Quick Takeaways Sneaking away increases separation anxiety, not decreases it A predictable goodbye routine helps children transition faster and feel more secure Children cry less when drop-off follows the same sequence every day Teachers and parents need to use the same language about goodbye and return time The goal is not to avoid tears—it's to build trust in your reliability. Parent and child sitting together in a nature-based preschool setting with a handwritten note that

By Silvia Anderson | Nature's Lab School Outdoor exploration at Nature’s Lab You already knew your child loved being outside. Here's what the science says is happening while they're out there. When a child crouches down to watch a worm move through damp spring soil, or balances across a log with arms wide and tongue out, or fills a container with mud and water just to dump it and start again — that is not downtime. That is some of the most sophisticated learning their brain i

English / Español Scroll down for the Spanish version / Siga leyendo abajo para la versión en español. Choosing Gifts That Last in Children’s Hearts Updated for NLS Families – Holiday 2025 At Nature’s Lab, we spend every day watching children discover the world through curiosity, connection, and play. One thing is always clear: What children remember most is who they were with, not what they received. New toys bring joy, but the excitement fades quickly. Experiences, ritual

English / Español Scroll down for the Spanish version / Siga leyendo abajo para la versión en español. At Nature’s Lab, every holiday is an opportunity to nurture connection, curiosity, and kindness — even (and especially) for our youngest learners. Veterans Day offers a chance to honor gratitude in ways that feel meaningful to young children , through simple, heartfelt experiences that make sense in their world. For children ages 2 to 5, abstract ideas like “veterans” or “se

Help young children adjust to Daylight Saving Time with simple tips, outdoor play, and gentle routine shifts that support healthy sleep rhythms.

English / Español Scroll down for the Spanish version / Siga leyendo abajo para la versión en español. At Nature’s Lab , we believe stories are how children make sense of the world. As the seasons shift and the days grow shorter, many cultures celebrate the power of light , a symbol of love, connection, and remembrance. This story brings together three beautiful celebrations, Día de los Muertos , Diwali , and Día de las Velitas , in a way little ones can understand, honoring

English / Español Scroll down for the Spanish version / Siga leyendo abajo para la versión en español. How Families Can Enjoy the Celebration Without Overstimulation or Tantrums This blog is tailored for families with toddlers, preschoolers, and Kindergartners (ages 2–5), though the ideas can flex for older or younger siblings, too. Halloween is one of the most exciting times of the year for young children; costumes, candy, and imagination fill the air. But for them, what’s e

English / Español Scroll down for the Spanish version / Siga leyendo abajo para la versión en español. English Version The Story of Diwali. A long time ago, in the land of Ayodhya, there lived a kind prince named Rama . He loved his family and always tried to do what was right. Rama had to go far away from home to live in the forest with his wife Sita and his brother Lakshmana . While they were there, a mean king named Ravana took Sita away to his faraway kingdom. Ra

Halloween brings creativity, excitement, and plenty of decorations to porches and yards. But one popular item, stretchy fake spiderwebs, can accidentally cause harm to birds, insects, and small animals. Here’s what families should know, and a few simple swaps to help keep local wildlife safe this season. What the Research and Experts Say While fake spiderwebs are not the same as a real spider’s silk, they share one troubling feature: if an animal becomes entangled, escape can

The world has been heavy lately for many of us. We see violence, pain, and disconnection, and it is easy to feel discouraged. But at...

At Nature's Lab, we believe in turning everyday moments into rich opportunities for learning and connection. We took a walk with the...

As the school year winds down, many families at Nature's Lab are preparing for a big milestone: graduation. For our 4s and 5s, this often...