Going from the crib to a toddler bed; introducing solids; potty training—the list of milestones (and changes) in the first few years of your kiddo’s life seem endless. And making the leap from daycare to school is one of the biggest transitions of them all.

Which is why Concord Hill School stands out. This small, independent school located in Chevy Chase, just minutes from Friendship Heights, focuses entirely on early childhood education. Designed to give your children an incredibly positive educational foundation, they accept children from age 3 to grade 3, the most critical time of academic and cognitive development in kids.

Read on to find out why this school is the right choice for your family.

Concord Hill School is now accepting applications for the 2022-2023 school year. Visit concordhill.org to schedule a visit or join them for an Open House.

Small Classroom Size
The current enrollment of the entire school is just over 100 students with an average class size of 16 kids. That means your children will get the attention they deserve each and every day.

A Focus on the Early Learning Years
There is nothing on Earth that compares to a young child’s imagination or innate curiosity. CHS focuses on the early years as both a magical and incredible time in a young person’s life. Through project-based and experiential learning, CHS fosters all of the natural curiosity, wonder and creativity that goes along with the early years of education.

Learned Leadership Skills
Because of the age range from just 3 and ending at 3rd grade, there is a strong emphasis on developing leadership characteristics within each student, creating a strong foundation for the transition to upper elementary and beyond. Third graders at CHS lead the school-wide community meetings, manage the school store and act as guides and mentors for the younger learners. (And we can’t help but mention how cute it is to see 3rd graders in leadership roles!)

Experienced Dedicated Faculty
Concord Hill School has highly trained teachers who not only have extensive experience in early years education, but 82% of whom hold advanced level degrees.

Concord Hill School is now accepting applications for the 2022-2023 school year. Visit concordhill.org to schedule a visit or join them for an Open House.

Diversity
Concord Hill School’s increasingly diverse community currently is representative of over 20 countries. Diversity is celebrated in all facets of the school with a focus on Anti-Bias Education.

Parental Support
Because the school focuses on ages 3 to grade 3, helping parents navigate the early years of parenthood is a key component of the school’s philosophy. Throughout the school year, parents will find a variety of programs and sessions featuring educational experts, child psychologists and behavioral specialists, and school leadership.

4th Grade Outplacement
When it’s time to transition to the 4th grade, there is a tailored process in place to help find the right fit for each child. Led by the Head of School, families will have help navigating every step of the application and outplacement process. CHS students are highly sought after as inquisitive learners, capable leaders, and confident young people

Longevity
Founded in 1965, CHS has been a leader in Early Childhood Education in the DC metro area for more than 50 years.

Concord Hill School is now accepting applications for the 2022-2023 school year. Visit concordhill.org to schedule a visit or join them for an Open House.

The world is a diverse place, and your PJ’s should reflect that! To honor the beauty and diversity around us, Old Navy is bringing back its famous skin tone Santa PJ prints!

Launched last year, the whimsical Santa print is back with three skin tone choices including Beige, Cocoa and Walnut. Choose from pajama pants, shorts, matching sets and onesies in sizes ranging from baby to adult.

photo: Old Navy

 

Old Navy wants to help Santas all over the world embrace the culture of today, so the brand is launching Santa BOOTcamp! The 30-minute, virtual training course covers everything it takes to become Santa and addresses topics like kids hard-hitting questions, signature phrases in sign language and Spanish and plenty more.

Interested Santas in Training can visit oldnavysantabootcamp.com starting Nov. 9 and register for free!

––Karly Wood

 

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You’re so focused on being a great parent today that you are probably not thinking about what kind of grandparent you’ll be tomorrow…I get it. But busy parents like you deserve more than a little praise right now and here’s the good news. Everything you are currently pouring your heart into is going to help your family for generations to come. And if you are lucky enough to wear the Grandparent hat one day, here is why you will succeed:

1. You have us! And by us, I mean the countless Boomer age (and older) parents who are no longer clueless. How did this happen you ask? Simple longevity plus trial and error have their rewards—from the inane (if you sit too close to the TV you won’t really go blind) to the significant (there is no such thing as loving your child too much)! As a result, we know that doing even simple things with children, such as giving hugs and spending time with them, releases feel-good hormones (like oxytocin) that help a child feel content and calm. So, of course, that’s what we do with your children. Please take note it works for us, too.

2. You are already Rock Stars. Okay. At first, we weren’t sure how this parenting thing would go for you. But we’ve now seen you in action. Do you know how many times we have thanked God we are not now raising kids because of social media issues alone? Throw in the pandemic and you are by far the best parents we have ever seen! Seriously. We have watched you do everything—from homeschooling to grocery wipe downs. We’ve seen you shine with everyday successes. More importantly, we’ve seen you fail and get back up again. This “can-do” attitude, coupled with your absolute ferocity in protecting your loved ones (including us) humbles our hearts and warms our souls. We also know you will only improve with age. See point one.

3. Your kids are smarter than you. Yes, I know this may be hard to believe when your (supposedly) potty-trained toddler still asks for a diaper so she can go number two. But hang in there. Even today’s pre-teen children already care about really important issues—everything from diversity and inclusion to healthy eating and protecting the planet! There’s no way they are going to ignore the benefits of what you, as a grandparent, can bring to the table for their own kids! We already know that people who have more social support through intergenerational connections have better mental and cardiovascular health—not to mention stronger immune systems and cognitive performance. And the research will only get better. So you’re pretty much gold.

We current Grandparents will joyfully accept all kudos on this year’s Grandparents Day (hint: Sunday, Sep. 12th!) But we also must raise a glass to you parents…right now…for all the marvelous things you do, day in and day out. Your children will reap a lifetime’s worth of benefit and, to be purposefully grandiose for a moment, the nurturing you’re doing today will contribute to a healthier society in the future. So congratulations and take a well-deserved breath!

We love our grandchildren mightily…but you are the ones who originally stole our hearts!

Kate Jerome, a seasoned publishing executive and award-winning children’s book author, is co-founder of Little Bridges, an innovative company dedicated to creating products that foster enduring multi-generational experiences, including themed, intergenerational activity kits with content and activities designed to encourage interactive experiences and meaningful conversations based on family traditions and history. 

Food allergies, unfortunately, affect 6 million children, and rates of allergies continue to climb with a near-doubling of children affected since the previous generation. Thankfully, new research guides the way to reverse the growing number of children with food allergies. For the first time, we know ways we can reduce risk and help protect children from developing allergies in the first place.

Guided by science, The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) now recommend introducing common allergens at around 4-6 months of age. By feeding these foods early in life, before an allergy has ever developed, parents have the opportunity to change the risk for their children.

3 Key Takeaways for Parents

  1. The guidelines recommend introducing your baby to commonly allergenic foods like peanuts, egg, cow milk products, tree nuts, wheat, crustacean shellfish, fish, and soy at 4-6 months. 

  2. The guidelines suggest that introducing common allergens regularly can reduce the risk of your baby developing a food allergy.

  3. The guidelines urge for a variety of complementary foods every day. Diet diversity is great for babies and is a key early habit in lifelong, healthy eating.

The dietary guidelines are a perfect roadmap to help give parents easy, achievable ways to feed their baby the best way. The guidelines specify to “make every bite count.” We know that there is a big gap in the types of baby food available at the grocery store. Most commercially available baby foods lack the essential food groups needed to ensure diet diversity and thriving tummies for your little ones as they grow. Parents need to make a plan to get these into a baby’s diet and keep it in a baby’s diet.

By introducing peanuts, eggs, cow’s milk products, tree nuts, wheat, soy, and shellfish, and fish (all of these can be found in SpoonfulONE) with other complementary foods, you can reduce your child’s risk of developing an allergy to that food. Furthermore, pediatricians agree there is no evidence that delaying the introduction of allergenic foods, beyond when other complementary foods are introduced, helps to prevent food allergy. In fact, delaying introduction can increase risk for babies.

So don’t wait and go slow, when you’re starting solids. Consider trying 100 new foods in 100 days! Parents should feel empowered and confident about feeding their babies early. Maintaining a diverse diet is the key as this isn’t a one-and-done “test.” Aim to feed your babies diverse foods and common allergens regularly—every day if possible, but at least several times per week. Consistency is key here.

We cannot change the modern environment quickly, but we can change the allergy in food odds for our children. 

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Dr. Wendy Sue Swanson
Tinybeans Voices Contributor

Wendy Sue Swanson, MD, MBE, FAAP is a pediatrician and Chief Medical Officer for SpoonfulONE. Dr. Swanson is an author, a prominent advocate of evidence-based medicine, & devotes her career to prevention strategies. She fosters conversations with clinicians & parents around the importance of early and consistent feeding of common food allergens.

Calling all Wiggles fans! The wiggly group is growing with four new member and a new series!

First, say hello to Tsehay, Evie, John and Kelly Hamilton. The new quad will join existing members, Anthony, Emma, Lachy, and Simon, creating an uber talented group of dancers and singing from across Australia.

photo: Courtesy of The Wiggles

The Wiggles’ new series, Fruit Salad TV will premiere exclusively on The Wiggles’ YouTube channel on Sept. 4. The lively show will encompass storytelling, dancing and singing that is perfect for a sing-a-long sesh.  The new show and additional Wiggles members will further the message of embracing diversity in the areas of gender, age, culture and race.

The Wiggles aren’t the only thing expanding: Wiggle Town is growing too! Three new non-binary characters are joining, including Officer Beaples, Shirley Shawn the Unicorn and Bok the hand puppet.

Catch the first episode of Fruit Salad TV on The Wiggles’ YouTube Channel on Sept. 4.

––Karly Wood

 

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Reading with your child is not only snuggly bonding time for you both, it builds your baby’s brain power, helps develop language and exposes your child to the world around them. There are books out there to engage every baby, and we’ll help you in your hunt by compiling baby-tested favorites in all the big categories, including touch-and-feel books, stories about animals, funny reads and classics every baby will treasure. Read on for the next additions to your bookshelves.

Daria Shevtsova via Pexels

19 Classic Books All Babies and Toddlers Should Have
A bookshelf packed with a mix of classics and new faves is the first step to raising a reader. Here, we’ve rounded up 19 storybooks that have mesmerized little ones for years, from tales about ravenous caterpillars to mischievous bunnies. You’ll probably remember a few from your own childhood.

Best STEM Books for Babies & Toddlers
STEM—an acronym for the fields of science, technology, engineering and math—is one of the biggest buzzwords in education these days. With good reason, as learning these subjects can help students become better thinkers and problem-solvers. Here are our top picks for books that introduce STEM concepts to your future Einsteins.

14 Touch-and-Feel Books to Fill Baby’s Bookshelf
The classic Pat the Bunny by Dorothy Kunhardt has introduced generations of children to the world of touch-and-feel books. Now these books are more interactive and fun than ever. They mix the traditional elements of reading a picture book with touching, listening and even chewing! 

Brina Blum via Unsplash

11 Kids Books That Encourage Diversity & Inclusion
There’s no shortage of good reading material out there, especially when it comes to promoting important values like kindness and acceptance. Fill your child’s library with books that encourage diversity and inclusion. Your baby’s first literary lesson can be that differences are okay. In fact, they’re what make us special.

10 Books All About Becoming a Big Sibling
Looking to head off any early sibling rivalry? Introduce your child to the concept of a sibling with some of these books all about bringing a new baby home. They make becoming a big brother or sister seem like your family’s next big adventure.

Woof! Roar! Oink! 11 Animal-Themed Books Your Baby Will Love
Your little one will love learning animal sounds while flipping through these stories packed with pictures of cute and cuddly animals. Here are 11 fantastic animal-themed books, from old favorites to soon-to-be classics, that will turn your animal lover into a bookworm.

2081571 via Pixabay

Top Funny Books for Babies and Toddlers
We’ve gathered up 16 funny tales guaranteed to make kids crack up, from stories that feature mixed-up animals to tales about the power of undies and magical poo (yes, poo). A few of these books also offer jokes to entertain parents reading the story. 

Build Your Library! 25 Board Books Every Baby Needs
Want to inspire your little sidekick to enjoy a lifetime of reading? Start building the library now. Discover 25 worth-reading beginner books, from gotta-have-’em classics like Goodnight Moon to newer, need-to-know titles like Hello, Bugs.

Best Holiday Books for Babies & Toddlers
The build-up to the holidays is one of the best things about the season, and it feels even more exciting when you have little ones. A simple and fun way to get into the spirit with your kids is by reading holiday books with them. Whether you want to relive a classic or start a new tradition, here are some of our favorite Christmas and Hanukkah books for babies and toddlers.

—Eva Ingvarson Cerise

featured photo: StockSnap via Pixabay

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What do you get when you combine an award-winning children’s book series and a powerhouse producer? An awesome new kid’s show on Netflix! Ada Twist, Scientist is coming to Netflix on September 28 and we have the details on what to expect!

The show is produced by Chris Nee, the creator of Doc McStuffins and Vampirina, in collaboration with Higher Ground, the production company of President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama. It follows the adventures of eight-year-old Ada and her two best friends, Rosie Revere and Iggy Peck. Ada is determined to discover the truth about absolutely everything and the show focuses on scientific discovery, collaboration and friendship. Watch the official trailer right here!

Today Netflix Kids also released the official cast list for the show, with some big names popping up! Taye Diggs will be Dad Twist, Susan Kelechi Watson will be Mom Twist and Amanda Christine will play Ada. Each episode clocks in at about 26 minutes and there will be six lined up to watch this fall. Episode 3 is available to watch as a sneak peek right now!

The Ada Twist book series were originally inspired by historical women scientists like Ada Lovelace and Marie Curie. The original book is a New York Times, Wall Street Journal and USA Today Bestseller. It champions diversity and brings girl power to science picture books. In the book and the series, Ada discovers that her questions might not always have answers, but that curiosity is key.

—Sarah Shebek

Featured image courtesy of Netflix

 

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Diversity and inclusion are spectacular! And Disney+ is celebrating its community of LGBTQ+ creators, employees and fans with a first-ever virtual variety show. This is Me: Pride Celebration Spectacular will feature plenty of big names and unique musical performances and you can watch it live on YouTube and Facebook.

The concert streams on Sunday, June 27 at 8 p.m. ET and includes Alex Newell (Glee), DCapella (Disney Music Group’s acapella performers), Frankie Rodriguez and Joe Serafini (High School Musical: The Musical: The Series), Michael James Scott (Aladdin on Broadway), Todrick Hall and Kermit the Frog! It’s hosted by Nina West (RuPaul’s Drag Race) and will reinterpret iconic Disney songs through a LGBTQ+ lens.

“At Disney+, we believe in the power of inclusive storytelling to bring us together and inspire us to live authentically,” said Joe Earley, global head of Marketing and Content Curation for Disney+. “We are committed to amplifying the voices of our LGBTQ+ creators and talent, and platforming content that reminds people to love loud – and sing louder – in this special event.”

It’s sure to have you humming along, but the concert will also raise awareness for GLSEN, a nonprofit that works to ensure LGBTQ+ students are able to learn and grow safely in school. For more diverse content, check out the “Celebrate Pride Month” content set streaming on Disney+, or watch OUT, the Pixar SparkShort that’s available now on YouTube.

––Sarah Shebek

Image courtesy of Disney+, featured image courtesy of Samantha Hurley/Burst

 

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What is systemic racism, or anti-racism? Tough questions that even adults can struggle to answer. American Girl has released a new advice book, A Smart Girl’s Guide: Race & Inclusion that will help readers 10 and up understand these concepts and more, plus help normalize the conversation around race.

You can buy the book online today for $12.99 and the it’s more than 100 pages, with full-color illustrations, tips, quizzes and challenges. It’s written by Deanna Singh, a highly respected thought leader and diversity and inclusion expert. Plus it benefits from expert advisors who reviewed the manuscript: Traci Baxley, Ed.D., a professor of multicultural education and curriculum and instruction at Florida Atlantic University; and Deborah Rivas-Drake, Ph.D., a professor of education and psychology at the University of Michigan, who works to disrupt racism and xenophobia.

“We’re proud to add Race & Inclusion to our popular Smart Girl’s Guide series, which has served as a trusted resource for our readers and their families for nearly three decades,” said Jamie Cygielman, General Manager of American Girl. “It’s our hope that the age-appropriate information and real-life guidance found in the book will be an important step for all those seeking to create a more compassionate world where everyone is treated fairly and with respect.”

Today’s release is part of American Girl’s commitment to engage more diverse voices and create new content to help advance racial equality. Among other initiatives, the brand recently launched Conversations for Change, a series that amplifies young women of various backgrounds and experiences making a difference in their communities. American Girl strives to help girls be their best and this new book will certainly make a difference!

––Sarah Shebek

Featured image courtesy of American Girl

 

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There are lots of great new children’s books out there and sometimes it can be overwhelming to decide what to read next. Fortunately Amazon just released the annual Best Books of the Year So Far list, featuring books published between January and June. The result? 20 diverse selections that will make bedtime story time and summer downtime that much better.

Top selection Eyes That Kiss in the Corners by Joanna Ho has more than 1,000 five stars reviews on Amazon. It features the story of a young Asian girl who learns to love and accept her eyes in a celebration of diversity. Amari and the Night Brothers by B.B. Alston is described as “Artemis Fowl meets Men in Black” and it’s a middle school fantasy series featuring a black heroine, Amari Peters. And Dog Man: Mothering Heights is the latest in a series from Captain Underpants creator Dav Pilkey, a laugh-out-loud read following the adventures of Dog Man and Petey.

The full list of the Best Children’s Books of the Year, So Far:

1.      Eyes That Kiss in the Corners by Joanna Ho

2.      Amari and the Night Brothers (Supernatural Investigations) by B.B. Alston

3.      Dog Man: Mothering Heights by Dav Pilkey

4.      What the Road Said by Cleo Wade

5.      Starfish by Lisa Fipps

6.      Fiona, It’s Bedtime by Zondervan

7.      City of the Plague God by Sarwat Chadda

8.      I‘ll Meet You in Your Dreams by Jessica Young

9.      A Pizza with Everything on It by Kyle Scheele

10.   The Accidental Apprentice by Amanda Foody

11.   Milo Imagines the World by Matt de la Pena

12.   Lion of Mars by Jennifer L. Holm

13.   The Tale of the Mandarin Duck: A Modern Fable by Bette Midler

14.   Ophie’s Ghosts by Justina Ireland

15.   Once Upon a Dragons Fire by Beatrice Blue

16.   I Am Smart, I Am Blessed, I Can Do Anything! by Alissa Holder

17.   Rowley Jefferson’s Awesome Friendly Spooky Stories by Jeff Kinney

18.   A New Day by Brad Meltzer

19.   Ground Zero by Alan Gratz

20.   Are You a Cheeseburger? by Monica Arnaldo

Amazon Book Editors determine the “best of” lists, reading thousands of pages to unite readers of all ages and tastes, as well as highlight diverse authors. You’ll recognize some of the picks as bestsellers, but many might be new to you. You can find the rest of the lists, including the best books for young adults and teens, online. Don’t forget to check out our own list of best books in 2021!

—Sarah Shebek

Featured image: Josh Applegate, Unsplash

 

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