By Alexandria Parry, BAHS UK Senior Placement Specialist and 听Special Educational Needs (SEN) Specialist. This is the first article in our Understanding Behaviour series. In the coming articles, we’ll explore some of these areas in more depth, including why particular patterns of behaviour develop, emotional regulation and co-regulation, and how parents and professional caregivers can support children through challenging moments.

Behaviour is one of the main ways children interact with and respond to the world around them. It can tell us when something feels difficult, when a need isn’t being met, when expectations exceed the skills they have available in that moment, or when a child has learnt that a particular behaviour gets a particular response. Yet behaviour is rarely as straightforward as it first seems.

When a child’s behaviour changes or becomes more challenging, it is worth considering what else might be going on. Have they slept well? Are they hungry? Has something happened at school or with a friend? Has their routine changed, or have they simply had a particularly demanding day?

These questions won’t always give us an obvious answer, but they remind us that what we see on the surface is only one part of the picture.

The same behaviour can mean very different things for different children. A child who refuses to get dressed in the morning may be struggling with the transition ahead, avoiding something they find difficult, experiencing sensory discomfort or simply not wanting to stop what they are doing. They may also have learnt that refusing to get dressed delays the morning routine.

Equally, the reason may not be the same every time the behaviour occurs. Understanding behaviour isn’t therefore about finding one explanation and applying it to everything a child does. It is about building a fuller picture of the child, the behaviour and the context in which it is happening.

Behaviour gives us information

鈥�Behaviour is communication鈥� is a phrase we hear frequently, particularly when talking about children with additional needs. There is some truth in it, but I think it can sometimes be oversimplified.

Communication suggests there is a clear message being sent. In reality, children don’t always understand what they are feeling themselves, let alone have a particular message they are consciously trying to communicate.

A child who becomes distressed before school may not recognise that they are anxious, just as a child who lashes out at the end of a long day may not know that they are overwhelmed. The behaviour still tells us something, even if the child cannot tell us exactly what.

I find it more helpful to think of behaviour as听giving us information. The challenge is working out what that information might be telling us.

This is where patterns become useful. A single incident rarely gives us the full picture, but over time we may notice that a behaviour happens more frequently during transitions, after school, when several demands are placed at once, or in particularly busy environments. We may also notice that the same behaviour is absent in other situations.

These patterns can help us understand what may be contributing to the behaviour, without assuming there is one simple explanation behind it.

鈥淏ut they don’t behave like this at school鈥�

Children’s behaviour can look very different depending on where they are and who they are with.

A child may cope well throughout the school day and then become highly emotional at home. They may behave differently with a nanny than with a parent, or struggle in one environment with something they manage well in another.

It can be tempting to see this as evidence that a child听can听control their behaviour when they want to. But behaviour changing across environments tells us something about the environment too.

Children often feel safer expressing a wider range of emotions and behaviours with the people they trust most. They may also have spent considerable energy meeting the social, behavioural and academic expectations of the school day, leaving them with much less capacity by the time they get home.

Rather than asking why a child can 鈥渂ehave at school鈥�, it can be more useful to look at what is different between the two settings. Is there more structure? Greater predictability? Different expectations? More support? Do adults respond differently when difficulties arise?

The fact that a child manages something in one setting doesn’t make their difficulty in another any less real.听The difference itself is information.

What happens around behaviour matters too

Understanding a child’s needs and emotional state is important, but we also need to consider how behaviour is shaped by what happens around it.

Children learn from what happens as a result of their behaviour. When a behaviour consistently leads to an outcome that works for the child, they are more likely to use that behaviour again. This process is known as听reinforcement, and it can happen without adults realising they are reinforcing a particular behaviour.

For example, a child may become extremely distressed whenever an iPad is switched off. Their distress may be entirely genuine. They may find transitions difficult or struggle with the disappointment of a preferred activity ending. However, if crying or shouting repeatedly results in the iPad being returned, that response may reinforce the behaviour. Over time, the child learns that escalating when the iPad is removed can result in regaining access to it.

Importantly, the emotional experience and the learning process can exist at the same time. A child can be genuinely distressed by a boundary while also learning that a particular behavioural response can change the outcome.

Understanding why a child is struggling doesn’t mean every boundary needs to change. A child can find a transition genuinely difficult and still need to leave the park. They can be disappointed that screen time has ended while the boundary around screen time remains the same.

This is also where听replacement behaviours听are important. Rather than simply trying to stop an unhelpful behaviour, we need to help the child learn what they can do instead. For example, a child who becomes distressed or refuses a task when they need a break can be taught a more helpful way to ask for one.

The longer-term aim isn’t simply to reduce unhelpful behaviour, but to help children develop more helpful ways of navigating situations they find difficult.

Consistency creates predictability

The adults around a child form part of this picture too.

Parents, nannies and other caregivers don’t need identical approaches, but broadly consistent expectations and responses help children understand what to expect.

If one adult maintains a boundary, another negotiates when a child becomes upset and another removes the expectation altogether, the child receives very different information about what happens in response to their behaviour.

Consistency isn’t simply about adults presenting a united front. It creates predictability and influences what children learn over time.

This is particularly important when several people are involved in a child’s care. Parents and nannies may notice different behaviours or patterns depending on the situations they experience with the child. Sharing those observations can help everyone build a fuller picture and respond more consistently.

Building the bigger picture

There is rarely one explanation for challenging behaviour, just as there is rarely one strategy that will work for every child.

Behaviour may reflect a need a child cannot yet identify or communicate. The environment may be asking more of them than they can manage in that moment, a skill may still be developing, or previous responses may have reinforced the behaviour. Often, several of these factors are interacting at once.

Understanding this doesn’t mean that every difficult situation needs to be avoided or every boundary removed. Instead, it gives us a better starting point from which to consider what a child might need and what they may need to learn.

We won’t always know exactly why a child behaves in a particular way. Children are complex, and so is behaviour. But looking beyond what we see on the surface allows us to build a clearer picture, and that understanding provides the foundation for everything that comes next.

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Recommendations from our team!

In this blog post, we asked听the BAHS team to share their top recommendations for family and caregiving apps. Our team of 30+ women based around the world, many of whom are mothers and/or former nannies, shared their favorite apps for making family life and caregiving more streamlined.

Huckleberry was by far the most recommended app among听our team. The听baby tracker and sleep guidance tool is designed for parents of newborns up to five-year-olds.听Katie Montalbano, BAHS Chief Operations Officer and mother of two, said 鈥淗uckleberry is chef’s kiss鈥� and听Alanna Verde, Talent Acquisition Specialist and new mother, shared that Huckleberry was a 鈥渓ifesaver鈥� for her. We recommend this app particularly for new parents to help them track baby鈥檚 habits, including sleep, feeding, diaper changes, and growth. It also uses AI and data analysis to predict ideal nap and bedtime schedules.

Katie Montalbano raved about this app sharing, 鈥淚 love it. It’s an app where you post pictures of the kids, and anyone you invite can access them. Personally, I have all our family members, my two best friends, and an aunt who asked to be added. I post every picture I take of my kids there. We don’t like posting the kids a ton on social media, so this gives access to just the people we know and trust. Family Album also saves me from sending pictures to multiple text chats every time there’s a big thing, like a holiday or back-to-school. People can log in whenever they want to catch up on the day-to-day of the kids’ lives and download their own favorite pictures, but if they only want to check in once a month, that’s fine too. I also like using it as one main place to look back at pictures of the kids when they were babies. They love looking back too!鈥�

Several BAHS recruiters recommended Wonder Weeks, an app designed to help parents understand and track their baby鈥檚 developmental milestones. Based on the idea that babies go through predictable periods of cognitive and developmental change, the app provides information about what parents may notice during different stages, along with suggestions for activities that support development. It can be particularly helpful for new parents who want a better understanding of why their baby鈥檚 sleep, mood, or behavior might be changing as they reach new milestones.

Several members of our recruiting team recommended BabySparks, an app focused on early childhood development. It provides age-appropriate activities designed to support babies鈥� and young children鈥檚 cognitive, language, motor, social and emotional development. Parents and caregivers can use the app to find simple activities to incorporate into everyday routines, while also tracking developmental progress. We particularly like it as a resource for parents and nannies looking for easy, engaging ways to support a child鈥檚 development without adding another complicated schedule to the day.

Solid Starts was another popular recommendation from our team, particularly for parents navigating the transition to solid foods. The app and accompanying resources provide guidance on introducing foods to babies, including information about preparation, serving sizes and age-appropriate ways to offer different foods. It also offers guidance around allergens and choking hazards, making it a useful reference for parents and caregivers who want to feel more confident when introducing new foods. For families working with a nanny, it can also be a helpful resource for ensuring everyone is following the same approach to introducing and serving food.

Recommended by both听Zoey Ingarfield听补苍诲听Emma Hopkinson, Seesaw is a digital learning platform that helps teachers, students and families stay connected. Schools can use the platform to share classroom activities, updates, photos and learning materials, giving parents and caregivers a window into a child鈥檚 day and progress at school. For families with school-age children, Seesaw can make it easier for parents, nannies and other caregivers to stay informed about assignments, activities and classroom communications, even when parents are traveling or have demanding schedules.

Kara Cervone听highly recommends this family organizer; she shared that the app is 鈥済reat for keeping the family calendar, grocery lists, inventory lists, meal plans, recipes鈥� all in one place.

鈥淚t’s a really sleek app and calendar, and it has a picture screensaver, so it sits on my kitchen counter and acts like a virtual frame with a slideshow going constantly. The kids love seeing old pictures pop up and saying “hey, remember that?!” or “how old was I there?!”

When you click in, everyone has access to the family calendar, which helps keep my husband and me aligned. There’s also a shopping list split by store, so we both have access on the device and on the app on our phones. We also have access to the weekly menu with the corresponding recipes, so either of us can pull it up and start cooking or prepping.

Finally, we love using Skylight as my six-year-old’s chore chart. She loves running up and marking off a chore she’s completed that day, aiming for the “celebration” it shows once all her chores are done. Then she checks in on her potential rewards. Each chore earns a set number of stars, and we’ve set a number of stars to equal a certain reward. She loves it, and it’s definitely helped with getting more chores done!鈥�-听Katie Montalbano, BAHS Chief Operations Officer

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Most parents want to raise children who are thoughtful and engaged with the world, but also tech-savvy and digitally skilled. The balance can be difficult to manage, especially as technology rapidly improves and becomes听increasingly integrated into every facet of daily life. The statistics demonstrate that as children age, their screen time rises dramatically; numbers from the听听show that children ages 2-8 average nearly 4 hours per day of screen time which jumps to 5.5 for children 8-13 and then again to over 8 hours for children 14-17. That is an incredible amount of time: 56 hours per week for many teenagers.听

Building good habits from a young age and consistently revisiting boundaries as children age and technology evolves are key to managing an ever-changing technological landscape. The family approach to screen time must be reinforced and consistently supported by all caregivers in the home. In this blog post, we are sharing our tips for tech-conscious nannying.

Utilize Tech Wisely

Technology isn鈥檛 the enemy in a healthy home. As has been well established, there are plenty of ways nannies and children alike can benefit from technology, from organization to education to positive entertainment. However, it鈥檚 not just about avoiding an over-reliance on screens – it is important to consider what is lost when a child spends hours in front of a screen. The opportunity cost might be less time outdoors, less time moving their bodies, and less time socializing with others. The goal shouldn鈥檛 be to blindly cut down on screen time or limit access to technology but to thoughtfully look at the whole picture,听both how it can enrich a child鈥檚 experience and understanding of the world and what it may take away. Plan to revisit your technology plan every few months as both children age and technology changes.

Assess Current Screen Time

First, we suggest considering where your family currently is in terms of screen time. Be realistic. Check your phone to see how much time you yourself spend on it each day – you might be surprised. Look at your child鈥檚 current schedule and assess the current situation. How much of that screen time is spent on education and how much on entertainment? Both are important, but both should be handled thoughtfully and intentionally. Once you honestly understand how much time you spend on screens, you can decide how much to cut back, if needed. Set goals as a family and keep communication open. We always recommend framing these changes in a positive way – instead of focusing on reducing screen time, focus on increasing time outdoors. Natural changes to a family鈥檚 schedule can often adjust screen time without the need for strict or formal rules. For example, if you notice that your family often watches an hour of TV every day before dinner, you might replace that three times per week with a family board game or a walk outside. 听In general, we typically recommend against using screen time as a reward or lack of as a punishment. We also find that broad, completely inflexible rules (hard three-hour limit on screen time per day, for example) don鈥檛 typically work long-term as changes to a child鈥檚 social or educational needs should be taken into account. These can be good starting points but prepare to adapt as needed.

Communication and Boundaries

It is critical that everyone in the home is on the same page when it comes to rules around technology. Have an open and honest conversation with your nanny about phone rules, photo taking, any cameras in the home, and how much screen time the children can have, and what specifically it can be used for (entertainment, education, socializing, etc.). Speak to children about expectations and changes, and encourage them to communicate to you if they feel things need to change. Be ready to evolve as needed.

Increase Time Outdoors and Hands-On Activities

This is the most important factor that will impact how successful your screen time goals are. Instead of focusing on cutting back screen time, focus on increasing time outdoors, hours around the table together, finding local adventures, and exploring new hobbies. As children discover new passions in the world, their need to be in front of the screen will naturally lessen. Encourage children to try new things and fail and try again.听Click here to read our recent post on the importance of free play for young children.

Pay Attention to What Children are Doing Online

Of course, parents should monitor children鈥檚 online activities for safety. However, it鈥檚 equally as important to take an interest in what they鈥檙e spending time doing. If they mention a new game, ask questions about it or even download and try it yourself. Use their tech interests as a way to bond and show you鈥檙e interested in what they care about. Regularly ask children which apps they are using and how they spend their time (even if you already know the answers from safety tracking).

Lead by Example

Children watch what we do and learn from it. If the rule is no phones at the dinner table, this should apply to the whole family. Make sure you are intentional and lead by example. You want to model a healthy lifestyle, not send the message that excess screen time is something they can look forward to as an adult.

Use Tech in Moderation

All that being said, modern nannies and all caregivers absolutely have to be tech-savvy in today鈥檚 world. Nannies should be comfortable using educational apps, baby monitors and apps, digital scheduling, smart home safety devices, telehealth, virtual learning, and more.

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There鈥檚 a world of difference between raising a child who simply understands not to touch the art in a museum and raising a child who understands and appreciates the significance of art. The goal for most modern parents is to raise children who are curious about art, thoughtfully observe, ask questions, voice opinions, and draw inspiration. Below, we share our top tips for raising littles ones that appreciate art, as well as sharing art museums across the world with top quality children鈥檚 programming.

Start Early

There are a wealth of studies demonstrating that early exposure to the arts (both viewing and creating) can support children鈥檚 social and cognitive development.听听鈥渢he literature鈥rovides strong evidence that arts participation during early childhood has benefits for social-emotional development, such as social skills and emotion regulation.鈥澨齌he study also indicates better outcomes for children involved in visual arts, music, and dance. By exposing children to art early, parents can听cultivate interests and habits that can last a lifetime.

Prepare for the Experience

Before visiting an art museum or gallery, talk to children about rules and expectations. Emphasize not only that they cannot touch the art, but听飞丑测听– explain that the works on display are precious objects with deep history. After going over the basics, share with children what they can expect and what activities they can look forward to: for example, most museums allow sketching (check ahead what materials you can bring in – usually a pencil is fine). Many have children鈥檚 activities, talks, or programs that are great to help little ones engage with the art.

Make it Fun

Keep your child鈥檚 attention span in mind and pace yourselves accordingly. A full day in the museum might be too much for some children and听lead them to associate museums with boredom rather than discovery. You might split the day in two – spending half the day inside the museum and half the day playing a sport in the park. Check the museum鈥檚 calendar of events; many offer interactive children鈥檚 programming that can help keep children interested for longer.

We love the idea of planning 鈥渢hemed days鈥� for children to get to know a culture in more depth. For example, you might visit to see Matisse’s听Femme au chapeau听at SFMoMA then go to a nearby French restaurant or cook a French-inspired meal together. These simple but special experiences can help cement concepts and ideas in children鈥檚 minds.

Follow Their Interests

Children often need an entry point that overlaps with their existing interests. For example, a child interested in trains might like to see works from Monet鈥檚听La Gare Saint-Lazare听series while one interested in ancient Egypt will love听The Temple of Dendur听at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Finding ways to connect the history with their current interests can often help children relate better to the works. Ask your child questions: What is your favorite piece? Why? What do you think the artist was thinking when they painted that? What materials do you think they used? Do you think they drew that from life? Share your passions too; it鈥檚 equally important for children to see what things you are drawn to and why.

Create at Home

After the visit, keep the conversation going at home. You might create art inspired by pieces you enjoyed in the museum. You might do further research or discover books and movies about the time period. Experiment with different materials and mediums. Spend an hour creating alongside your child. Celebrate the work they make – hang it on the walls of the home or save it in a scrapbook.

Look Beyond Museums and Galleries

Teach children to look for art in everyday life. It might be a public art mural but it might also be the way the sunlight is reflecting on the blades of grass. Teach them to look for the artistic everywhere: unusual branches, vibrant colors, surprising shadows. We love giving children a journal to keep track of things that catch their attention during the day.

Integrate Art into Your Everyday Life

Don鈥檛 treat art as a special occasion or once-a-year obligation. Talk about it often. Encourage questions. Take children to galleries, walk through museums, make art together. Whenever possible when traveling, make a point to visit at least one museum. Point out distinctive architecture as you walk. If you have an art collection at home, tell your children about it – the stories behind the pieces, what moved you to acquire it.

Tell Stories

Children, like all of us, connect better through stories.听Learn together the stories of your favorite artists or time periods.听Read books, watch movies, learn which artists were living at the same time and how their art is related to one another. Parents should听look for opportunities to help children see connections between the subjects, stories, and ideas they encounter. Pay attention to exhibitions related to books your child is reading or special interests they might have. For example, while reading听The Hound of the Baskervilles听辞谤听Oliver Twist听with your middle schooler, you might look for exhibitions of paintings from 1800s London to visit together. The connection can deepen a child’s appreciation of both.

Make Meaningful Memories

Turn art into adventures. Follow your children鈥檚 passions. Plan adventures that feel special; they could be as simple as an afternoon at the Cloisters in New York or as spectacular as a journey to Monet鈥檚 home and gardens in Giverny. By making memories together based on art, you will deepen your child鈥檚 emotional connection to the subject. Years later, they may not remember every painting they saw, but they will remember how those experiences made them feel. That sense of wonder and discovery may inspire them to seek out art throughout their lives.

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Meet Hilary Adler, Nature Educator and Rota Nanny

We had the privilege of sitting down with听Hilary Adler, a career nanny with over 15 years of experience and a 2026 INA Nanny of the Year Finalist. Hilary discusses the importance of free play for young children, and the benefits of spending unstructured time in nature.

About Hilary:

Hilary Adler is a professional career nanny and nature educator with over 15 years of experience in the private childcare industry. She works with children of all ages, with training that spans from postpartum doula care through adolescence. Hilary is best known for her advocacy and enthusiasm for nature-based play and free play.

Hilary works as a rota nanny, and for the past six years, during her 鈥渙ff鈥� rotations, she has led a free, nature-based playgroup for children in her community called听. Through this work, she teaches children (and their caregivers) about the natural world, the importance of free play, and the value of nature-based play.

What is 鈥淔ree Play鈥�?

Free play, or unstructured play, occurs when children engage in activities on their own, without direction from adults or older peers. Unlike structured play, which has set rules and goals, free play is听open-ended and guided by the child鈥檚 interests. Children choose what to do, how to do it, and for how long.

Why is Free Play beneficial for children?

Play is arguably one of the most effective and scientifically supported ways for听children to grow, learn, and thrive. More than just fun, free play supports overall development. It helps children grow physically, think creatively, build social skills, and express emotions.

In a world that increasingly favors structured activities, the importance of free play is sometimes overlooked. However, it remains a key part of healthy childhood development.

When children are given the freedom to decide what to do, their听creativity expands. Completing self-directed activities also听builds confidence. These seemingly simple moments are rich with learning opportunities. Unstructured free play fosters 鈥渢rial-and-error鈥� problem-solving skills. When a child tries something, fails, and then succeeds in a new way, they learn to听trust their own decision-making.

Free play also听strengthens social skills. When children play independently together, they make choices, judgments, and take actions based on their own thoughts and feelings. They discover what they like and dislike in both play and interaction. This process helps them form their own opinions, sense of self, and interests independent from their parents. That sense of self is essential for building confidence.

Take a Step Back

Stepping back does not mean leaving children unsupervised. You are still present and available if intervention is needed. However, try to limit intervening unless there is unsafe behavior.

This can feel challenging, especially in a society that encourages adults to solve children鈥檚 problems for them. But often, the 鈥減roblems鈥� children encounter during play can be resolved more effectively on their own.

Allowing children to navigate new and sometimes difficult situations helps develop their social-emotional skills. They must communicate their thoughts and feelings with their peers, especially during conflict. When adults immediately step in to resolve disagreements, children miss opportunities to learn. When they work through conflicts independently, they build essential conflict-resolution skills.

Try It Out

As adults, we sometimes unintentionally interrupt our children鈥檚 learning opportunities. Consider planning fewer structured activities and allowing more time for free play. Be intentional, and observe whether you notice changes in your child鈥檚 development, behavior, and skills.

If free play is new to your family, it may take some adjustment. You鈥檒l likely hear, 鈥淚鈥檓 bored鈥� and that鈥檚 okay. In fact, boredom can be a gateway to imagination and creativity.

Like any skill, the more it鈥檚 practiced, the stronger it becomes. You can encourage free play by offering loose parts, creating space, and spending time outdoors.

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As summer nears, many parents are once again considering how to keep their children鈥檚 minds and bodies active during the long school break. As screen time grows, we encourage parents to find creative ways for children to spend time outdoors, socializing, and learning during the summer months. If you haven鈥檛 made plans for your children yet, rest assured there are still plenty of educational, creative, and adventurous summer options for children of all ages. The programs below all have open applications and availability as of this writing.

Known as one of the most prestigious programs for children interested in performing or fine arts, Interlochen offers camps in theatre arts, music, creative writing, visual arts, and dance. Located in northwest Michigan and open to students in grades 3鈥�12, children will spend time each day practicing their instrument or chosen art form, plus generous time outdoors on Lake Michigan swimming, hiking, canoeing and sailing. It is known for its excellent balance between professional arts coaching and enjoyable leisure and social time for campers. Notable Interlochen alumni include musicians Norah Jones, Josh Groban, and听Chappell Roan, as well as Academy Award-winning actress听Da’Vine Joy Randolph, and听Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Mary Oliver.

Run by Columbia University in Vermont, Columbia Climate School is a two-week program for students in grade 9-12 interested in issues affecting climate, policy, sustainability, Earth, and society. Daily activities include lectures and team-building exercises, time outdoors including plant walks and berry picking, and traditional camp activities, like s鈥檓ores, campfires, kickball, and soccer. The school emphasizes action and planning; students will walk away feeling empowered to make meaningful change in the world.

The New York Times Summer Academy is open to high school students (grades 10-12) interested in journalism and media. Led by seasoned journalists, editors, and media professionals in New York, the academy allows students to investigate, ask questions, and learn about journalism in a college-like dorm setting. Students can choose classes from a range of topics, including photojournalism, arts and culture writing, political reporting, sports journalism, visual storytelling, and editing. The school offers access to top reporters and writers so students can learn from the best in their field. The academy also helps coordinate cultural outings in and around New York City during students鈥� downtime. Local day students are welcome too.

International students can get a taste of Oxford University during this residential summer program for students aged 13鈥�18. The rigorous program includes morning classes in topics such as English and global leadership followed by professional coaching in the afternoons in a range of fields including tennis and photography. Outside of the classroom, students will explore the Oxford campus and surrounding areas. Students stay in individual single rooms on campus, which allows for a glimpse into dorm life while still maintaining privacy and safety.

For West Coast families looking for a fun outdoor experience for children, we love Aloha Beach Camp. Led by certified lifeguards, the Malibu camp has programs for children ages 3 through 15 in swimming, surfing, boogie boarding, and ocean safety. Many children return year after year for 10+ years, and it is known for being exceptionally good with children experiencing learning differences, ADHD, and autism; contact the camp to find out if it is a good fit for your child.

For those looking for a traditional and well-structured day camp on the East Coast, we love Camp Ramaquois in听Pomona, NY. For campers ages 3 through 10th grade, the camp offers听programs highlighting swimming, STEM, and outdoor sports, all in a beautiful lakeside environment.

Newsweek鈥檚 list of听 is a great resource to search by star rating, location, overnight vs. day camp, coed or separated.

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After Outside Routine

As soon as the warm weather arrives, it鈥檚 natural (and overall beneficial!) for children to spend time outdoors. However, this can cause a lot of problems for little ones prone to听allergies. Develop a non-negotiable 鈥渁fter outside routine鈥�; have children remove their shoes at the door or in the mudroom, take a shower and put on clean clothes immediately.听Outdoor clothes should be worn only outside during this time of year.

Keep Their Space Clean

Ask staff to vacuum more frequently this time of year, keep windows closed, check HVAC and air purifier filters, and wash children鈥檚 clothes after every wear using fragrance-free, hypoallergenic detergents. You might consider adding HEPA air filters to your child鈥檚 room, using hypoallergenic bedding and mattress covers, and removing rugs or curtains that trap allergens.

Be Mindful of Pets

Pets can often bring in pollen without us realizing it. Brush or wash animals that spend a good deal of time outside or make rules about where in the home they can go. Never let a pet that spends time outside sleep with your allergy-prone child. If not part of your regular routine, you might consider adding听regular professional pet grooming during allergy season.

Wear a Mask as Needed

For children with serious seasonal听allergies, it might be wise for them to wear a mask on particularly windy or dry days.

Use Medication and Talk to Your Child鈥檚 Doctor

Buy听child-safe allergy medication听and have it on hand at all times. Speak with your doctor about whether your child should be taking something preemptively every day or only in the case of a reaction.

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The post How To Help Children Manage Seasonal Allergies appeared first on 百花视频.

Research shows that learning a second language at a young age leads to cognitive, academic, and social benefits for learners. It is generally agreed that the younger, the better, with those that begin before age 10 seeing the most benefits,听. That being said, it is never too late to start – even adult learners see benefits of learning a second language. However, if you have a little one at home, we recommend exposing them to a second language as early as possible. They will see benefits for years to come.

1. Improved Memory and Attention

Early bilingualism strengthens memory and attention spans, as young learners regularly practice recalling and switching between languages.听found that children who learned a second language early showed measurable differences in working-memory systems, which strengthens areas of the brain directly tied to focus, learning efficiency, and academic success. Notably, children who learn a second language do not show any听evidence of confusing languages or experiencing negative impacts or delays in language skills.

2. Better Executive Functioning

Mastering multiple languages from an early age enhances executive functions such as cognitive flexibility, impulse control, and multi-tasking.听听shows that bilingual children consistently outperform monolingual peers on tasks requiring attention regulation and mental control. Improving these skills will help them in elementary school, high school, college, and beyond.

3. Higher Academic Performance

Bilingual children often demonstrate stronger literacy, reading comprehension, and overall academic achievement, not only in the second language, but in their first as well.

4. Greater Cultural Awareness and Understanding

Learning a second language is a great gateway into another culture, place, and history. This type of deep learning about places and experiences outside of their own fosters empathy, compassion, and curiosity in children.

5. Future Career and Social Opportunities

Studies show that job-seekers who speak a second language typically have more opportunities and higher salaries than their monolingual counterparts. Speaking a second language can also help with foreign travel, as well as the ability to learn more languages easier as an adult.

There are many ways to help a child learn a second language, even if the parents don鈥檛 speak it themselves (although learning together is a wonderful family activity!). Hiring a听bilingual nanny, spending time with听bilingual family members, or enrolling children in a听specialty program or school听are all good options. Whatever you choose, try to support your child at home as much as possible, using at-home books, resources, and audio, and ideally providing听near-daily, in-person interaction with a caregiver听or instructor听who speaks the language fluently.

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The post Benefits of Learning a Second Language at a Young Age appeared first on 百花视频.

This week, we sat down with Lara Ritson, founder of Peaceful Learning and a teacher and nanny who uses the RIE庐 principles and Magda Gerber鈥檚 Educaring庐 Approach to learn more about the RIE (Resources for Infant Educarers) approach to caregiving, and how it can benefit children.

With a deep commitment to creating environments where children feel safe, valued, and empowered, Lara supports families and educators in building strong, respectful relationships that foster lifelong learning and emotional wellbeing. Her work through听Peaceful Learning听blends practical guidance with a philosophy rooted in connection, presence, and trust in each child鈥檚 natural development.

What is the RIE庐 method?

The RIE method is an approach to childcare based on听mutual trust听and听respect听with a focus on stepping back and having high quality, over quantity, interactions with a child. It focuses on becoming truly present with a child and slowing down and observing what is happening for them. Allowing space for all emotions to come up and lean into them rather than distract or change their state with entertainment.

What differentiates RIE from other parenting philosophies? What drew you to this method?

I would say the difference between this and other similar holistic approaches is the focus on caregiving as the point of connection and learning from adult-led interactions.听It focuses on relationships over anything else as the most important and crucial part of a young child’s life and the time spent outside of caregiving moments as opportunities for the child to explore their world around them feeling confident and fulfilled. It is the adult’s role to observe what they are interested in during their time exploring and add resources to the environment that will build on that interest without the adult initiating the exploration of the new resources. They are just put into the child’s environment and it is up to them whether they choose to interact with it or not.

What are the main benefits for children of the RIE method?

Experiencing what it’s like to feel truly respected and trusted by an adult. This leads to听higher levels of self worth听补苍诲听confidence in their abilities, trusting their own judgement in situations and developing a higher level of intrinsic motivation to learn and do. I recently attended a seminar at the听with a panel of children who were raised with the RIE method ranging from 13 to around 26 and what kept coming up was that when someone else was treating them with a lack of respect they immediately thought that there was something going on for the other person rather than themselves and they noticed that friends who were raised differently thought there was something wrong with themselves and that they did something wrong. These children all came across as confident, competent people. They also said how they thought it was strange that their friends growing up, didn鈥檛 confide in their parents when they were teenagers and young adults as they didn鈥檛 feel safe or accepted. The whole panel felt that their parents were their safe place where they can lean in and be held with no judgements of who they are. So I would say that one of the main benefits is having a secure attachment to an adult in their lives which leads to many benefits.

What does 鈥渆ducaring鈥� mean in RIE?

Educaring is about combining learning within caring moments like nappy changes, eating and bathing. There is so much that happens during these moments where conversations happen about the world around them, lessons in science, maths and language. This is why, when we care for a child using RIE, we slow right down to allow opportunities for听interaction听and听cooperation, connection and learning.

What age group is RIE appropriate for?

I would say it鈥檚 aimed at 0-3 year olds and pairs quite nicely with Montessori 3-6. However, its principles can be applied to a child or adult of any age. In fact, I think RIE庐 could make a huge impact where any human is being cared for by others like aged care and hospice, hospitals and the like.

What are some RIE recommended family games or activities?

I would highly recommend taking 5-10 minutes out of your day when coming back together, especially if you are working and your child’s care is based elsewhere to just sit, with no agenda, with open body language, on their level and give them your full, undivided, unhurried attention. I would recommend sitting crossed legged if you can with your palms resting face up on your knees with an open face. Observe your child, see what they show you. You may be surprised at what you see. Your child will absolutely love this and it gives them the opportunity to get their love cup filled and your day may become easier because they鈥檝e had this time and connection with you.

How can parents start applying RIE principles at home with a newborn?

I would say the first thing they can do is听slow dowwwwn, really have a look at what is going on for your baby. The first relationship to you they are going to have is through your hands and voice so intentionally using these to听communicate respect and love. Their cries are a form of communication, what are they wanting to communicate to you? What emotions are coming up for you when you hear your baby cry? Are their stories coming up from your past that are getting in the way of what is happening in front of you? Also, I feel that parents are hounded with products that have great marketing but little value to a young child. They have just come into the world so literally everything is absolutely fascinating, you don鈥檛 need light up toys or bright plastic things. My nephew is 3 months at the moment and just discovered his hands (!) and he gets absolutely excited by coloured cloths and socks, he can also spend 30-40 minutes at a time lying near the trees and watching them move. He has a peace lily that he loves which is his indoor plant that he lies under and his arms and legs get super excited by their giant leaves. 听I was also drinking my tea this morning and he just watched with fascination as I slowly drank. I placed the cup down next to him and he stared at it for a long while, taking it all in. This could happen because I slowed down to see what he was really interested in.

What advice do you have for a parent with a young child dealing with tantrums? How can they better communicate with their child during a meltdown?

I would say, first off,听know your own limits. What can you handle without flipping your lid, what can you do to help yourself stay calm during a tantrum? For example, I cannot handle a high pitched scream so I make sure I get my earplugs so I am less likely to be triggered and can remain calm and centered. Next, I would have a conversation with myself about whether the tantrum that is ensuing is due to being tired, hungry, disconnected e.t.c and whatever just happened was not the core reason, for example, they got the red spoon and actually wanted the yellow one or if its regarding something bigger like their dad just left for work and they wanted to hang out with them for the day but they can鈥檛. This is important to know to help yourself through the tantrum to remain calm. Narrating what you see, 鈥業 see that you are really tired as you weren鈥檛 able to have your full nap today and it’s just before dinner so you are probably very hungry too. You really wanted the yellow spoon but it鈥檚 unavailable. I am here for you if you need a cuddle.鈥� And sit on the floor near them with open body language allowing space for the tantrum to happen. If you are time poor in that moment, talking through what is happening and letting them know that you are there for them if they need while going about what you need to do e.g. carry on cooking dinner as its getting late and you know that is one of the reasons why your child is reacting so big. All emotions are valid and you as the adult are responsible for guiding them through the rollercoaster of emotions. They may be having a hard time but they still need to eat so explaining that you are going to pick them up now and sit them on your lap while offering food so help regulate their system will be helpful. We stay away from phrases like 鈥榊ou鈥檙e fine.鈥� 鈥業t鈥檚 just a spoon.鈥� 鈥楾hat鈥檚 enough now.鈥� We lean into 鈥楾here鈥檚 a lot coming up for you right now.鈥� 鈥業鈥檓 here if you need me.鈥� 鈥楲ets try some deep breathing.鈥�

What are the biggest misconceptions about RIE?

I think one of the biggest misconceptions about RIE is around the word respect and holding a child in that space. What I鈥檝e noticed is the mutual part of the word gets missed and so parents and caregivers aren鈥檛 holding boundaries for themselves and听role modeling what respect for oneself looks like to a child听and it quite often turns to passive parenting with this misconception. When working with a child using the RIE method, you narrate a lot of what you are doing with the child and ask the child’s permission to do things to them when you first start working with them or getting to know them however, I鈥檝e noticed this continues to happen once a relationship is formed and those healthy boundaries and safe containers that children so very much crave are not present and it can create disregulation for all involved. An example is asking a child to change their nappy and they say no, now you are stuck with either respecting their wishes to not be changed and for them to then get a nappy rash or have a mess or spill out the nappy or to break your word which shows the child that asking for permission to do things with them doesn鈥檛 actually hold any value when you then take the child and change them anyway. Does that make sense?

So instead of asking for permission once a relationship has been formed, you can听give them an option within the task that needs to be done听like, you need a nappy change, would you like to walk to the change table or shall I carry you? And if they aren鈥檛 cooperating, to then state, I鈥檓 going to pick you up now and carry you to the nappy changing table. There may be feelings expressed at this point, they might not be happy about it, but it is going to happen. Narrating what you see is helpful. 鈥業 see that you are upset as you don鈥檛 want to have your nappy changed right now, we need to change it because it is full.鈥� If they continue to be upset, use observation to see why they do not want or like their nappy changed. Are they engrossed in an activity? What’s happening in the process that they don鈥檛 like? Perhaps the wipes are too cold or it’s too rushed, perhaps someone has shamed or teased them about having feces in their nappy, in a well meaning way but has not been received that way. What I have heard quite a bit is along the lines of 鈥楨ww, have you done a stinky? Oh wow, that’s a really smelly one, poo-ey!鈥� These may be well-meaning however it can have lasting effects on a child and I have seen children up to 5 years old still soiling nappies as they have a mental block around it due to the shaming or pressure of being toilet trained.

What was your journey into RIE, and how has it changed your perspective on child development?

Oh man, it has changed not only my perspective on child development but my life! Learning what true respect looks like and learning to hold that space for myself and others. Standing up for my own needs and wants while negotiating with another person. What real presence looks like and actively listening to someone through their words and body language. I have become extremely attuned to how a person may be feeling because of this. I stumbled into it through my grandma who is an Alexander Technique teacher which is about unlearning movement to come back to the natural way we are supposed to move which is closely linked to RIE, as RIE is all about children learning to move at their own pace without intervention. Watching the natural development of a child unfold is so beautiful to observe. I only learnt after studying RIE that a child’s ability to sit comes after learning to crawl whereas, a mainstream milestone is whether a child can sit first. It is being taught incorrectly! I think the biggest take-away from my time studying and practicing RIE is that children are born with everything they need and it is the adults role to tune into that and provide an environment that nurtures this. It has taken moments of caregiving that I used to tolerate, like nappy changes, and turned them into moments of joy, learning and connection with a child.

Are there any RIE practices that you鈥檝e personally found challenging or surprising?

Yes, my first week of working in a RIE daycare centre, which was also my first introduction to the method in person. I wasn鈥檛 allowed to interact with the children, I was doing things in the background like the washing, helping with the food e.t.c but that was it. 听After a week or so, 听I was allowed to do observations in the room 听which entailed sitting in a corner and literally sitting on my hands (by my choice) as I wasn鈥檛 allowed to instigate or continue interactions that were created by the child. Just to acknowledge what they were presenting to me and then return to neutral. It was a painful experience to go through, literally my body ached and my brain was exhausted, 听as I was rewiring my brain but it was well worth the wait as I watched the most magical moments happen with the children that could have been interrupted if I wasn’t sitting in the corner keeping my mouth shut. I really understood the value of taking the adult-led interactions away and becoming as boring as possible so the child can really explore their world on their own terms and more often than not, they show me things that I had never thought of or was possible.

For those that want to learn more about RIE, do you know of any websites, books, or podcasts that are good resources?

Absolutely! Of course听听is a great place to get all information on anything RIE. All books, events and RIE Associates around the world are listed there if you want to get proper training or 1-1 coaching. I would say, stick to this site if you want to get the real authentic experience of RIE.

Contact us now to start the process of finding a nanny with specific RIE training and experience.

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The post What Is The RIE庐 Method? appeared first on 百花视频.

In this post, we鈥檝e put together a list of our favorite culinary classes, camps, and workshops for little ones around the world. Encouraging children to spend time experimenting in the kitchen has a myriad of benefits, from building confidence, curiosity, and independence to expanding their palates and instilling a lifelong love for cooking. We love finding children鈥檚 programs that are both fun and rooted in concrete culinary skills.

With a variety of cuisines and options (everything from summer baking to Proven莽al cuisine), En Cuisine鈥檚 Gourmet Camp for children ages 6-12 is the perfect mix of hands-on exploration and helpful guidance from top professionals. Little chefs don鈥檛 need to bring anything – except maybe a container to bring home leftover treats in!

For parents serious about giving their child an incredible culinary experience, it鈥檚 hard to imagine a better choice than the legendary Le Cordon Bleu. Founded in 1895, the historic school can claim Julia Child,听Giada De Laurentiis, and Yotam Ottolenghi as alumni, among many others.听The school鈥檚 workshops introduce young chefs to French culinary fundamentals鈥攆rom making their own pastries to perfecting p芒te 脿 choux. It鈥檚 an unforgettable experience for children ages 8 and up. This fall, they are offering their most iconic class to children:听Chicken fillet crumbed 鈥淐ordon Bleu.鈥澨鼴on App茅tit!

This playful and fun experience offers structured classes, as well as private offerings and birthday parties. August has several interesting choices, including a one-day homemade pretzel workshop and a 5-day Advance Teen Cooking Camp.

The Santa Monica based cooking school offers camps for children听(8-12) and teens (12-16). They also offer parent-child classes, including sushi, French macarons, pizza night, and homemade bagels.

The Real Food Academy focuses on healthy farm-to-table foods, and really shines when it comes to teenage classes. They have a large array of classes for all levels, including knife skills, farm-t0-table principles, weeknight dinners teens can make themselves, and more.

SCAFA, the School of Culinary and Finishing Arts, offers immersive culinary summer camps for aspiring young chefs ages 7-14. Throughout the weeklong program, children progress from basic knife skills and breakfast foods to more complicated dinner concepts like empanadas.

Extra Resource:听

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