The Children's Courtyard Blog

Save the sweets for Sweetest Day. This Valentine’s Day, get creative with your kids and explore these great card concepts that are not only inventive, but very healthy (no candy here!). Let that special someone know you care with these fun, surprising valentine options. Kids will love to play with this valentine. Include a bouncy […]

Give Dad just what he wants for Father’s Day this year with these fun printable coupons! Cut ‘em out and make a booklet or place them in a greeting card. Show him that he’s the best dad in the world!

Happy Mother’s Day from The Children’s Courtyard! Print out this activity and work on it with your kiddos to remember the fun times you’ve had together!  

Little friends Noah and Evan were having a playdate, but it wasn’t going well. They both NEEDED Noah’s nice, new dump truck. Noah’s Dad heard screams of “Mine! Mine!” and went to smooth things out. “Come on guys, you need to share the truck. Let’s see you sharing nicely.” “It’s mine!” “I wanna use it!” […]

We’ve bumped up the mealtime chatter in your home. We’ve ensured your little one can help safely in the kitchen – and learn a bunch in the process, too. Now, it’s time to cook! Here are two fool-proof recipes that young children love to make – and eat. From my family to yours – enjoy! No-Bake Peanut Butter […]

My little one likes to have “combersations” at mealtimes. But she really has no choice – we’re a family of talkers. Her older sister and brothers yak over their school time triumphs and tragedies, and Dad and I elbow our way in to ask questions, offer occasional advice, and ensure everyone gets a turn. But […]

Regular family mealtimes have proven benefits such as better manners for the kids and healthier meals for the whole family. But did you know family mealtime can also help your child gain communication skills, improved learning, and problem-solving abilities? Regular family meals also build closer relationships among family members, setting a trusting foundation for when […]

Hosting a playdate at home is one thing but going to someone else’s house – where the rules, snacks, and potty are different – is a whole new experience. Here’s how to prepare your child to have a great time – and be invited back! The Invite – Say “yes” when you know (and trust) the […]

Great playdates make for happier, healthier children. In our first article in the series, we discussed WHY. Today, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty of HOW to host a simple, fun, and smooth-running playdate. A little planning goes a long way when it comes to hosting a great playdate. My tips: Parent Planning – Talk with your […]

Your little ones’ senses—vision, hearing, balance, hearing, smell and touch—all help your children to learn better.  When their senses are stimulated, it increases the information brought to their growing minds and fine-tunes their nervous systems in the process. Fall’s new sights, sounds, and activities are great opportunities to sharpen those senses – and have fun […]