Hi Reader,

As September tiptoes in with cooler sunrises and earlier sunsets, you may be feeling a need to switch up your routines a bit. Another factor that might have you switching gears is that by now, many of us parents may have gone back to work after taking time off for the Summer and some of our children may have already gone back to school as early as last month. Our youngest ones may have even transitioned to preschool while some of us may still be looking after little ones at home. Whichever parent season you are in, it is still essential to remember the importance of keeping a natural learning environment at home.

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In my home, it has always been a clear understanding that toddlers’ young minds are like sponges. For this reason, we make sure that from birth we feed their brains before they reach the required aged to attend school. In many places in the world, that age is five. Do you see where I am going with this? If children begin learning at 5 years old, then they’ve already missed a boatload of opportunities that they could have learned at home. Creating a learning environment at home takes an intentional parent and I’d like to share some tips that work for us!

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Tips for WFHP (Work from Home Parents) or SAHP (Stay at Home Parents):

• Time Islands, Not Time Blocks- Plan 15–20 minute “learn & play” bursts morning and afternoon (letters with magnets, counting snack pieces, shape hunts). Short and predictable beats long time blocks in my opinion.
• Independent Play Time- Continuously rotating playpen activities/items (stacking blocks & play kitchen). Fewer choices to play with should allow for deeper play while you take a few calls, join meetings or if you would just simply like some me-time. Set a timer and celebrate the “ding!”
• Storytime- Interactive reading while asking prompts throughout the book like “Can you find something that’s a circle?” This activity might work best during your free time or lunch break time.
• Quiet Time- Can be a co-work time where the child does something on the quieter side such as puzzle time and drawing with crayons seated at a small table near you while you tackle your daily tasks.

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Tips for Parents Sending Big Kids Back to School or Launching little ones off to daycare.

Its smart to always plan the day ahead after children are already have been put down to sleep.

• Prepare bookbags by the front door,
• Have outfit and shoes set out in the family room.
• Prepare breakfast, snacks and after school lunch/dinner.

Doing small things like these the night before can allow for more time to read and play together after a long day of school & after work for you.

Looking Ahead

I hope that these tips are practical enough to adapt to as this new school year begins. I know how hectic parent life can be for us all. I am in the parent season of working from home and sending off our oldest back to school while balancing a healthy home learning and bonding environment at home & let me tell you, the juggle is real!

As we look ahead, I can hardly wait for you all to read Margot’s Building Adventure and to go on this emotional, yet exciting journey with her. I’d like to share a sneak peek sketch of the main character:

Meet Margot!

Emotional Imaginative Hopeful Relentless​ ​

To be super candid with you all, there have unfortunately been unexpected hurdles within the illustration process that has delayed the originally expected launch. Margot’s Building Adventure is now officially set to launch mid Fall 2025. I do appreciate your patience and anticipation.
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Get Ready!

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Hugs,

Jade Mcleod

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