Holiday Traditions from Around the World
Holiday traditions are unique and special to each family as they are celebrated and evolve over the years. Here are a list of traditions from around the world.
20 Holiday Movies to Watch With Your Children
Find some time to slow down and enjoy the best parts of the Holiday. Here are some ideas for Holiday Movies to snuggle up with on the couch and watch with your children.
20 Ways to Give Thanks
Spreading joy and doing something nice for others is fulfilling and can be a great lesson for the whole family.
Manners Matter
Manners are the cornerstone of many positive character traits. Encouraging the use of please and thank you can be done in a variety of creative ways. Repetition is of course important, but bringing manners to life is also important when you are trying to teach your children exactly what manners are and how they will benefit their every day life.
November is National Diabetes Awareness Month
November is National Diabetes Awareness Month. If you are fortunate enough to not already be battling this disease, please take preventative steps to help your family stay healthy.
The Teal Pumpkin
The Teal Pumpkin Project is an initiative that was started by FARE (Food Allergy Research & Education) to raise awareness of food allergies and promote inclusion of all trick-or-treaters throughout the Halloween season.
Fall Family Bucket List
Fall is upon us!! Here is a Fall Family Bucket List to help you and your family enjoy every aspect of fall.
October is National Fire Prevention Month
House fires are the biggest disaster threat to families in this country. Here are a few important tips to consider in honor of National Fire Prevention Month.
How to Deal With a Public Meltdown
Meltdowns are inevitable. They can be trying, but we will get through them. Here are a few ideas on how you can help yourself and your child through these moments.
Books to Help Teach Children Friendliness
Being kind and friendly are positive characteristics that we can start to cultivate in our children. Below are some book recommendations to help you along the way.
Pro Potty Training Tips
There are many different methods and tips out there to help make potty training quick and easy for you and your children. Here are a few.
How to Deal With a Biter
If your child goes through a biting phase, rest assured that you are not alone. It is a natural reaction in young children and can be a result of many different stressors or reasons. Below are some tips to get you through this trying phase.
Promoting Safe Sleep Awareness
September is National Safe Sleep Awareness month. At AppleTree & Gilden Woods we value the importance of infant safe sleep and are dedicated to helping educate ourselves, our teachers, and our families on this topic.
30 Date Night Ideas
It is important for our physical & mental health and well-being to find ways to implement self-care. A large part of that can be in finding time for not just ourselves, but for our significant others as well. So, call the sitter and pick one of these fun date night ideas for a relaxing night to reconnect!
7 Books to Help Children Learn Acceptance
Acceptance is a sense of belonging and appreciation. Being accepted is also accepting others for who they are. We are all different, and it is important to start instilling that ideal at a young age. Below are a few books that can help you open that conversation with your children.
End of Summer Family Bucket List
Enjoy the last few weeks of summer with these fun, family friend, end of summer bucket list suggestions.
What is Colic and how to Handle It
Sometimes referred to as colic, sometimes referred to as purple crying. Most frequently experienced by parents and caregivers as baffling and frustrating. Here are some ideas on how to keep your sanity through this trying time.
August is National Immunizations Month
Whether you choose to vaccinate your children or not, the CDC uses the month of August to encourage education on the topic.
Teaching Children Respect
Respect for one another is an important value in our everyday lives. However, it is a challenge to find ways to teach this value to children. Let's dive a littler deeper and see how we can teach our children just that.
Road Trip Boredom Busters
Be prepared for your next family road trip with a few tips and tricks to keep your children entertained!
7 Natural Remedies for Sunburns
Sometimes sunburn does happen regardless of the measures we have taken. Below are a few natural remedies to help ease the pain of a dreaded sunburn.
July is National UV Safety Month
AppleTree & Gilden Woods are proud to participate in National UV Safety Month and help raise awareness of the risks of sun damage.
5 Books to Help Children Learn About Teamwork
Teamwork is supporting each other and working to achieve a common goal. But what does that mean to children, and how can we teach them from a young age to be team players? Here are a few books to help teach your child about teamwork.
13 Genius Tips For Camping With Children
Summer means camping! Here are a few tips to help make it a little easier and a lot more enjoyable.
What Does Fatherhood Mean to Millennial Dads?
Father's Day is this weekend! I took the opportunity to sit down with a few AppleTree & Gilden Woods Dads to talk about what it means to be a father in this day and age.
June is Fresh Fruits and Vegetables Month
Here are a few tips about the importance of fresh fruits and vegetables!
Child-friendly Kitchen Gadgets
Invite your children to join in preparing a meal, make it fun with these child-friendly kitchen gadgets!
AppleTree & Gilden Woods voted "Top Daycare" again for 2018 Grand Rapids Kids Grandtastic Awards
AppleTree & Gilden Woods have been named top daycare by the online community of parents through GRKids.com
5 Books to Promote Helpfulness in Children
Starting from a very young age it is important to focus on developing strong character traits in children. AppleTree & Gilden Woods focus on helpfulness for the month of May. Here are a few suggested books to share with your children about helpfulness.
Creative Lunch Ideas
Make lunch time exciting while encouraging creative growth with these fun lunch ideas!
Spring Family Bucket List
Spring is here! Now is the time to get outside and enjoy the beautiful weather with your family. Here are a few ideas for a Spring time family bucket list.
May is Better Hearing and Speech Month
Throughout the month of May, AppleTree and Gilden Woods focus on the importance of hearing and speech development.
4 Books to Help Teach Children Forgiveness
Every month at AppleTree & Gilden Woods, we bring focus to important positive character traits through our C.O.R.E. Character Education Program. For the month of April, the C.O.R.E. character trait is forgiveness. Teaching forgiveness is integral to children developing empathy toward others and the overall development of emotional intelligence.
Celebrating The Week of the Young Child
In collaboration with the NAEYC, AppleTree & Gilden Woods will be celebrating The Week of the Young Child, April 16th-20th.
The Importance of Play
It has been said that play is children’s work. The best part about children’s play is that they learn a great deal while having fun.
Spring on the Mind
Spring is just around the corner and we are excited and ready at AppleTree & Gilden Woods. As part of our C.O.R.E. curriculum, children in our toddler and preschool classes will learn all about bugs, bees, and butterflies.
8 Spring Break “Staycation” Destinations in Michigan
Here at AppleTree & Gilden Woods we are getting ready for Spring Break and are anxiously awaiting our Spring Explorer's Program! We will be taking fun, educational field trips throughout the program. Here are a few exciting ideas for a day trip that the whole family will love!
5 Books to Help Children Learn Self Control
Through the month of March at AppleTree & Gilden Woods, an area of focus is self control. Here are a five books you can read with your children to help them better understand what it means to have and exhibit self-control.
AppleTree & Gilden Woods Named Best of GR Childcare Provider
For the third consecutive year, AppleTree and Gilden Woods Early Care and Preschool has been named "Best of GR Child Care Provider" by Grand Rapids Magazine.
Celebrate National Reading Month
March is National Reading Month. Make this month special as you celebrate the importance of reading with your children.
Winter's End Family Bucket List
Winter is slowly winding down. Commemorate the changing of the seasons by making a winter’s end bucket list with your children.
Teaching Children Honesty
Teaching children the value of honesty can be a challenge. It is one of the most important character traits, but it often doesn’t come without parental modeling and practice. Here are a few techniques for practicing patience with your children.
Tips and Tricks for Promoting Good Oral Health Care with Children
Oral health care is an important aspect of your child’s health. Developing good habits at an early age and scheduling regular dental visits help children get a good start on a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums.
10 Non-Candy Valentine's Your Children Will Love
Valentine’s Day is right around the corner. This year keep it healthy and fresh with these 10 creative Valentine Ideas that you and your children can enjoy creating together.
5 Creative Ways to Make Bath Time Fun
As a parent, we all know that sometimes bath time can be difficult. Even if you are one of the lucky ones with a child who loves a good bath, these tips are for you as well!
What to Look for in a Preschool Program
Selecting a preschool program for your child is an exciting milestone however, it may feel overwhelming. As a parent, you want to find the right program for your child. To help relieve some of the pressure of selecting a preschool program here are some key components to look for...
6 Easy Ways to Promote Patience in Your Child
Practicing patience at an early age helps children to improve interpersonal relationships and social skills!
New Year's Family Resolutions
This year, consider creating a list of family resolutions with your child or children!
Fall Family Bucket List
To kick off the fall season, AppleTree & Gilden Woods has provided a list of fun family activities!
Children's Books about Friendship
Here are some book recommendations that will help your child learn more about how to show friendship to others!
Helping Your Child Develop Friendships
It’s back to school season and often with the start of a new school year comes a new set of classmates. Here are a few things you can do to help your child strengthen their friendships.
How to Create a Bedtime Routine
Creating a routine makes bedtime a calm and relaxing way to end the day!
Back to School Tips
Here’s 6 helpful tips to help your family experience a smooth transition into fall.
Computer Readiness for the Preschool Child
AppleTree & Gilden Woods is proud to offer Keyboarding Without Tears™! The award winning curriculum will be utilized during our weekly Tech Time with Terance enrichment program.
National Immunizations Month
AppleTree & Gilden Woods respects the right of parents to choose to immunize their child or not; however, here is some important information on immunizations.
End of Summer Family Bucket List
It’s not too late to take advantage of these last days of summer and fill them with some fun family activities!
5 Tips on Bike Safety
Riding bikes with your family is a great way to exercise and spend time together. Use these tips to stay safe and have fun this summer!
Water Fun with S.T.E.M.
Water is one of the six units of study covered in the S.T.E.M. curriculum offered at AppleTree and Gilden Woods. With the warm summer days it’s also a great way to stay cool and have fun!
July is National UV Safety Month
AppleTree & Gilden Woods is proud to participate in UV Safety Month and help raise awareness of the risks of sun damage. During the month of July, join us in taking action to prevent skin cancer and reduce the risk of UV damage.
"Top Daycare" again for 2017
AppleTree & Gilden Woods was voted "Top Daycare" again for 2017 Grand Rapids Kids Grandtastic Awards! Thank you to Grand Rapids Kids for this honor and to our awesome Grand Rapids Community for your votes!
Eating Together as a Family
Take some time this week to eat dinner together as a family, you won’t regret it!
Nurturing Meaningful Conversations with Your Child
Do you ever ask your child a question only to get a one word response? Try these questions- they may help lead you to a meaningful conversation with your child!
Father's Day Gift Ideas
Father's Day is right around the corner! Here are a few homemade ideas you can do with your little one(s).
National Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Month
June is National Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Month and it's the perfect time to get your kids in the kitchen!
Embracing Mom Guilt
“Mom guilt” comes in all shapes and sizes. Whether it’s because you’re working outside the home, working from home, or are a stay at home mom who needs some extra “me time,” it’s time to let go of the guilt.
Mother's Day Gift Ideas
Mother's Day is Sunday, May 14th! Here are a few ideas to help those who haven't found the perfect gift or want to do something extra special for the Mom in their life.
Teacher Appreciation Week
Teacher appreciation is May 1st through 5th and we’d like to share some cute and simple ways to shower your child’s teacher with love!
Screen Time for Children
Children will inevitably be exposed to electronics and screen time, but it’s up to the parent to determine the context and parameters under which this is done.
Time-Outs and Other Discipline Alternatives
Time-outs can often be the go-to method for disciplining children, but are they really as effective as we think they are?
Developing Empathy in Young Children
In honor of The Month of the Young Child® Week 2, focusing on Social Development, we wanted to point you in the direction of some insights that share how you can nurture empathy in your child.
5 Tips and Tricks for Picky Eaters
How to Encourage Children to Eat More Fruits and Veggies.
How Art Can Influence Children's Learning
In case you missed it, Friday, March 31st was Crayola Crayon Day! Crayons are one of the many materials that should be available to children to encourage open-ended art.
A Guide to Spring Cleaning with Kids
Including your child in age appropriate cleaning tasks is an important part of their growth and development.
A Fresh Take on Your Child's Favorite Book
Are you looking for a fresh take on your child's favorite book? How about trying a story extension?
Create a Life-Long Reader in Your Child
It is no secret that language and literacy skills are two key areas for children’s school and life success. Here are five ways you can help foster language and literacy skills while creating a life-long reader in your child.
Puzzles Help Your Child Grow
To children, puzzles are a fun toy to play with. To adults, puzzles are an educational opportunity. So often children benefit from playing with puzzles without even knowing it!
Supporting Children's Dental Health
One aspect of promoting children’s healthy habits that is often overlooked is oral health care. In February we celebrate National Children’s Dental Health Month at AppleTree & Gilden Woods.
Heart Stamps with Everyday Items
Make homemade valentines with your child by creating heart stamps with everyday items that you already have at home!
"Best Child Care Provider in Grand Rapids"
Grand Rapids Magazine readers have named AppleTree & Gilden Woods Early Care and Preschool the "Best Child Care Provider in Grand Rapids."
Making Friends
Your child's ability to make friends and work cooperatively will help make their school experience a positive one
Pumpkin Spice Playdough - and More! - Fall Activities to Enjoy Together!
Here are a couple of fall-themed ideas for you to try with your child - perfect for a rainy fall day.
7 Tips for Making Your Home a Safe Sleep Environment
September is National Safe Sleep Month
The Importance of Extended Family - Especially Grandparents
“The relationship between grandparents and their grandchildren is second in emotional importance only to the relationship between parent and child.”
Back-to-School with AppleTree & Gilden Woods
Now Enrolling After School Club for 2016 - 2017!
National Immunizations Month
AppleTree & Gilden Woods respects the right of parents to choose to immunize their child or not; however, we are providing some important information on immunizations.
6 Back to School Tips
The transition from August to September can be a difficult one for both children and parents
Pratt's Home Connection - July
Have a star-spangled month enjoying the summer sun as a family!
June is Fresh Fruits & Vegetables Month
Check out these tips to get picky eaters to have their fill of fruits and veggies!
Avoiding the Dangers of Heatstroke
When temperatures start to rise, Safe Kids Worldwide recommends remembering to A.C.T.
Fight the Bite - Your Guide to Mosquitoes and Ticks
Take precautions against mosquitoes and ticks to keep your family safe and healthy
Father's Day Gift Ideas
Father's Day is just around the corner - Celebrate the contribution of father and father figures this month!
3 proven ways to get your children to eat more fruits and vegetables
Most Americans don't eat enough fruits and vegetables - including young picky eaters!
Pratt's Home Connection - June
Start off summer with quality time as a family trying some of this month's activities
Better Hearing and Speech Month
Each May, we promote awareness of the importance of early detection of hearing difficulties
What chores are appropriate for my ___ year old?
Parents are always looking for ways for children to master new tasks and become more independent as well as promote helpfulness. The youngest of children can help with age-appropriate chores.
Communication - Month of the Young Child
Week 4 of Month of the Young Child focuses on the Language & Literacy development of children
Exploring with All the Senses - Month of the Young Child
Week 3 of Month of the Young Child focuses on the Cognitive development of children
Building Trust & Healthy Relationships - Month of the Young Child
Week 2 of Month of the Young Child focuses on the Social-Emotional development of children
Children on the Move - Month of the Young Child
Week 1 of Month of the Young Child focuses on the Physical development of children
Pratt's Home Connection - April
April Showers bring May Flowers - and the April Home Connection!
The Importance of Play
April is the Month of the Young Child - Each April, we celebrate play-based learning.
March is National Reading Month!
Instill a love of reading in your child this month - and every month!
Ways to Make the Most of National Reading Month
While you try to instill a lifelong love of reading year-round, take special care to read during National Reading Month!
Pratt's Home Connection - March
It's your "lucky" day - this month's Home Connection is here!
The Importance of Employee Development Days
Ever wonder what your child's teacher does on an Employee Development Day?
Pratt's Home Connection - February
At AppleTree & Gilden Woods, we *LOVE* to learn and have fun at the same time - we hope the following activities will be fun ideas for you and your child to *LOVE*.
A Kid-Friendly Valentine's Day Menu
A wonderful Valentine's Day themed menu for your family this Valentine's Day
February is National Dental Health Month
One aspect of children's wellness that is often overlooked is oral health care
Snow Outside? Start Thinking SPRING Now!
What is your School Ager doing this Spring Break?
The Top 4 Reasons to Choose K-Prep
Our program is designed to help children transition to Kindergarten
Thank You Card Ideas & Tips
Check out these ideas for your kids to show gratitude for their gifts
Managing Your Child's Holiday Expectations
Focus on the holiday traditions and magic of the season
Tree Lightings, Santa Sightings, and Other Holiday Fun
Your one-stop-shop for family holiday fun!
December is National Toy Safety Month
Keep the season merry and bright with these safety tips!
Making Thanksgiving a Family Affair
Bring everyone together & let your children help with prep
Become a Parent-Teacher Conference Pro
Make the most out of the time with your child's teacher with these tips
November is American Diabetes Month
Nearly 30 million children and adults are living with diabetes
6 Back to School Tips
The transition from August to September can be a difficult one for both children and parents.
National Immunizations Month
August is nationally recognized as National Immunization Awareness Month (NIAM)
Why is Preschool Important?
"Healthy children do not come preassembled. Work is required." - Kathleen Gallagher
4 UV Safety Tips for Small Children
Summer is all about having fun outdoors. The warm sunshine seems to bring everyone outside, ready to explore and enjoy new adventures. However, along with all of those fun trips and activities comes the risk for too much sun exposure. Harmful UV rays can burn a child's skin, resulting in the painful sunburns that we all know too well. They can also raise a child's risk of developing skin cancer later in life.
How to Avoid the Dangers of Heatstroke
With the beautiful summer months of Pure Michigan, comes the sunshine! The sun is great for when you are enjoying a day at the beach (lathered up in sunscreen, of course), but it can also lead to vehicles reaching dangerous temperatures.
The Mystery of Hand Dominance in Children
Will he be left-handed? Will she be right-handed? These are questions that parents of children aged 4.5 - 6 years old may ask themselves with baited breath. The establishment of hand dominance is complex.
Fun Games That Don't Need Toys
Stranded without toys or props? Remember the games that don't need anything besides a group of kids who want to play.
Jump Into June - 5 Ways to Start the Summer Off Right!
June is the start of summer vacation. School age children are excited to enjoy the "dog days of summer" and will be itching for activities to keep them busy and seeing the friends they have made during the previous school year.
Kid-Friendly Fruits & Veggies Recipes
June is National Fresh Fruits and Vegetables Month and the perfect opportunity to look into summer outdoor farmer's markets to find great deals on fresh items for your family to enjoy.
3 Proven Ways to Get Your Children to Eat More Fruits and Vegetables
Most Americans don't eat enough fruit and vegetables. Researchers and food pyramid guidelines show most families could benefit from doubling the amount they eat each day.
Father's Day Gift Ideas
Father's Day is right around the corner. It celebrates the contribution that fathers and father figures make in their children's lives.
June is National Fresh Fruits and Vegetables Month
June is National Fresh Fruits and Vegetables Month. A growing body of research shows that fruits and vegetables are critical to promoting good health.
