La Petite Academy Blog

Planning a family picnic is the perfect activity for fun summer learning. With all the outside games and food, it’s easy to see why your kids will never know you have a secret curriculum up your sleeve! Here are 15 great tips to make your summer picnics full of learning – AND lots of fun: […]

 Let’s face it – dads don’t get enough praise. More and more of us know the importance that dads have in their children’s development. They change diapers, read bedtime stories, and know their way around the various sippy cups in the cupboard. Dads put in just as much time with the kids as us moms, […]

Summer is a great time to slow down, enjoy the weather, and have some relaxed family time with the kids. It’s also a wonderful opportunity to create fun learning experiences outside together, but if you don’t make plans now, those precious few weeks will slip by, and soon you’ll be prepping for back-to-school. Here are […]

Breakfast in bed is lovely, but what does it actually mean to be a mother? It’s much more than taking care of the kids — it’s also how we see and feel about ourselves. My oldest child just became a teenager. As a result, this Mother’s Day I’m reflecting on how my identity as a […]

Earth Day isn’t just about taking care of the planet. It’s also a great opportunity to teach young children important character lessons about responsibility, sharing, and cleaning up after ourselves. These lessons in good character are fun and easy to sneak in while you’re celebrating Earth Day. Here’s how you can boost your child’s character […]

In efforts to boost family heath and fitness, The National Association of Young Children (NAEYC) is sponsoring the annual Week of The Young Child from April 6-12 with events around the world. Last year alone, supporters like you added more than 250 global events to focus public attention on the needs for early childhood programs. […]

Do you spend your days worrying that your children aren’t getting the nutrition they need? I certainly do. So I did some research, and found some surprising facts. Here are 7 common food myths you can banish from your worry list: Myth #1 Disguise veggies in sweet treats. It may give you temporary satisfaction to […]

Japanese children love fish, veggies, and tofu. Indian children adore spicy lentils, okra, and pickled mango. Brazilian kiddos dive into stewed rice and beans with meat and veggies. So why do so many American children insist on a “white diet” of pasta, fries, and chicken nuggets? They learn their habits from us. Even before birth, […]

Eat your breakfast!   We’ve heard it over and over – breakfast is important. Brains need fuel to work properly. If your little one is like mine, though, breakfast is the last thing on her mind in the morning. She might ask for juice, but she’d rather wait until snack time at school to eat. […]

Asking your young child to “share” is likely to trigger tears and tantrums – here’s why. But don’t give up – there are lots of ways to boost your child’s graciousness, patience, and empathy, which all add up to honest-to-goodness sharing over time. Here’s how: Take Timed Turns Don’t tell your child to “wait just […]

Little friends Noah and Evan were having a playdate, but it wasn’t going well. They both NEEDED Noah’s nice, new dump truck. Noah’s Dad heard screams of “Mine! Mine!” and went to smooth things out. “Come on guys, you need to share the truck. Let’s see you sharing nicely.” “It’s mine!” “I wanna use it!” […]

  We’ve bumped up the mealtime chatter in your home. We’ve ensured your little one can help safely in the kitchen – and learn a bunch in the process, too. Now, it’s time to cook! Here are two fool-proof recipes that young children love to make – and eat. From my family to yours – […]