NATHAN AYRES

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

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 […]

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

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

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

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

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

  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

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

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

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

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

Celebrating Kindness with Preschoolers: Fostering gratitude in October

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

Celebrating Kindness with Preschoolers: Fostering gratitude in October Read More »

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

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

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

Introducing Solids: Supporting Infant Development Through Nutrition

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

Introducing Solids: Supporting Infant Development Through Nutrition Read More »

Teaching Emotional Regulation in Preschool: A Foundation for Lifelong Success

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.

Teaching Emotional Regulation in Preschool: A Foundation for Lifelong Success Read More »

Potty Training Paths: Finding What Works and How Big Hearts, Little Hands Can Help

Potty training can feel like a monumental milestone and for good reason! It’s a major step in your child’s development and often a key requirement for transitioning into a preschool or daycare environment. But if you’ve ever searched “best way to potty train,” you already know there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. The good news? No matter

Potty Training Paths: Finding What Works and How Big Hearts, Little Hands Can Help Read More »

How to Help Your Child Transition Smoothly Back to Daycare

The end of summer is a season is filled with both excitement and change. Big Hearts, Little Hands has been preparing for this new year just like our families.  Whether returning to daycare and moving up to a new classroom, or starting Kindergarten for the first time we want our students to be successful and

How to Help Your Child Transition Smoothly Back to Daycare Read More »