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It’s easy to get caught up in the idea that kids&#8217; artwork should look a certain way—recognizable, symmetrical, maybe even fridge-worthy. A Pinterest-perfect pumpkin in October? A cute cotton-ball snowman in December? That’s product-focused art. The emphasis is on achieving a specific outcome, often with step-by-step instructions that kids are expected to follow.



But what if the goal of art wasn’t to make something “right,” but to simply make something? That’s what process-focused art is all about. Instead of aiming for a perfect final product, kids get to explore materials, mix colors, try new techniques, and make their own creative choices. It might look like a jumble of lines and paint splatters to us, but to them, it’s an exciting discovery.



<a href="https://vivvi.com/infant" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">At Vivvi,</a> we believe the process of creating is far more important than the end result. Here’s why:



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Why Process-Based Learning Matters</h2>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">1. It Fuels Imagination</h3>



When kids aren’t following a template, their creativity runs wild. They experiment with colors, textures, and shapes in ways we might never expect. Without the pressure to make something look a certain way, they get to play—and play is how young children learn best.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">2. It Builds Confidence and Independence</h3>



Have you ever seen a toddler proudly show off a scribble, completely convinced it’s a masterpiece? That’s because, in their eyes, it is! Process-focused art gives kids ownership over their work. They make decisions, solve problems, and learn that their choices matter—all of which builds confidence.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">3. It Encourages Emotional Expression</h3>



Young children don’t always have the words to describe how they feel, but they can show us <a href="https://vivvi.com/blog/family/articles/spring-art-activities-toddlers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">through art</a>. Maybe they swirl blue paint because they’re feeling calm, or press down hard with a crayon because they’re frustrated. Giving kids the freedom to create helps them process emotions in a healthy, constructive way.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">4. It Makes Room for Mistakes (and Learning from Them)</h3>



In product-based art, there’s a “right” and “wrong” way to do things. But in process-based art, mistakes are just part of the experience. Spilled paint? That’s a chance to see how colors mix. A rip in the paper? Let’s turn it into something new! This kind of thinking helps children become more resilient and adaptable.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Why We Choose Process Art at Vivvi</h2>



At Vivvi, we’re not just teaching kids to make art—we’re helping them think like artists. That means encouraging curiosity, creativity, and confidence, rather than focusing on “perfect” results.



When you see your child’s artwork from school, it might not always be clear what it is (and let’s be honest, they might not be able <a href="https://vivvi.com/blog/family/articles/arts-and-crafts-improve-children-communication-skills" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">to tell you</a> either!). But rest assured, every brushstroke and glued-on scrap represents exploration, decision-making, and self-expression.



So the next time you find yourself wishing for a neatly colored-in worksheet, remember this: your child isn’t just creating art—they’re creating ideas, confidence, and joy. And that’s something worth celebrating.

When you focus on the process of creating rather than the final product, that’s where the real learning happens.

Why Process Matters over Product in Early Childhood

Why Process Over Product Matters in Early Childhood

Music is a universal language—one that babies are tuned into from the very beginning. The rhythm of your voice, the melody of a lullaby, and the beat of a favorite song all play a role in your child&#8217;s development. According to Vered Benhorin, music therapist, psychotherapist and founder of <a href="https://www.babyintune.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Baby in Tune</a>, &#8220;Music is a powerful tool for connection. It provides cues that help babies understand their world and build relationships.&#8221;



From aiding in emotional development to fostering cognitive growth, music is more than just entertainment—it’s an essential part of how children learn. Below, Vered shares tips with Vivvi on how to use music to support your child’s learning and emotional development at every stage.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Babies 0-8 Months: Establishing Routines with Music</h3>



Do you know why preschool teachers use a clean-up song every time they want kids to transition from playing to cleaning? Because it works! The song becomes a behavioral cue, meaning the kids associate the song with cleaning. But it’s not just a mental association. They even have a physical reaction when they hear the song and immediately start cleaning. Your baby is the same way. You can use music as a cue to help your baby fall asleep. If you sing the same lullaby every time you put your baby to sleep eventually the song will elicit sleepy behavior. Your baby will start to rub their eyes and yawn. I promise it works! Here are some tips to make it successful:



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Use the same lullaby every night. You can try <a href="https://open.spotify.com/track/3Docj0HZ2s5AKI1ZKnnuMW?si=369c66b3d4254c37" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">this one</a>.</li>
</ul>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Start earlier than you’d think, even while you’re feeding and changing your baby so that they have the chance to learn it and associate it with sleepiness.</li>



<li>As they’re falling asleep start to slow down your singing, slowly bring down the volume, and essentially do a fade out like at the end of a song.</li>
</ul>



<ol class="wp-block-list"></ol>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Babies 9-18 Months: Building Security Through Musical Play</h3>



If your baby is heading for a big milestone like crawling or walking, you might be experiencing some extra clinginess or fussiness. Your baby is excited about the prospect of independence but they’re also nervous about being able to have distance between you. And that paired with your baby’s increased awareness of strangers, may lead to separation anxiety.



One of the best ways to help your baby work through this is by playing peekaboo. Peekaboo helps your baby practice you leaving and returning in a playful way. But the best part of peekaboo is the song of it. Think of how you say “peekaboo!” It’s probably high pitched with exictement. Your baby loves high tones and dynamics in your speech. You can play peekaboo just using that element, but to make it even more fun and effective, use a peekaboo song. My song&nbsp;<a href="https://open.spotify.com/track/1wfduBsQJarGxo95iGcsFz?si=e6224651b40147f4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Peekaboo</a>&nbsp;is a great one to try because it includes animal sounds too for extra giggles



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Babies 18-36 Months: Boosting Language and Social Skills with Drumming</h3>



For this age drumming is the way to go. Drumming has been shown to help your baby develop language AND social skills. When you drum with your baby you are getting in sync with them which studies show increases your baby’s feeling of connection with you. And when you syncopate your beat you are teaching your baby the building blocks of language.



The best way to do it is to have a few drums, or pots, or Tupperware, and some wooden spoons. You are going to keep a steady beat and then maybe play around with it. Your baby can drum along or just listen to you. Keep your beat going for longer than you’d think. Switch up your rhythm every now and then and try to really get into it.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Why Music Matters in Early Development</h3>



Music is a simple yet profound way to bond with your baby while also fostering their cognitive, emotional, and social growth. Studies have shown that exposure to music helps babies develop better listening skills, memory retention, and even emotional regulation. Whether through singing, playing instruments, or simply dancing together, incorporating music into your daily routine can create meaningful moments of connection.



For even more ideas on how to use music in your daily routine, check out Vered Benhorin’s new book, <a href="https://www.babyintune.com/book" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">What Do I Do With My Baby All Day?!</a>, available now. You can also find her music on Spotify, Amazon, and iTunes under the name Vered. Let the music play, and let the connections grow!

Discover how music can enhance your child’s development, build stronger bonds, and create a more structured daily routine.

How Music Shapes Early Learning

Vivvi is proud to announce the opening of three new child care and early learning campuses in Tudor City, South Slope, and Carnegie Hill. These new locations expand Vivvi’s footprint in New York City, bringing its trusted, high-quality child care to more working families and employer partners.



Vivvi provides child care and early learning for today’s families, aligning the exceptional quality families deserve with the flexibility they need. Vivvi also <a href="https://employers.vivvi.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">partners with employers</a> of all sizes to make caregiving benefits more accessible and affordable.



The company’s expansion means more full-time child care for families and more backup care availability for companies that offer Vivvi as a benefit to their caregiving employees. In addition to its Vivvi locations, the company partners with more than 4,500 caregiving providers around the globe to serve working families across every geography, career stage and caregiving need.



“We’re thrilled to expand Vivvi into these vibrant neighborhoods,” said Charles Bonello, co-founder and CEO of Vivvi. “Each community has unique needs, and we’re excited to support more families with the exceptional care and learning Vivvi is known for. This growth represents our commitment to making high-quality child care more accessible for working parents.”



The new campuses include:



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Tudor City: A convenient midtown location, ideal for families and corporate partners in and around Manhattan’s bustling business districts</li>



<li>South Slope: Nestled in the heart of Brooklyn, this campus caters to the needs of families in one of NYC’s most dynamic and family-friendly neighborhoods</li>



<li>Carnegie Hill: Expanding Vivvi’s presence on the Upper East Side, this new location meets the growing demand for child care in the area</li>
</ul>



Vivvi’s infant, toddler and preschool programs feature a <a href="https://vivvi.com/blog/family/articles/what-is-inquiry-based-learning" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">research-based curriculum</a>, which uses play and exploration to guide children towards key learning and developmental milestones. Vivvi’s approach blends elements from educational philosophies like Montessori and Reggio to create a nurturing and stimulating environment for children ages 6 weeks through 5 years. With light-filled classrooms, dedicated spaces for movement, and an emphasis on flexibility and accessibility, Vivvi continues to set a high standard for child care and early learning in the New York Metropolitan area.



For more information about Vivvi’s new locations in Tudor City, South Slope, and Carnegie Hill, or to enroll your child in any of our infant, toddler, or preschool programs, please visit <a href="http://vivvi.com/locations" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">vivvi.com/locations</a>.

Vivvi's new locations expand the company's footprint in New York City, bringing its trusted, high-quality child care to more working families and employer partners.

Vivvi Expands into Three New Neighborhoods in New York City

Vivvi Expands into Three New Neighborhoods in NYC

How to Talk about Identity & Belonging with Kids

White Paper: The R.O.I. of Caregiving Benefits

White Paper: Beyond Parental Leave

Case Study: How Child Care Benefits Support Parents at Every Stage at theSkimm

Case Study: Supporting Working Parents at the High-Growth startup, Tend

Tips for Getting Ready for Daycare or Preschool

Tips for Surviving Separation Anxiety

How to Implement Child Care as a Benefit

Tips on How to Harness Your Parent Skills in the Workplace

Setting Holiday Boundaries Tip Sheet

Toward a Working Future: A Childcare Toolkit for New York City Employers

Advocating for Child Care Benefits Worksheet

Webinar: The Comeback Summit

Webinar: Emotional Well-Being @ Work- ROI Behind Childcare Benefits Session

Webinar: Flexibility: Getting it, Keeping it & Making it work for your family

Exactly how to get flexibility at work and the research to support it

A Better Future for Working Parents A playbook for leaders and organizations

The Good “Good-Bye”

Tips for Getting Ready for Daycare & School

First Day of School Book Recommendations

Checklist for Choosing a Quality School

Webinar: Mapping the Return to Work

Kindergarten & Exmissions Resources

Case Study: How Horizon Retains Their Employees with Childcare as a Benefit

Vivvi’s Coloring and Activity Book

(At) Home for the Holidays with Vivvi

The Vivvi Gift Guide: Toys for Learning

Strategies for Tantrums & Challenging Behaviors

Toddler & Preschool Activity: Fingerplays

Infant Activity: High Chair Play

No-Cook Playdough

Infant Activity: Yoga

White Paper: Human Problems Need Human Solutions

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Join us for Summer at Vivvi July 7-August 22! <a href="https://go.vivvi.com/summer-at-vivvi">Explore here.</a>

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