We often think of play as the domain of early childhood. But play is essential across the developmental spectrum—even (and maybe especially) during the turbulent, in-between years of early adolescence. In both toddlers and tweens, play supports the development of core skills, meets deep emotional needs, and strengthens relationships with adults and peers. Understanding what play does can help us prioritize it—even when it feels inconvenient, silly, or hard to make time for.

Valentine's Day is about more than romance-it's an opportunity to teach about kindness, inclusion, and different forms of love.

Truly honoring Black history requires more than recounting the past—it means recognizing how history shapes the present and future. 

Learn ideas to prioritize inclusivity, gratitude, and generosity this holiday season.

Learn about approaches, strategies, and principles for managing behavior at home and school

Learn how to help both toddlers and teens understand the concept of consent, bodily autonomy, and their rights and responsibilities.

Learn about strategies for building emotional vocabulary and navigating big feelings with toddlers and teens.

Learn how to promote toddler independence by creating toddler-friendly kitchens, entryways, and bathroom areas.

Both toddlers and teens crave the structure that routines bring and the emotional security rituals offer.

Learn practical strategies for encouraging autonomy and independence for toddlers and teens.

Learn why relationships matter so much for both early childhood and early adolescence and how we can foster them as parents and educators.

"Littles and Middles" is a blog series about the parallels between early childhood (0-3) and early adolescence (10-15).

In the final post of this series, we propose a shift in trauma-informed education to center healing and equity.

In Part 2 of the Collective Care, Wellbeing, and Healing series, we explore what to say to the kids when traumatic events occur.

Learn why conversation and community are so important for educators, parents, and caregivers of children

Learn what the KEN blog is all about and what to expect from future posts.