Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE)

The essence of early childhood lies in building and strengthening the parent-child relationship. Research confirms that the foundation of this attachment is formed during infancy, a stage where the dance of love, responsiveness, and trust begins. The attachment relationship is not just a fleeting phase; it is a cornerstone that shapes a child’s future emotional and social well-being. By promptly responding to their needs, we convey a fundamental message—they are seen, heard, and valued. Through shared gazes and gentle touches, we build a foundation for a strong, emotionally intelligent adult.

Independence can be a roller coaster. It’s a tricky balance between doing everything for your kids and letting them stumble through it while managing big emotions and taking into account the logistics of getting a child buckled into their car seat in time for preschool or considering safety in the kitchen.

When my kids were toddlers and at varying stages of independence, I vividly recall the struggle of finding that delicate balance between doing everything for them and letting them stumble through it on their own. But through patience, insight from experts, and often a healthy dose of perspective from my husband we continue to find a rhythm of independence that challenges me to grow as a parent and foster both confidence in how my children view themselves and trust to ask for help from others.

What exactly is play-based learning? It's the environment that is conducive to a child’s development involving skills such as teamwork, communication, clever thinking, creativity, and confidence. Additionally, it's beneficial for social skills, language development, and even laying a foundation for number sense and scientific inquiry.

I have been anxiously anticipating the first “real” snowfall in Minnesota this winter, which is seeming further and further away. There is something miraculous about the sparkle  of trees adorned with glitter and creating footprints on the wintery path. One of my favorite parenting moments is waking up my then 3-year-old from bed on a night when the snow began falling like a thick cozy blanket in the evening hours. By 10:00 p.m. there was nearly a half foot of snow and my busy, energetic preschooler had been blessedly sleeping for several hours after what was always a full day of trying to keep up with him. I couldn’t quench my excitement for the new snow and knowing that this apple didn’t fall far from the tree I knew he would be just as thrilled as I was at the wonder on our front lawn. I woke him out of a dreamy sleep, and he instantly sprang to life as he gazed outside while I dressed us both in our winter gear. We made a snowman, snow angels, and just took in the beauty of the quiet night; warm from connection of joy shared and energy used to enjoy the gift of the first snowfall.

Snowflakes are a fitting analogy for each child’s unique way of responding to the world and the gift of rare perspective they bring.