NATHAN AYRES

Preparing Your Child for Preschool and School Success

Benefits of Childcare, East Louisville Childcare /

For many families, preparing a child for preschool or kindergarten can feel overwhelming. Parents often wonder if their child should already know letters, numbers, or how to write their name. While early academic exposure can be helpful, research and experience consistently show that true school readiness goes far beyond academics. Emotional security, social confidence, and […]

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Social and Emotional Development: What It Is and Why It Matters

Learning, Parents and Childcare /

Parents often focus first on academics like letters, numbers, colors but the foundation for all learning actually begins with social and emotional development.  At Big Hearts Little Hands, we know that when children feel secure, connected, and confident, their capacity for learning soars. Social-Emotional Skills Are Foundational According to Zero to Three, emotional development plays

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A Heartfelt End-of-Year Thank You From Big Hearts, Little Hands

East Louisville Childcare /

As we reach the end of another wonderful year at Big Hearts, Little Hands, our hearts are full of gratitude and pride for everything your children have achieved. This year has been overflowing with learning, exploration, friendships, and growth.  We want to thank you for trusting us with your little ones each day. Your partnership

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Helping Your 2-Year-Old Stay Calm During the Holidays: Simple Sensory Tips for Families

Benefits of Childcare, Parents and Childcare /

The holidays with a two-year-old are full of wonder from sparkly lights, new toys, special treats, and lots of excitement. But for many toddlers, this season also comes with big feelings. Holiday gatherings, travel, loud noises, new faces, and big changes in routine can quickly become overwhelming. If your little one has ever cried at

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The Best Holiday Gifts for Children Ages 0–5: A Development-Focused Guide for Parents

Learning, Parents and Childcare /

  Choosing holiday gifts for young children can feel overwhelming especially when every store aisle sparkles with flashing lights, loud sounds, and trendy characters. But the best toys for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers are actually the simplest ones. Research consistently shows that open-ended, hands-on play supports brain development far more than toys that “do the

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Surviving Thanksgiving With a Picky Eater Toddler and Food Allergies: A Parent’s Guide to Staying Sane

Parents and Childcare /

Thanksgiving is a beautiful holiday that should be full of gratitude, family, warmth, and… negotiations that rival international peace treaties. Because if you have a toddler who is both a picky eater AND navigating food allergies, you already know: this is not a meal; it’s an adventure. And by adventure, I mean a carefully choreographed

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Celebrating Kindness with Preschoolers: Fostering gratitude in October

Benefits of Childcare /

Parents know the value of Thankfulness. For preschoolers and early elementary children, fall is more than pumpkins and costumes.  It’s a wonderful time to focus on gratitude and kindness. At Big Hearts, Little Hands, we believe that practicing thankfulness before Thanksgiving helps children build empathy, strengthen friendships, and understand the joy of giving. Why Gratitude

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How Big Hearts, Little Hands Supports Early Strength and Development Through Safe Tummy Time

Parents and Childcare /

If you’ve ever wondered why your baby’s teachers at Big Hearts, Little Hands spend time laying infants on their bellies, you’re not alone! “Tummy Time” may look simple, but it’s one of the most important activities for your baby’s physical and brain development. Whether your baby is 6 weeks or 6 months, supervised time on their

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Introducing Solids: Supporting Infant Development Through Nutrition

Benefits of Childcare /

One of the most exciting milestones in infant development is the introduction of solid foods. For parents, this stage often comes with many questions: When should I start? What foods should I offer first? How can I support my child’s growth? At Big Hearts, Little Hands, we know that good nutrition is essential for supporting

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Teaching Emotional Regulation in Preschool: A Foundation for Lifelong Success

Parents and Childcare /

At Big Hearts Little Hands, we believe that early childhood education is about more than teaching letters and numbers.  It is about helping children build all the skills they need to succeed in life. One of the most important of these is emotional regulation: the ability to recognize, manage, and express emotions in healthy ways.

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