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!

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.

January 1, 2024 by Christopher Hooker

Shredding the Slopes with Confidence

Photo by Fredrik Solli Wandem on Unsplash

Wintertime in Colorado Springs is for Snow Sports!

January through March are typically the snowiest months in Colorado. At best, it conjures images of nights in, with snuggles, books and games and cocoa; at worst, traffic delays, and shoveling. But for those adventurous parents and snow-loving families, a suitable powder means a superior skiing experience! Is it time for you and your family to hit the slopes this winter?

As we imagine a trip to Breckenridge or the more affordable Monarch Mountain with your children, we think only about the perfect scenario: the sparkling snow, the giggles echoing through the crisp air, and your little ones gliding down the mountainside with joyful abandon. But that’s a fantasy. Let’s talk about the reality and how you can introduce skiing to your children in a low stress way.

The First Time is Not a Time for D.I.Y.

When planning a trip to the ski slopes, remember that you are not there just for your children– you’re there for your own exhilarating thrills. You deserve to have a good experience. Your kids deserve to learn skiing from someone who can be patient with their mistakes and firm with their behavior without spoiling the trip for the family. Let’s dive into why choosing a ski instructor is often the way to go for preschool-age children.

The secret ingredient to make a skiing trip an absolute blast is to invest in a ski instructor or a learning program offered by the resorts in our area. As parents, we have enough on our plates without adding the stress of teaching skiing to our children. Choosing a ski instructor means you can relax and fully immerse yourself in the joy of skiing on your own while your child is with new little buddies and by a very patient professional. Then later that day, you can ski alongside your child when they can say, “Look at meeeeee!”

Leave the instructions to the pros so you can enjoy those precious moments together. Plus, who doesn’t love bonding over hot cocoa breaks and cheering on your little one’s progress with other skiing families?

Some parents have the patience to teach their child to ski—and we sincerely applaud them. The key to a D.I.Y. approach is to be very sure the child is as comfortable, well rested and well fed as possible. Those WONDERFUL hand and toe warmers are lifesavers and as parents, ourselves, we learned to proactively put them in boots and gloves (after they were pre-warmed for about 30 minutes). You can always pull them out if the child is too warm but icy toes hurt and ruin a ski experience.

Find out if your child even needs a ski pass to work on the basics on the first day–they may not even make it on a lift the first few times. Sometimes just cruising 50 feet or more on the base of the bunny slope is all a child needs to become confident and then willing to try the slopes or a lesson. One GREAT tip is to keep videoing your child and then play the videos for them over the summer and fall to psych them up for the next season. It significantly improves confidence!

Don’t forget that different harnesses provide different levels of support and an edgie-wedgie is incredibly helpful to keep skis tips from crossing. Some people harness the skis for improved balance rather than use a chest harness on the child. Consult your local ski shop for tips!

It Doesn’t Have To Be Skis

You and the kids are there to have fun. Balance issues, fear of falling, anxiety over failures, or a general aversion to skis are all possible reasons your child may decide that skiing is not the sport for them. But why demand they learn skiing when snowboarding, cross country skiing, and sledding are readily available? Or, just playing in the snow? If a child doesn’t want to embrace skiing, instead of trying to overcome their fears, try understanding their fears and giving them the room they need to grow beyond those fears. This is a time for a trained instructor.

Safety First, Always

As much as we want to be there for every milestone of our little ones, skiing requires specialized skills to ensure safety on the slopes, and you want the most experienced guides possible to take a hand when it comes to educating your child. Ski instructors are trained professionals and experienced in guiding children through the basics of skiing. From helmet fittings to emphasizing the importance of proper equipment, they go the extra mile to create a safe and secure environment for our kiddos. With a ski instructor by their side, we can rest easy knowing that our child’s safety is their top priority.

Expertise Tailored for Younger Kids

Teaching a child to ski is quite a different ballgame than training an adult. Ski instructors have a deep understanding of early childhood development and know how to engage and motivate little skiers without pressuring them to comply because of the financial commitment of the course. Instructors use engaging games, playful techniques, and a sprinkle of charm to make learning to ski an exciting adventure. With their expertise in child-friendly techniques, ski instructors ensure your child’s skiing journey is filled with fun, progress, and a sense of achievement.

Skiing is not just about gliding down the mountain; it’s also about building confidence and forming lasting friendships. By learning and exploring with peers, your child will forge friendships that will make their skiing journey even more magical.

Many of the resorts in our area have ski programs. Breckenridge and Keystone have programs for ages 3 to 14. Monarch has a wonderful program meant exclusively for children ages 3 to 6. As you plan your child’s first skiing adventure, remember that a ski program is great for an unforgettable and safe experience. Let’s celebrate the joy of skiing and cherish these magical family memories together in the most fun and stress-free way possible.

November 23, 2023 by Christopher Hooker

Great Toys for Girls and Boys

Photo by luis arias on Unsplash

HAPPY THANKSGIVING 2023! As we feast with our extended families today and pay tribute to the many blessings in our lives, our children are already eyeing the signs of the coming holidays.

Even as we enjoy building sweet memories and honoring our traditions, most of us are bracing for tomorrow’s building pressures and excitements, otherwise known as Black Friday. Our kids don’t understand this complicated set of joys and heartaches yet, but someday, they’ll be right where you are, trying to show their immeasurable love to their child and hoping not to disappoint them when gift-giving for the holidays.

One significant caveat to remember is that the early childhood years are crucial for building rituals, rhythms, and relationships over getting a lot of toys. The neural development related to close connections through cooking, taking walks, raking leaves, snuggling, and reading together will reverberate through their lives for years to come. Not all gifts are tangible and cast in plastic; the gift of time and love is what children most crave.

As caregivers at Creekside Kids, parents often ask us for advice on great seasonal gift ideas. We always strive to provide our children with entertaining toys that promote their learning and development. That’s why, ahead of Black Friday, we’ve compiled a list of holiday gifts that meet the Reggio Emilia standards, a child-centered approach to education that emphasizes creativity, self-expression, and discovery.

Toys from national retailers such as Fat Brain Toys, Montessori Toys, Hearthsong Toys, Smiling Tree Toys, and A Toy Garden are a great place to start when looking for Reggio Emilia-inspired gifts. These brands offer various toys and games that foster creativity, imaginative play, and hands-on learning.

Glow-In-The-Dark Clock Puzzle: We particularly love Fat Brain Toys’ Glow-In-The-Dark Clock Puzzle. The puzzle features a beautiful clock illustration and its components, including hands, numbers, and mechanisms. The pieces are made from wood and have a smooth finish that’s easy for little hands to grasp. It also comes with an activity guide showing kids how to construct their clocks using puzzle pieces. This would be perfect for kids who love exploring how things work or those who want to learn more about timekeeping.

Magnetic Maze: Montessori Generation has a wonderful Magnetic Maze puzzle in the shape of various animals that helps children use logic and coordination to resolve a problem. (In particular, we’re fans of the monkey puzzle!)

HugglePod Deluxe Canvas Hanging Chair – If you can’t build a tree fort where you live but have some trees to call your own, Hearthsong Toys’ HugglePod Deluxe Canvas Hanging Chair provides kids with their own little fort off the ground! It’s a cozy, calming space for children to curl up with a good book, with the sun warming them inside. Sturdy and rugged, the HugglePod can withstand the weather– but don’t leave it out in a windstorm.

Spell Well Name Puzzle – Smiling Tree Toys offers this beautiful, personalized name puzzle. Made of high-quality solid wood with rounded corners and beautifully colored letters, the name puzzle is a perfect way to help your child learn their name while also having fun! The letters are big enough for small hands to handle easily.

Cork Boat Kit: We’re big fans of A Toy Garden’s Cork Boat Kit. The craft is easy enough for kids to do on their own, and the finished product is a sturdy little rowboat that will float in any water-filled container. The kit has everything you need: cork pieces, paints, brushes, and more.

In Colorado Springs, we are lucky to have some fantastic local toy sellers who share our commitment to child-centered learning. Little Richard’s Toy Store is an excellent option for wooden toys and games that promote imaginative play. We love their selection of play kitchens and dollhouses, providing a fun and engaging environment for children to act out their stories and scenarios. Discovery Toys is an alternative that inspires excellent creativity and problem-solving and is a bit more science-based. Our local partner at Discovery Toys is Joyce Stoffey, an expert on their line of educational toys.

Whether shopping at a national retailer or exploring your local toy stores, remember to look for gifts that inspire your child’s imagination, creativity, and love for learning. Happy holidays and happy shopping!

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.

November 1, 2023 by Christopher Hooker

Divorce and the Big Holidays

Image by eanechiporenko from Pixabay

It’s sad to think of divorce and the Thanksgiving and Winter holidays. Being apart at a time where you want togetherness is hard on everyone. But divorce is a reality of many marriages, affecting children of all ages. Divorce can bring about emotional difficulties, especially during holidays like Thanksgiving, Eid, Hanukkah and/or Christmas. It’s essential to be aware of children’s potential challenges and take measures to support them.

Here are some points to address when discussing the emotional difficulties of divorce during Thanksgiving and Christmas:

Acknowledge the Changes. Divorce significantly changes family dynamics and holiday traditions. Try to keep as many family traditions as possible. Children may struggle with the loss of a unified family unit and the changes in their holiday routines. They may blame you, or your ex-spouse. Or they may even blame themselves for the split. Empathize with your children’s feelings and validate their emotions during this time. Let them, and yourself, off the hook.
Communication is Critical. Focus on open and honest communication between co-parents. Try to set aside any personal conflicts and work together to create a holiday schedule that is fair and equitable for the children–and also honors the wishes of the children. As much as possible, include the children in the planning of events. Some divorced couples are able to celebrate holidays together so that the children don’t have to have two separate Christmases/Haunnukas/Eids and pretend like they are happy at both or don’t prefer one over the other. Build a safe space for your children to express their emotions. Listen attentively and provide reassurance and support.
Provide Consistency and Routine. Emphasize the importance of maintaining a sense of routine and consistency during the holidays. If the time is right, establish new traditions or preserve familiar ones that provide the children a sense of belonging which can be hard if the children move back and forth.
Avoiding conflicts. Prioritize the well-being of children and avoid conflicts during holiday celebrations. Set aside any disagreements and focus on creating a positive and peaceful environment for the children to enjoy the festivities.
Consider ‘Blending’. The one-holiday-on, one-holiday-off nature of custody arrangements can be challenging for everyone. If you and your co-parent have an amicable relationship, and enough time has passed that children will not be confused, consider forming an agreement where the hosting parent can allow the co-parent to come over and enjoy some holiday time together. Blending is especially an excellent step to take at Thanksgiving dinner, where it can teach a lot about the nature of the occasion—sharing a feast with all the relatives even if we don’t all get along all the time.
Ease off the Pressure. Pressure is on kids and parents to perform during big holiday functions. Give yourself grace as a parent and don’t worry about everything being perfect. Gifts can sometimes be seen as conditional and dependent on emotional/behavioral compliance. Take time to let your children know that you’re there to support them and that it does not matter if they finish all their math homework or go on a pumpkin-picking trip with Grandma. The holidays are a time for families to come together; it doesn’t have to be perfect.
Create New Traditions for Any That the Divorce Has Damaged. Work with your kids to replace those traditions that cannot continue with an ex-spouse with new ones that affirm your family without obscuring or diminishing your parenting partner. Perhaps you have remarried and can negotiate over what traditions to establish for your blended family.
Seek Additional Support (if needed). If you feel overwhelmed or unsure how best to support your children during the holidays, seek help from a licensed therapist or counselor. These professionals can provide guidance and strategies to help you and your children navigate the emotional difficulties of divorce during Thanksgiving and winter holidays.

October 1, 2023 by Christopher Hooker

Instilling a Love of Autumn in Your Children

Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash

The “autumnization” of Colorado Springs is already in effect! We’re waking up to chillier and chillier mornings. The leaves are turning majestically to gold and the rare flashes of red maples are so beautiful. In the mornings we smell lovely woodsmoke in the air. Restaurants are restoring their autumny favorites to the menu. Halloween decorations have begun appearing on doorsteps and lawns.

Do you love autumn as much as we do at Creekside Kids? We’ll likely fight you on this point because we love the change of seasons here. Fall has a special place in our hearts, and we look forward to engaging in the slower paced rhythms of fall. Each season has its own rhythm and traditions and establishing them with your children makes for treasured memories in the future. Our Preschool-aged children have not experienced fall after COVID and you can now participate in more fall activities than in the previous two falls!

Instilling a love of autumn in your preschool-aged children can be a fun and engaging experience. Here are some ideas to help you create a positive association with the season:

Go on an exploratory nature walk: Take your child on a nature walk to enjoy the changing colors and falling leaves. Point out the different colors and shapes of the leaves, acorns, and pine cones. Collect some exciting specimens to bring home to make crafts with.
Share the rites of Halloween and Thanksgiving: You can remind your kids about the many fabulous family traditions on Halloween and Thanksgiving (as poignant, photo-snapping events) by pulling out old pictures and letting them imagine the spooky fun of this year’s trick-or-treat or the delicious family gathering for Thanksgiving.
Turn the word AUTUMN itself into a teaching moment: For instance, take the silent N at the end of autumn; there’s a good lesson in how words aren’t always what they appear to be in our tricky English language!
Engage in seasonal crafts: Crafts provide a fun and interactive way to celebrate autumn. Some examples include making leaf rubbings, painting pumpkins, decorating masks, or creating autumn-themed wreaths.
Read autumn-themed books: Reading books related to autumn can spark a child’s imagination and create a connection to the season. Some great options include “Leaf Man” by Lois Ehlert, “We’re Going on a Leaf Hunt” by Steve Metzger, “The Apple Pie Tree” by Zoe Hall, and “The Scarecrow’s Hat” by Ken Brown.
Bake autumn treats: Baking fall-themed treats like apple pie, pumpkin bread, or cinnamon rolls can create a pleasant and memorable experience. Invite your child to participate in preparing and baking the goodies.
Create autumn sensory bins: Sensory play can spark curiosity and imagination in children. Fill a container with acorns, pine cones, leaves, and dried corn to create an autumn sensory experience. Add kid-friendly tools like sifters, scoops, magnifying glasses, and tongs to encourage exploration.
Attend autumn events: Autumn events like apple-picking, pumpkin patches, or hayrides are great ways to excite children about the season. Attending these events can create lasting memories and provide opportunities for family bonding.

Overall, engaging in autumn-themed activities with your pre-school-aged children can help them develop a positive association with the season and instill a love of autumn that can last a lifetime. We hope you and your family will live it up this autumn!

Black History Month and Young Kids

Shredding the Slopes with Confidence

Photo by Fredrik Solli Wandem on Unsplash