Tantrums. They’re loud, emotional, and—let’s be honest—completely normal. If you’re the parent of a toddler, chances are you’ve experienced at least a few epic meltdowns over broken crackers, the “wrong” color cup, or a transition they weren’t ready for. At Brookshire Learning Center, we want to reassure you that tantrums are a typical part of healthy child development—and we’re here to offer support and solutions.

This blog will help you understand why tantrums happen, how they’re managed in quality childcare settings, and what you can do at home to turn power struggles into learning moments.

Why Do Toddlers Have Tantrums?

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), tantrums are a normal way for toddlers to express frustration and test boundaries as they grow more independent. They often happen when:

• Language skills haven’t caught up with emotions
• Routines change unexpectedly
• Needs (like hunger, tiredness, or overstimulation) aren’t being met
• Transitions feel too fast or out of their control

The AAP emphasizes that tantrums are not “bad behavior” but an expression of big feelings in small bodies.

How Brookshire Learning Center Handles Tantrums

At Brookshire, our approach is developmentally appropriate, calm, and focused on helping children build emotional regulation skills over time.

Here’s what we do:

• Stay calm and present: Our educators model emotional regulation by responding with patience and consistency.
• Acknowledge emotions: “You’re feeling really upset that we have to clean up. That’s hard.”
• Offer choices and control: “Would you like to hold the book or the bear during storytime?”
• Use visual schedules and cues: These tools support smooth transitions and reduce anxiety.
• Provide a quiet space: Children are given time to calm down in a safe, cozy space without punishment.
• Reflect afterward: Once calm, we revisit what happened and practice using words for feelings.

These techniques align with best practices from NAEYC and support important social-emotional milestones.

 

Easy, Age-Appropriate Strategies for Home

Consistency between home and daycare helps toddlers feel secure and supported. Here are some simple strategies you can use at home:

1. Stay Consistent: Set clear expectations, and stick to your routines as much as possible. Predictability reduces power struggles.

2. Offer Choices: Giving toddlers safe control helps prevent tantrums: “Do you want the red socks or the blue ones?”

3. Name Their Feelings: Help toddlers build emotional vocabulary: “You’re mad because we have to leave the park.”

4. Practice Deep Breathing: Model “smelling the flower” and “blowing out the candle” to calm the body.

5. Catch the Calm Moments: Praise your child when they handle a situation well: “You waited your turn so patiently!”

6. Keep Snacks and Naps on Track: Hungry or overtired toddlers are much more likely to melt down.

7. Be Patient With Progress: Emotional regulation takes time and repetition. Tantrums decrease as brain development increases.

Tantrums can feel overwhelming but they’re also a powerful opportunity for teaching, bonding, and growing. At Brookshire Learning Center, we see every meltdown as a chance to guide toddlers toward confidence, communication, and calm. When children know they’re safe, heard, and supported, they learn to manage big emotions with growing skill.

Need more guidance? Reach out anytime or schedule a tour. We’re here to support your child and family!

 

As summer begins, many families look forward to vacations, outdoor fun, and relaxed routines. But one important habit you’ll want to keep all summer long is reading with your child!  Summer reading not only prevents the “summer slide” in learning but also builds a lifelong love of books and strengthens the bond between parent and child. Whether your child is an emerging reader or just starting to enjoy story time, summer is the perfect opportunity to nurture this important skill.  And remember, quality education is a partnership between your daycare or preschool and your home. When you make reading part of your family life, you’re giving your child a powerful advantage.

Why Summer Reading Matters

Research shows that children who engage in reading over the summer maintain and even grow their literacy skills, while those who don’t risk falling behind:

• Reading as little as 15–20 minutes a day can make a huge difference in vocabulary and comprehension. (Reading Rockets)
• The summer slide can result in losing up to two months of reading skills when reading is neglected. (Scholastic)
• Shared reading with parents builds not only academic success but also social-emotional growth and stronger parent-child relationships. (Zero to Three)

At daycare and preschool, educators foster early literacy every day through story time, conversations, and print-rich environments. But extending those experiences at home is key to helping children become confident, joyful readers.

Tips for Starting a Reading Habit at Home

1. Make reading a routine
   Choose a consistent time each day — bedtime, after lunch, or first thing in the morning — for reading together. Young children thrive on routines.
2. Keep books accessible
   Create a child-friendly book nook at home where books are easy to see and reach. Rotate books to keep interest high.
3. Follow your child’s lead
   Let your child choose books based on their interests. Don’t worry if they want to hear the same story again and again — repetition builds understanding!
4. Make it interactive
   Ask questions, point to pictures, make fun voices, and invite your child to participate. Reading should be playful and engaging, not a chore.
5. Visit the library
   Many libraries offer summer reading programs with prizes, events, and themed story times. Check out what your local library has planned!

Encouraging New and Reluctant Readers

If your child is starting to read independently — or if they resist reading — here are a few ideas:

• Praise effort, not perfection — Focus on the joy of reading rather than correcting every word.
• Pair books with your child’s passions — Dinosaurs? Princesses? Space? There’s a book for every interest.
• Choose “just right” books — Books that are too hard can frustrate new readers.
• Incorporate reading into play — Use comic books, recipes, signs, and game instructions as fun reading opportunities.
• Be patient — It’s okay if your child doesn’t want to read sometimes. Keep offering books and modeling a love of reading yourself.

 

Why Quality Education Matters at Daycare

A child’s early years are a time of rapid brain development. The more positive, language-rich experiences a child has, the stronger their cognitive and emotional growth.  Quality childcare and preschool programs provide:

• Daily exposure to books and storytelling
• Opportunities for conversation and vocabulary building
• Support for pre-literacy and emerging reading skills
• A love of learning that children carry into school and beyond

When parents and educators work together, children get the best of both worlds — a strong academic foundation and a joyful attitude toward learning.

Summer Book List for Ages 3–6

Here are some delightful books to inspire your summer reading:

📚 The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle
📚 Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! by Mo Willems
📚 Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? by Bill Martin Jr. & Eric Carle
📚 We’re Going on a Bear Hunt by Michael Rosen & Helen Oxenbury
📚 If You Give a Mouse a Cookie by Laura Numeroff
📚 Pete the Cat: I Love My White Shoes by Eric Litwin
📚 Chicka Chicka Boom Boom by Bill Martin Jr. & John Archambault
📚 Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site by Sherri Duskey Rinker
📚 The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats
📚 Llama Llama Red Pajama by Anna Dewdney

 

This summer, make books a part of your family’s fun!  Whether it’s five minutes before bed or a cozy afternoon with a stack of stories, reading together strengthens your child’s brain, their bond with you, and their love of learning.  And when that love of learning is nurtured both at home and through a quality childcare or preschool program, your child is set up for lifelong success.

Happy summer reading!

Choosing the right childcare is one of the most important decisions you’ll make as a parent. You want a place where your child is nurtured, inspired, safe, and happy and where you feel like a valued part of the community too.  At Brookshire Learning Center, we understand that. In fact, we designed our entire center to give your child the best possible start in life and to give you peace of mind every step of the way.  Here’s why parents across the community trust Brookshire and why we’d love to welcome your family next.

The Proven Benefits of Quality Childcare

Research consistently shows that children who attend high-quality childcare programs experience significant advantages:

• Stronger social skills
  They learn to share, communicate, and cooperate with peers, helping them build friendships and emotional intelligence.
• Better academic preparation
  According to the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, children in high-quality early childhood programs enter kindergarten with stronger language, math, and problem-solving skills.
• Boosted confidence and independence
  Childcare helps children develop routines and autonomy, giving them the tools to navigate the world with confidence.
• Emotional growth
  They learn resilience, empathy, and self-regulation through positive relationships with caregivers and peers.

And for parents, childcare provides balance — enabling you to pursue work, passions, or rest knowing your child is in loving, capable hands.

Why Brookshire Learning Center Stands Out

While there are many childcare options available, Brookshire Learning Center offers something truly special:

• A Heartfelt, Personalized Approach: Your child is not a number here. We value the uniqueness of every child and family. From your first tour to your child’s first day, we’ll take time to understand your child’s interests, learning style, and needs.
• A Play-Based, Enrichment-Focused Curriculum: Our classrooms are full of joyful learning through play — the method proven to best support early childhood development. With dedicated learning centers for art, STEM, literacy, dramatic play, and more, your child will explore new ideas and develop foundational skills every single day.
• Experienced, Passionate Teachers: Our team is not just highly qualified — they are deeply caring. Teachers at Brookshire combine professional expertise with genuine warmth and dedication to each child’s growth.
• Safe, Clean, and Beautiful Facilities: We provide an environment where your child can thrive: bright classrooms, engaging outdoor spaces, and rigorous attention to cleanliness and safety standards.
• A Family-Centered Community: We believe you are your child’s first and most important teacher. At Brookshire, we value open communication and partnership with families, and we offer regular events to keep parents connected and involved.
• A Trusted Local Reputation: We are proud to be a highly recommended childcare center in our community, with glowing testimonials from happy families.

Tips for Touring Brookshire Learning Center

Ready to see what makes Brookshire so special? Here are a few tips to make the most of your tour:

1. Observe interactions — Watch how teachers engage with the children. Look for warmth, encouragement, and positive guidance.
2. Ask about curriculum — Learn how Brookshire’s play-based program supports your child’s learning and development.
3. Look at safety and cleanliness — Our center meets and exceeds safety standards — and it shows!
4. Trust your instincts — You’ll know if it feels right. Our goal is for both you and your child to feel welcome, supported, and excited about joining the Brookshire family.

Schedule Your Tour Today!

We’d love to meet you and show you firsthand what makes Brookshire Learning Center the best choice for your child’s early years.  Visit us at https://brookshirelc.com to schedule your tour today!  Give your child the gift of a joyful, enriching, and caring start to life with Brookshire Learning Center by your side.

Outdoor play isn’t just fun… it’s essential. For toddlers and preschoolers, time outside helps develop motor skills, strengthens the immune system, and improves mood and attention span. Even in the warmer months, with proper precautions like shade, hydration, and sunscreen, children benefit greatly from time spent outdoors.  According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, outdoor play supports healthy physical development, encourages creativity and social skills, and even improves sleep in young children. Summer is no exception. Just plan for early mornings or late afternoons when it’s cooler and keep activities flexible and shaded.

Here are five fun and free outdoor play ideas to keep your child active, learning, and smiling all summer long:

#1- Water Painting on the Sidewalk: Give your child a bucket of water and a paintbrush or sponge. Let them “paint” the driveway, fence, or patio. The art disappears as it dries, so there’s always room for more!

• Why it works: Strengthens fine motor control, fosters creativity, and keeps kids cool without the mess of actual paint.

#2- Nature Scavenger Hunt: Create a simple checklist or picture chart: a rock, a yellow flower, a stick, something smooth, etc. Head to a park or the backyard and let your little one explore.

• Why it works: Builds observation skills, early science vocabulary, and independence through play.

#3- Obstacle Course with Household Items: Use cones, hula hoops, cardboard boxes, or even laundry baskets to build a backyard course. Add crawling, jumping, and balancing activities.

• Why it works: Boosts gross motor skills, coordination, and problem-solving while encouraging active play.

#4- Make a Mud Kitchen: Set up an area with bowls, spoons, and dirt. Add water and let your toddler cook up “mud pies” or pretend soups. Add leaves, grass, or flowers for extra fun.

• Why it works: Encourages sensory exploration and imaginative play—critical for brain development in early childhood.

#5- Backyard Bubble Chase: Grab a bottle of bubbles and let your child run, pop, and giggle. You can even make your own bubble solution and wands from string and sticks.

• Why it works: Supports hand-eye coordination, physical activity, and sensory joy.

Summer Safety Tips for Outdoor Play

• Time it right: Play before 11 a.m. or after 4 p.m. to avoid the peak heat.
• Hydrate often: Offer water every 15–20 minutes during play.
• Dress smart: Light-colored, breathable clothes and a wide-brim hat help protect against sunburn.
• Take breaks: Cool down in the shade or indoors after 30–60 minutes of play.

Even on warm days, outdoor play is essential for a child’s health and happiness. It doesn’t need to be expensive or elaborate—just open-ended, hands-on, and joyful. These five free activities offer meaningful ways to connect with your child and support their growth…all while soaking in the sunshine.

Here at Brookshire Learning Center, We love the toddler years. The toddler years are marked by rapid development in motor skills, language, emotional expression, and social interactions. Each milestone reflects a new aspect of growth that helps children gain independence and understand the world around them.

1. Walking and Running: Walking is a major milestone in physical development, leading to increased independence and curiosity-driven exploration. Running soon follows, helping toddlers refine coordination and balance.

• • • Age Range: 12-18 months for walking; 18-24 months for running

Activities to Help:

• • • Support and Exploration: Encourage walking by letting them explore safe spaces, such as playgrounds or soft areas, where they can build confidence and balance.
    • Games: Play simple chase or follow-the-leader games to encourage running and agility.
    • Obstacle Course: Set up a soft obstacle course using cushions or small hurdles, giving them chances to practice balance.

2. Building Vocabulary and Using Simple Sentences: By the end of their second year, many toddlers can say up to 50 words and start forming two- to three-word sentences. This milestone signals the growth of expressive language, helping toddlers communicate needs and emotions.

• • • Age Range: 12-24 months

Activities to Help:

• • • Talk and Describe: Narrate daily activities, label objects, and ask simple questions to expose toddlers to new words.
    • Reading Together: Read books with clear images and simple language. Ask questions about the pictures to encourage language use.
    • Encourage Choices: Offer options and let them choose (e.g., “Do you want the blue cup or the red cup?”), helping them practice expressing preferences.

3. Imaginative Play and Pretend Games: Pretend play begins as toddlers use their imagination to mimic real-life scenarios. This play nurtures creativity, cognitive skills, and social understanding.

• Age Range: 18-24 months

Activities to Help:

• • • Provide Props: Offer toys like dolls, toy kitchens, or costumes to inspire make-believe play.
    • Join in the Fun: Participate in their play, following their lead, whether you’re “cooking” a pretend meal together or “driving” an imaginary car.
    • Everyday Scenarios: Turn daily routines into pretend games, like playing “store” while putting away groceries.

 4. Climbing and Fine Motor Skills: By this stage, toddlers often enjoy climbing, stacking, and handling smaller objects. Developing both gross and fine motor skills, these activities enhance their coordination and spatial awareness.

• Age Range: 18-30 months

Activities to Help:

• • • Stacking Blocks: Encourage building and stacking blocks, which requires hand- ,…..eye coordination and control.
    • Climbing: Offer safe climbing opportunities, such as a toddler-friendly play structure, to improve strength and balance.
    • Drawing and Puzzles: Provide crayons and simple puzzles to promote fine motor skills.

5. Learning to Share and Take Turns: Social skills, such as sharing and taking turns, begin to develop as toddlers grow in their understanding of empathy and cooperation. This milestone is a fundamental step toward developing friendships.

• Age Range: 24-36 months

Activities to Help:

• • • Practice Sharing: Use everyday situations to teach sharing, such as dividing snacks and taking turns with toys.
    • Playdates: Arrange playdates with other toddlers to practice sharing in a supervised setting.
    • Role-Playing Games: Role-play scenarios to show sharing, taking turns, and showing empathy toward others.

6. Using Simple Tools and Self-Care Skills: Around this age, toddlers begin to use simple tools like spoons, brushes, or sippy cups independently. Self-care skills help toddlers build autonomy and confidence.

• Age Range: 18-36 months

Activities to Help:

• • • Encourage Self-Feeding: Provide safe utensils and encourage self-feeding during mealtime, which helps with hand coordination and independence.
    • Brushing Teeth: Introduce simple hygiene habits, such as brushing teeth with guidance.
    • Dressing Practice: Let them practice putting on clothes like easy slip-on shoes or jackets to encourage self-sufficiency.

It’s normal for toddlers to achieve milestones at slightly different times, but consistent encouragement and opportunities for exploration are essential. Providing your child with a safe and stimulating environment can support these key developmental stages. For more in-depth information on toddler development, consider these helpful resources:

Each milestone as it comes, and enjoy every step of your toddler’s journey as they grow in independence, curiosity, and joy!

Spring is a season of fresh air, blooming flowers, and new beginnings — the perfect time to bring storytime outside! As the weather warms and children are eager to explore the world around them, reading books outdoors offers a wonderful way to blend early literacy with nature, movement, and sensory play.

Whether you’re a parent, grandparent, or working in a daycare or childcare setting, taking books outside can refresh your routine and spark even more excitement for reading. Here’s why it works — and which books are perfect for springtime reading.

Why Read Outdoors?

1. New Environment, New Energy: Changing up your reading spot can reignite interest and curiosity. Children love novelty, and reading under a tree, on a blanket in the grass, or even on a playground bench turns storytime into an adventure.
2. Supports Whole-Child Development:  Outdoor reading combines early literacy with sensory experiences — the sound of birds, the feeling of a breeze, the scent of blooming flowers. These multi-sensory moments help children connect words with the world around them, deepening their understanding and engagement.
3. Encourages Calm and Focus:  The natural environment has a soothing effect on young children. Reading outdoors can help toddlers and preschoolers settle their energy and listen more attentively. It’s also a peaceful way to wind down after active outdoor play.

Springtime Book List for Outdoor Storytime

Looking for the perfect books to enjoy in the sunshine? These titles celebrate nature, growth, and seasonal change — and are just right for young children in daycare or at home.

Infants and Toddlers (0–2 years):

• Little Blue Truck’s Springtime by Alice Schertle – A lift-the-flap book full of baby animals and spring cheer.
• Spring is Here by Will Hillenbrand – Gentle storytelling about the change of seasons.
• Raindrop, Plop! by Wendy Cheyette Lewison – A simple counting story full of spring rain fun.
• Baby Loves Spring! by Karen Katz – Bright flaps and engaging illustrations for curious little ones.

Preschoolers (2–4 years):

• And Then It’s Spring by Julie Fogliano – A beautifully poetic story about patience and change.
• The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle – Perfect for spring, with themes of growth and transformation.
• Planting a Rainbow by Lois Ehlert – A colorful exploration of planting and watching things grow.
• Mouse’s First Spring by Lauren Thompson – A joyful story of discovery in nature.

Books to Pair with Outdoor Activities:

• From Head to Toe by Eric Carle – Encourage movement while reading and mimic animal motions outside.
• In the Tall, Tall Grass by Denise Fleming – A vibrant book to read before a nature walk.
• We’re Going on a Nature Hunt by Steve Metzger – Inspired by We’re Going on a Bear Hunt, this story invites children to explore the natural world.

Tips for Outdoor Storytime Success

1. Choose a comfy spot: A blanket, a picnic table, or a shady spot under a tree works well.
2. Pack light: Bring just a few favorite books in a tote or backpack.
3. Involve the senses: Let children touch leaves or flowers that relate to the story, or listen for birds while reading.
4. Follow their lead: If children become curious about something they see outdoors, use it as a teachable moment — books and real-world experiences go hand in hand.

Spring is a wonderful season for growth — in nature and in young minds.  Children whose parents read to them regularly are exposed to 1.4 million more words by kindergarten compared to those who are not. Studies show these children often develop stronger language, literacy, and cognitive skills, leading to better academic performance.

By combining the joy of books with the beauty of the outdoors, parents and caregivers can nurture a love of reading that will bloom all year long.  So grab a few books, head outside, and watch stories come to life under the open sky.