 19th, Oct. 24th – 26th & Oct. 31st 4 – 8:30 p.m.	Child-friendly trick-or-treating among zoo exhibits
Pumpkins in the Park – Old Colorado City	Sat., Oct. 18th 12 – 4 p.m.	Pumpkin patch, painting, crafts, balloon animals, face painting
Scarecrow Days in Old Colorado City	Oct. 5th – Oct. 31st 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.	Enjoy all the custom scarecrows along the Avenue at Old Colorado City and take pictures with your favorite scarecrow.
Trunk-or-Treat at Royal Gorge Bridge & Park	Oct. 18, 4:30 – 8 p.m.	A scenic, elevated trick-or-treating event with local groups handing out candy

These events are generally safe, well-supervised, and tailored for families with young children. Be sure to check each organizer’s website for ticketing information, age recommendations, and any COVID-19 or safety protocols they may have in place.

Halloween: Magic, Costumes, and Safety

Halloween is often a highlight for toddlers—dressing up, getting a few treats, and playfully exploring a mild scare in a supportive environment. At Creekside Kids, we LOVE Halloween and we’ve previously written several blog posts around Halloween, including:

Trick-or-Treating Safety Tips for Parents — including ideas like using strollers or wagons for little walkers, choosing bright/reflective costumes, and planning routes in advance.
Understanding the Holiday — exploring the roots of Halloween, how children process the spooky aspects, and how to make it meaningful and gentle.
What We Can Learn From Getting Into Costume — the donning of outfits has many benefits for children, and it’s a fun tradition, too!

Is your neighborhood the kind that doesn’t do much for trick-or-treaters? We’ve mentioned it before, but one of the greatest spots for Trick-or-Treating in Colorado Springs is in the Old North End, on N. Tejon Street. Families open their spookily-decorated houses to the public. It’s a great place to go as a family, if your current neighborhood has too much traffic. But be aware that it can be overwhelming to some kids, as the street is bustling with kids and adults having fun.

Here are a few additional Halloween safety pointers especially for toddlers:

Visibility is key — use glow sticks, reflective tape, or LED touches on costumes.
Choose safe costumes — avoid long trailing fabric, sharp props, or masks that impair vision; face paint is often a better alternative.
Stay together — always accompany toddlers, hold hands, and stick to familiar, well-lit neighborhoods.
Inspect treats — check candy wrappers before letting little ones eat anything.
Timing matters — trick-or-treat during early evening hours (when it’s not too dark) to make walking safer.
Set expectations — keep the experience brief, fun, and low-pressure. Not every child will want to collect a lot of candy; being comfortable is more important.

Halloween is a Teaching Opportunity

Research has shown that children can gain valuable insights from exploring concepts of fear and death. According to the Child Mind Institute, Halloween can be a perfect opportunity for children to engage with these themes in a controlled environment. By acknowledging and discussing their fears, parents can help children develop emotional resilience and a better understanding of life’s complexities. This approach enables children to process complex emotions and develop effective coping strategies, which are essential for their social and emotional development.

For younger children, the ability to distinguish between fantasy and reality is still in the process of development. This can make Halloween particularly challenging, as they may struggle to understand that spooky displays and costumes are not real. A study cited by the Children’s Hospital of Orange County (CHOC) suggests that parents should acknowledge their child’s fears and explain that these experiences are pretend. By doing so, parents can help their children feel safe while still enjoying the fun aspects of the holiday. This strategy not only calms children’s nerves but also fosters a sense of trust and security.

It’s essential for parents to remember that Halloween is meant to be fun, but it doesn’t have to be mandatory. Some children may prefer to avoid the spookier aspects of the holiday, and that’s perfectly okay. The focus should always be on the child’s comfort and joy. Parents can create alternative activities that celebrate the season without the scary elements, such as carving pumpkins or baking Halloween-themed treats, allowing children to participate in the festivities without feeling overwhelmed. For parents looking to ease their children into the spooky season, the CHOC suggests acknowledging and naming children’s fears, explaining that it’s okay to be scared, and emphasizing the pretend nature of the experiences. Additionally, parents can involve their children in the planning process, allowing them to choose activities and costumes that make them feel comfortable and excited.

Autumn is a beautiful bridge between warm summer days and cozy winter-time comforts. At Creekside Kids, we delight in each golden leaf, each costume, each little hand reaching out exploring the crisp air. We look forward to sharing these moments with your family. 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.

September 1, 2025 by Christopher Hooker

Why Reading to Your Preschooler Every Night is a Game-Changer

In the hustle of everyday life—between work, activities, and trying to maintain friendships, it’s easy to let reading to your child slip through the cracks. But those 20 minutes before lights out? They might be the most powerful minutes of your child’s day. Over half of today’s parents of young children are missing the boat on this critical activity. Screen time and devices do not compare to the power of regularly reading with a loved one.

The Million-Word Advantage

Did you know that research shows that children whose parents read to them regularly hear up to one million more words by age three compared to kids whose parents aren’t reading to them? It’s true– that’s from a study at Wake Forest Pediatrics. That extra exposure builds a stronger vocabulary, sharper listening skills, and more confidence once they start preschool or kindergarten. In the words of Dr. Monica Alvarez, Early Literacy Specialist: “Books are like little word machines. They give kids three times more new words than everyday conversation.” So, yes, “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” really is changing your child’s brain, and quite possibly, an appetite for communication.

Building Brains, Not Just Bedtime Routines

When you sit with your child and read, you’re doing more than storytelling. Brain scans of preschoolers reveal that hearing stories activates both language and imagination centers of the brain (Time Magazine). That means they’re not just listening—they’re picturing, problem-solving, and connecting words to ideas. It’s like a workout for their developing mind.

Emotional Bonding That Lasts

Life with little ones can be chaotic. Reading each night is a chance to slow down, snuggle in, and remind your child that they’re safe and loved. It’s not just about the book—it’s about connection. Bedtime stories aren’t just words on a page, says the Child Mind Institute; they’re glue for families. The physical connection of snuggling and reading together wires your child’s brain to associate being together and doing positive things with their parents as a way to express and receive love. The regular rhythm of reading with a parent at night creates strong connections.

School Readiness Starts Here

Programs like Reach Out and Read, used by pediatricians nationwide, have demonstrated that children who read to their parents at home arrive at school with stronger vocabulary, better focus, and increased confidence (Reach Out and Read). Teachers notice the difference quickly. Skipping bedtime reading, on the other hand, can leave kids behind. Without that exposure to language, some children start school already struggling to keep up.

What Happens When We Skip It?

It might not feel like a big deal to miss storytime once or twice—but over time, those missed nights add up.

Fewer words heard → smaller vocabulary
Less bonding time → weaker parent-child connection
More challenging transition to school → less confidence in the classroom

A recent survey found that only 41% of young parents read regularly to their kids, down from 64% a decade ago (Parents.com). Experts worry this trend could leave children less prepared for school and less motivated to read.

How to Make It Stick

Create a ritual — pair storytime with brushing teeth so it becomes automatic.
Use the library — the Pikes Peak Library District offers free story times, book bundles, and even curbside pickup, making it an excellent resource for fresh reads.
Keep it short — even 5–10 minutes makes a difference.
Let kids choose — empowering them to pick a book makes reading feel fun, not forced. The best book to read to your child is the one they’re excited about—even if it’s the same one for the tenth night in a row.

The Takeaway

Every bedtime story is more than just a cute tradition—it’s brain fuel, emotional bonding, and future school success all wrapped up in one. By reading each night, you’re giving your child the gift of words, imagination, and love. So tonight, before you turn off the lights in your Colorado Springs home, grab a book, cuddle up, and read. Ten minutes could change their tomorrow.

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.

August 9, 2025 by Christopher Hooker

Changes are Scary Things

Image created by ChatGPT

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.

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!