1. Plant a Seed and Watch It Grow

One of the simplest ways to welcome spring is by planting seeds in a cup and watching them sprout together. All you need is a clear plastic or paper cup, potting soil, and seeds (grass seeds, beans, or fast-growing flowers are great choices). Help your child fill the cup about two-thirds full with soil, tuck one or two seeds gently just beneath the surface, and give them a light drink of water. Place the cup on a sunny windowsill and encourage your child to check it daily and tell you what they observe as shoots begin to appear.

This simple cup-planting guide is a great starting place

2. Read Spring-Themed Books Together

Here are some favorite picture books perfect for tiny hands and big imaginations:

• Little Blue Truck’s Springtime by Alice Shertle: Perfect for littles who love lift-the-flap surprises and farm animals! In this short, cheerful board book, Little Blue Truck goes for a springtime drive and meets all kinds of baby animals along the way.
• The Tiny Seed by Eric Carle: A classic for curious kids who love nature stories! This beloved picture book follows the long journey of a tiny seed as it weathers winter and bursts into life in the spring.
• Hello Spring by Linka Finch: A wonderful book for children working on their vocabulary and words.

3. Build a Simple Bird Feeder

Spring means birds are busy building nests and looking for food—so why not help them out?

One easy project is a bird feeder made with just a pipe cleaner and cereal rings (like Cheerios). Thread the cereal onto a looped pipe cleaner, twist the ends together, and hang it on a low branch. Birds will soon discover their tasty new treat, and your preschooler will love checking every day to see who visits.

4. Go on a Nature Walk and Make a Spring Scavenger Hunt

Take a walk around your neighborhood or local park and make a spring scavenger hunt list together. Look for:

• Budding flowers
• Chirping birds
• Smooth rocks
• Bugs crawling along paths
• Puffy clouds and blue skies

Toddlers especially love pointing things out, and this kind of walk turns a simple stroll into an adventure full of discovery

5. Celebrate with Crafts Inspired by Nature

Bring the outdoors inside with simple projects! Gather things like leaves, petals, twigs, or even grass clippings and create a spring collage. Glue them onto paper and talk about each piece: “What color is this?” or “Where did we find this?”

Another fun option is to make flower crowns from petals and grass or paint rocks you found on your walk. Crafts like these are all about process over perfection—your preschooler will love the sensory fun and vibrant colors.

Final thoughts:

Spring with a toddler or preschooler is full of joy, wonder, and messy hands—and that’s exactly what makes it unforgettable. Whether you’re planting seeds, reading stories, or watching birds at the feeder, these moments help your child connect with nature, build curiosity, and make memories that bloom long after the season ends.

Happy Spring!

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1. Read Winter-Themed Children’s Books 

As winter stretches on, leaning into seasonal stories can make chilly mornings and quiet afternoons feel special. Reading together supports language development, imagination, and emotional connection—while also offering a calm, cozy way to start or reset the day. Here are some favorites from our house: 

• The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats. A timeless classic that captures the wonder of a child exploring a winter day.
• Bear Snores On by Karma Wilson. A cozy, rhythmic story about friendship and togetherness during winter. Both my kids LOVE this one. 

2. Try Some Quick Movement Breaks

When it’s extra cold and gloomy outside, preschoolers (and caregivers!) still need regular opportunities to move their bodies and release energy. Here are a few ways we’ve tried to stay active this season: 

• Dance Party: A quick dance break can boost energy and moods on chilly afternoons. 
• Animal Walks: Hop like a frog, waddle like a penguin, or stretch like a cat—movement doesn’t need to be complicated to be effective.
• Indoor Obstacle Course: Use pillows, cushions, and tape on the floor to create simple challenges that encourage jumping, crawling, and balancing.

 3. Explore Art for Little Hands 

Try an easy, low-mess ideas to get creative and celebrate the season: 

• Cotton Ball Snowmen: this classic craft is perfect for preschoolers: let kids glue soft cotton balls onto construction paper to form cheerful snowmen, then add buttons, felt hats, or scarves for personality and texture. Simple supplies make it easy to set up and adapt.
• Paper Snowflakes: fold and cut simple paper snowflakes together! This timeless activity helps children explore symmetry and practice fine motor skills, and each snowflake comes out unique. 

4. Structured Quiet Time

Kids (and adults!) often need intentional downtime to rest and reset. Quiet time doesn’t have to mean total silence—it just means calmer, focused activities.

• Quiet Activity Bins: Create bins with puzzles, manipulatives, or sorting toys to encourage independent play. 
• Audiobooks: We recently discovered audiobooks at our house, and it’s been so fun discovering new stories/early reading with the kids at home! Listening to stories together can be soothing on darker days. Storynory offers free, narrated children’s stories online.

5. Evening Reflections 

Consistent evening routines can be especially grounding when winter days feel long. And we’ve recently started to introduce intentional reflecting into this time. We ask simple questions like, “What was your favorite part of today?” or “What made you smile?”

Often, the answers surprise us and create new opportunities for bonding and connection. 

Final Thoughts

Winter can feel long—especially when the days are chilly, routines feel repetitive, and everyone is a little low on energy. But these cozy moments matter. By introducing ideas that balance movement, creativity, and rest, you’re helping your preschooler feel secure and supported as you move through the rest of the season together. And remember: it’s okay if some days are just about getting through. Spring will come—and for now, these small, steady rhythms are enough.

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1. Read Books About Kindness and Thankfulness

Stories are powerful tools for teaching young children about emotions and values. Here are three delightful books that beautifully convey themes of gratitude:

• Thank You, Omu! by Oge Mora. A Caldecott Honor book that tells the story of Omu, a grandmother who shares her delicious stew with her neighbors. In return, they express their gratitude by bringing her food. It’s a touching tale of community and generosity.
• Llama Llama Gives Thanks by Anna Dewdney. In this rhythmic and engaging story, Llama Llama learns to appreciate the everyday blessings in life, from family to nature. It’s a gentle introduction to the practice of gratitude.
• Bear Says Thanks by Karma Wilson. Bear invites his friends over to share a meal, and they each bring something to contribute. This story highlights the joy of sharing and the importance of saying thank you.

2. Create Gratitude Art

Hands-on activities make abstract ideas more tangible. A “Thankful Tree” or a “Gratitude Jar” can be a delightful, visual reminder of all the things your child appreciates. Each day, encourage your child to add a leaf or note with something they are thankful for—big or small. Over time, this simple craft becomes a daily habit that reinforces noticing and appreciating life’s little joys.

For a printable version with a template and prompts to get started, check out this Gratitude Jar guide. 

3. Practice “Than You” Moments Throughout the Day

Gratitude grows with practice. Make “thank you” a natural part of your routine, whether it’s thanking a sibling for sharing a toy, a friend for a kind gesture, or even the grocery clerk for their help. These small moments show children that expressing appreciation is a normal and positive part of life.

4. Encourage Sharing and Helping at Hime

Helping others is a powerful way for preschoolers to experience gratitude. Simple acts—like setting the table, feeding a pet, or helping a friend—teach children that their actions matter. When you highlight the impact of their help, it reinforces both empathy and thankfulness.

5. Talk About Feelings and Appreciation at Bedtime

Bedtime can be a gentle, reflective space to end the day with gratitude. Ask your child about something that made them happy, proud, or thankful that day. Sharing these reflections strengthens emotional awareness and helps children notice the positive moments in everyday life.

Final Thoughts

As the days grow shorter and the season invites us to slow down, there’s no better time to help little ones notice the good around them. Gratitude isn’t about perfection—it’s about pausing, appreciating, and celebrating the small moments of joy, kindness, and love in everyday life. By weaving these simple practices into your family routine, you’re helping your preschooler develop a warm, resilient heart that can carry thankfulness throughout the year.

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1. Visit the Woodinville Farmers Market

Spring means fresh, local produce, and what better way to kick off the season than by heading to the Woodinville Farmers Market?Not only is it a great way to support local farmers, but it’s also an excellent opportunity to teach your little ones about where food comes from. There is also a kids booth, where your child will get a token each time they visit, which then can be used as cash to purchase their own fruits or veggies! Some Saturdays even have live music!

2. Explore the Trails at Sammamish River Trail

Spring is the perfect time to get outside and explore the great outdoors. The Sammamish River Trail is a fantastic spot for an easy hike or a bike ride with your preschoolers. The trail is relatively flat, making it manageable for little legs, and you’ll get to enjoy the fresh spring air and see flowers in bloom. It’s also an excellent chance to spot birds, ducks, and other wildlife—perfect for teaching kids about nature. Plus, you can often catch glimpses of the river, which makes for a peaceful, scenic outing.

Tip: Pack a stroller for younger kids or a wagon for snacks and toys—it’s a great way to keep everyone comfortable during your stroll.

3. Springtime at Cottage Lake

For a slightly more adventurous outing, head over to Cottage Lake. This lovely park offers beautiful spots for a picnic, docks by the water, and there are easy trails that lead you through lush greenery. It’s a great way to expose your preschooler to the wonders of nature while taking in the spring sunshine. Depending on the weather, you can let them splash around in the shallow areas of the lake or simply let them run around in the open fields. There is also a playground and the YMCA which operates the pool, ropes course and other fun activities.

4. Spring Crafting at Home

Sometimes the best spring activities are the ones you can do right at home! Set up a crafting station with your little ones and get creative with spring-themed crafts. You can make colorful flower garlands, paint picture frames with bright spring colors, or even create a DIY bird feeder with a pine cone, peanut butter, and birdseed. Not only will it help develop your child’s fine motor skills, but they’ll also get a hands-on understanding of nature as they make these crafts.

Tip: Try using recycled materials, like cardboard or plastic bottles, to make your crafts even more eco-friendly!

5. Spring Sensory Play

If the weather’s not quite cooperating, sensory play is a perfect indoor activity to help engage your preschooler’s imagination. Create a spring sensory bin by filling a large container with items like colored rice, silk flowers, small plastic insects, and toy animals. Your child can explore the textures and sounds while developing important sensory skills. If you have some fake grass or little rocks, you can even set up a mini garden to make the play even more realistic!

Tip: Use items like fake petals or little plastic eggs to celebrate Easter if your family celebrates it.

6. Springtime Picnic at Wilmot Gateway Park

For an easy-going afternoon, pack a picnic and head to Wilmot Gateway Park. It’s a wonderful place to let your preschooler run, play, and explore. The park features playgrounds, bathrooms and open fields. During spring, the flowers around the park start to bloom, and the air smells amazing. It’s a perfect spot for a low-stress afternoon where your child can burn off some energy, and you can relax and enjoy the weather.

No matter what kind of spring activity you choose, the important part is that you’re spending time together and soaking in the beauty of the season. Whether you’re exploring local parks, enjoying some arts and crafts at home, or venturing out to a local farm, the possibilities are endless—so get outside, have fun, and make the most of this wonderful spring season! Rain or shine!

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Let me take you on a little adventure. I used to be the CEO of a company, where I was the top of the corporate ladder. I managed a teams, made big decisions, and kept everything running smoothly. I thought I was a pro at multitasking, delegating, and solving problems. But then, one day, I decided to take on a new, slightly different role — being a parent.

Imagine you’re stepping into a new job, but no one gives you a handbook. Heck, at my old job I wrote the handbooks! With parenting, there is not just one direct instruction manual, there are various handbooks with conflicting messages and parenting styles, and even if you implement something with textbook precision, each kid responds differently! Then add in the pressure of trying to break unhealthy generational patterns and lots of guilt that you aren’t doing enough on social media though. Instead of a coffee or lunch break, you get a small child who’s asking for a snack…a snack that I am in charge of ensuring is heathy, well balanced and bought from the grocery store…which I forgot… and now they are crying. Now they want chips in a blue bowl, but then they cry because they didn’t want the blue bowl. Where is this employee’s performance review? Oh wait… am I the employee now? My boss is a preschooler…

I thought managing people was hard. But at least in my old job, if someone needed help, they could just send me an email. If I needed help, I could delegate and people listened to me! At home? There are no emails. There are questions. Constant questions. Demands, really, like, “I want ice cream for breakfast?” (Spoiler alert: The answer is no. Now they are crying again). There is also not a lot of listening… but that is a topic for another day.

In my corporate world, I had a pretty awesome team. Everyone had their tasks, we worked together, and we communicated… mostly through emails. At home? My team consists of children under five, and the communication is, well, a little different and don’t even get me started on the negotiation tactics. I used to think my boardroom meetings were intense. Ha! They have nothing on trying to convince a three-year-old that you really can’t play with the electrical cords, or that it is time for bath and bed.

Unlike managing a business, there’s no clear “end of the day” here. Now, home is the work, and there’s no time clock to punch out. In the corporate world, I was used to getting things done and then enjoying a sense of accomplishment. I could cross things off a list and say, “Done for the day!” But as a parent? There’s always something to do. Laundry, dishes, snacks, cleaning up that mess, the endless cycle of getting kids dressed and ready… And every time you cross something off the list, someone adds a new task.

I used to think running a company was stressful. Now, I know that leading a team of tiny humans is like juggling flaming swords while riding a unicycle. You might look like you’ve got it all under control… but inside, you’re definitely just trying not to drop anything!

I thought my corporate job was rewarding, but it was nothing compared to how rewarding parenting is. The rewards are endless. When you see your child implement something you taught them, or master a new skill…the hugs, the giggles, the tiny “I love yous” that make everything worth it.

To all the parents out there, you are the true CEOs. You run the show, make the big decisions, and keep everything (somewhat) under control. And to all the parents balancing work AND home life—you’re superheroes.

No matter how hard it gets, remember: you’re doing an amazing job, and there’s no manual for this role. But the love and laughter that come with it? That’s priceless. There is no amount of money or corporate title that can beat that feeling.

— A Fellow Parent (and Former Boss)

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One thing I’ve realized is that the challenges we face while traveling are simply part of being a parent to a young child—no matter where you are in the world. The pros of embarking on adventures with preschoolers or younger children far outweigh any cons.

Through our travels, I’ve witnessed some incredible lessons unfold before my eyes.
1. Watching my child gain confidence has been one of the most rewarding aspects. She has learned how to connect and make friends with children from diverse backgrounds and cultures—all without letting language barriers hinder her playtime.

2. Through our recent trip, she discovered that life doesn’t always operate at the fast pace we’re accustomed to back home. Her parents were more present without the daily stressors of work and home activities, and she wasn’t rushed around or along for the ride on a day full of errands. This slower rhythm allowed us all to appreciate that many things we often take for granted.

3. She learned that many of her wants and needs—are actually luxuries in different parts of the world. I watched her fall asleep on cots on the floor, planes, buses, even golf carts! I watched her try new food like freshly caught fish, new fruits, and things I could never make at home because chicken nuggets are not a universal staple. I watched as various asks weren’t met, simply because it was not possible. Sorry love, no hot water or WiFi here. Sorry, babe there is no sound machine and temperature controlled room to nap in here. You want a babydoll? There is not a Target down the road, here is a seashell. I watched her problem-solve.She drew eyes and a smile on the shell, called it a mermaid and carried it around the whole trip.

Traveling together has opened up new horizons for both me and my child, enriching our lives in ways I never imagined possible. So if you’re contemplating whether or not to travel with your little ones, take it from me: go for it! The experiences you’ll share will create lasting memories and invaluable lessons for both you and your child.

Here are a few tricks from yours truly to help your travel be successful with a little one.

1. Know your audience 🙂 traveling with children can be wonderful and make sure that your activities are age and developmentally appropriate. My little one probably would not have enjoyed an afternoon at the Lourve , but she certainly loved walking around looking at fish on docks and going in a kayak with her daddy. Probably not the time for a history tour, but a food tour and local cooking class where she helped cook the meal was a big hit!

2. Bring little things from home. While an immersive experience into a diverse culture is an incredible experience, it is a lot for a little one. I couldn’t believe my eyes as I saw my little “chicken nuggets and fries only” child try new foods even though I was wary (she ate fish meatballs…we still have no clue what was in them). That being said, about ten days into our trip she had a day or two where she was clingy and whiney… and too overstimulated with all the new things. An applesauce pouch and granola bar from home was just what she needed as she had quiet time listening to her familiar, travel friendly, tonie box. Her favorite stuffie was also with us every step of the way.

3. Forget the routine but also focus on the elements of the routine. On days where we were on the move or traveling, we couldn’t follow the usual meal and nap time schedule. That being said on days that we could, we did! On days where there was no rhyme or reason or time change became a challenge, we focused on elements of the routine without the time elements…Like having time for rest, quiet, play, uninterrupted, parent time, and ensuring basic fundamentals like food, water and potty were offered frequently.

To summarize and answer the last blog’s burning question…is traveling with young children worth it? Yes, yes one thousand times YES!
You are going to have ups and downs either way, might as well go explore the world!

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For parents of preschool-aged children, discovering your child’s love language is a powerful tool in building a deep, trusting relationship. In this blog, we’ll explore the five main love languages and how to apply them with your preschooler.

1. Words of Affirmation: Encouraging Through Words

Children who resonate with Words of Affirmation thrive on verbal expressions of love and encouragement. Saying things like “Wow! You are working so hard on that!!” or “I love you so much!” help them feel loved and validated. For preschoolers, who are still learning about themselves and their abilities, these words can boost their confidence and sense of worth.

How to speak this love language:

• Be specific with your praise: Instead of just saying “Good job,” try something like, “I love how you took the time to clean up your toys. That was so responsible.”
• Share positive affirmations every day, not just when they do something right, but also to remind them of their inherent worth: “You are so special to me.”

2. Acts of Service: Love in Action

For some children, actions speak louder than words. If your child responds best to Acts of Service, they feel loved when others do things for them, even small tasks. Whether it’s helping them feel snug as a bug in a rug at bedtime, making their favorite snack, or reading books together,  these acts show them that you care and are there to support them.

How to speak this love language:

• Offer help with their daily routines in a gentle and supportive way, like laying out a few options for them to choose their clothes for the next day or having an extra outfit in your bag in case the one they are wearing gets wet or ruined while you are out and about.
• Pay attention to your child’s favorite foods, and prepare them when you can or have their favorite healthy snacks always in stock (even though we had to refinance our home to afford my child’s love of berries… just kidding…).

3. Receiving Gifts: Thoughtful Gestures of Love

Receiving Gifts doesn’t mean materialism. It’s about showing love through thoughtful presents, big or small. Children who favor this love language find joy in receiving tangible symbols of affection. These gifts don’t need to be expensive or extravagant. The idea is that each gift, whether it’s a small toy, a handwritten card, or a favorite snack, is a tangible reminder that they are loved.

How to speak this love language:

• Surprise your child with small, meaningful gifts that show you were thinking of them, such as their favorite character stickers or a cozy blanket.
• Encourage creative play by gifting them items that allow for imaginative fun, like building blocks or a box of crayons.

4. Quality Time: The Gift of Attention

If your child’s love language is Quality Time, they feel most loved when they have your full attention. Preschoolers with this love language crave moments where they are the focus of your time and energy. This means putting away distractions (like your phone) and spending uninterrupted time together, whether it’s playing, reading, or simply talking.

How to speak this love language:

• Set aside time each day to do something special with your child, like reading a story or playing a game of pretend, research shows even 15 minutes makes a huge difference!
• Be fully present during these moments, engaging with them and showing interest in what they are doing or saying. Let me shout it from the mountaintop…and I say this with love…put your phone away.

5. Physical Touch: Comfort and Connection

Children who lean toward Physical Touch feel most loved through physical affection. This can include hugs, kisses, holding hands, or even cuddling while watching a movie. For them, physical closeness fosters a sense of security and warmth.

How to speak this love language:

• Offer frequent hugs, kisses, and cuddles. These small physical gestures help reinforce your love.
• Hold their hand when walking, give them a reassuring pat on the back, or offer a gentle touch when they need comfort.

How to Identify Your Child’s Love Language

It may take some time to figure out which love language resonates most with your child, but there are some signs that can point you in the right direction. Here are a few things to observe:

• Do they seek verbal affirmation? If your child often says they love you and light up when you acknowledge something positive they did, words of affirmation may be their primary love language..
• Are they constantly asking for help? Preschoolers who show a preference for help with tasks, like dressing or eating, may connect most with acts of service.
• Do they love receiving small gifts? If your child gets excited about receiving small tokens of love, they may feel loved through gifts.
• Do they prefer activities over things? If your child lights up when you spend one-on-one time together, they likely value quality time.
• Are they sensitive to touch? If your child often seeks hugs or snuggles, or feels comforted by physical touch, then physical affection may be their main love language

Here is a fun quiz to learn more about your child’s love language, and yours too!

https://5lovelanguages.com/quizzes/love-language

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I don’t remember traveling much as a child, but when I went away to college and had opportunities to travel abroad, I set my anxiety and homebodied nature aside and gave it a try. I went solo and made memories and friendships that will last for a lifetime and was hooked. Not only did I receive many bug bites, but also caught the travel bug… and it never went away. Traveling was a mental reset and something about seeing the way that other parts of the country and world gave me a perspective like no other. It was my passion, my recharge, and part of what made me, me. I met my husband through our love of travel. Prior to 2020 and having my own little one, my husband and I traveled… A LOT. We loved it. We couldn’t wait to start a family and show our child how awesome travel is.

Then, I had fertility treatments and a high risk pregnancy followed by a preemie baby…in a pandemic. Travel was off the table for almost 3 years. When we finally made our first travel attempt (a short trip to see family) she cried the whole time, barely slept, had the biggest blow out I have ever seen in the airport as the plane was boarding and then we all got sick. It was a rude awakening of how different travel looks as a parent. We tried a few months later, again to visit family. Her schedule was completely messed up, we were awake all hours of the night, and this time she screamed uncontrollably the entire 5 hour plane ride home. Fun fact: the airline lost our pack and play… twice. In addition, packing for travel with children five and under basically requires preparation not unlike what I imagine training for an Olympic sport is like. We decided to table travel topic and chill for a bit.

But once you have been bitten by the travel bug…it only stays dormant for so long. Slowly, we kept trying, always integrating family and having helping hands with us and telling ourselves it will only get easier! She started showing resilience. She would smile at flight attendants and sleep through the night in her slumber pod. She got to try new foods, learned to sleep in different settings, explored sand and snow, the smile and joy on her face in new places made our lives feel complete! Travel WAS worth it! We COULD do it! She was our little baby travel buddy… and kids under two fly free! We researched the internet for baby travel tips and followed them all. We thought we figured it out. But then, a la parenting, as soon as you think you figure something out, it changes. For us…she became a toddler…with opinions.. and her favorite word is no.

Our little one is almost three. We are about to embark on our first long, international trip, just the 3 of us, no family and no helping hands. Even more fun for me, she is in a mama only phase, where my partner can’t help her do anything… at all… As many preschool aged humans are, she is both a perfect angel and an irrational, emotional being who tests boundaries and has forgotten how to sleep through the night. Will it be worth it? Traveling with our baby was worth it but she’s not a baby anymore…Will traveling with our child be worth it? I once again turned to the trusty internet for travel tips, but this time instead of helpful tips and products to make your life easier, the tips were more along the lines of “Don’t have expectations, give up on any set plans during travel, it’s going to be messy, and have a back up plan”… uh oh…

So as we embark on this experiment, I’ll report back next month to the resounding question… was it worth it? And if so, what are actual, tangible helpful tips and tricks?

Stay tuned for next month’s blogs:

Traveling With Young Children: Is it worth it and are there any tips or tricks that actually work?

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