Employer Resources

Explore our blog for families. Read our articles to learn more about child care and early learning. 

Child Care & Early Learning Blog | Vivvi

Contact Us

Meet Us Online

Partner With Us 

Schedule a Tour

June is Pride Month where the world celebrates the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and/or questioning (LGBTQ) community. With many neighborhoods and communities showing their support this month, it’s common for children to start asking questions. This article will act as a guide on how parents can explain Pride Month to their young children.



<h2>Explaining Pride Month to Children: Why Parents Need to Start the Conversation</h2>



There is no better time to start talking to your children about LGBTQ+ than during Pride Month, which commemorates the anniversary of the <a href="https://www.history.com/news/stonewall-riots-timeline">Stonewall Rebellion</a> and spreads awareness about the community and its history.



Children absorb everything they see and hear, so opening a child up to the experiences of Pride at a young age can help shape how they feel about the community. Being exposed to diversity and inclusion at an early age allows children to better carry that mindset throughout their lives. We’ve provided some tips from experts on how to explain pride month to your child.



<h2>5 Top Tips for Talking About LGBTQ Identity with Kids</h2>



<h3>Keep it Simple and Honest</h3>



Keeping your discussion simple using words and examples that your child can relate to can help them more easily grasp the history of LGBTQ+ and what it takes to be an ally.&nbsp;



Your child may have not yet asked you about the LGBTQ+ community, this does not necessarily mean they are not curious. Or you might have been surprised how early they did start asking questions. Either way, being able to express what it means to be accepting, loving, and encouraging at a young age is a great thing.



According to therapist Parker Morris, the best thing to do is to bring it up to your kids naturally. She <a href="https://www.care.com/c/stories/16876/talking-pride-lgbtq-with-kids/">uses the example</a> of asking your kids if they know what the rainbow flags mean as you walk or drive past. This gives parents a great opportunity to open the conversation and to normalize conversations like this for the future.



<h3>Listen Without Judgement</h3>



Keeping things light and positive is important to encourage healthy conversation.&nbsp;



Lindsay Amer, an LGBTQ+ activist explains that “Kids really understand the idea of fairness. It&#8217;s something that&#8217;s very intrinsic to how they go about their lives day-to-day. And that also makes it a more active discussion. If something is unfair, we want to make it fair, right? So, you’re not concentrating on the act that is unfair but concentrating on how we can fix it.”



<h3>Promote Acceptance &amp; Diversity</h3>



Setting the tone for allyship is a parent’s job, helping to promote a healthy relationship between their kids and the topic of acceptance and diversity. It is never too early to start the conversation and promote love and why it is so important to support the LGBTQ+ community. You do not need to be LBGTQ+ or even know someone who is to be able to positively and lovingly promote this mindset to your children.



<h3>Be Positive and Affirming&nbsp;</h3>



This can be a heavy topic for a child as the history of the LGBTQ+ community is faced with a lot of hatred and discrimination, and unfortunately, this negativity towards the community still exists today all over the world. So just remember to stay positive and meet your child where they’re at.



“I frame things in a positive light by talking about the LGBTQ+ community in the framework of resilience,” says Morris. “Despite constant setbacks, LGBTQ+ people have always worked hard to fight discrimination, be brave and be true to ourselves.”



<h2>Pride Activities for Kids</h2>



The conversation about Pride Month can be done in all types of ways! Here are the best at-home activities for kids to try when discussing Pride Month or sexual orientation:



<ul><li><a href="https://www.nypl.org/blog/2021/06/01/pride-recommendations-young-children">Pride reading recommendations</a> for young children;</li><li>LGBTQ+ themed <a href="https://www.parentmap.com/article/family-movies-pride-lgbtq">movies</a> for families;</li><li>LGBTQ+ themed <a href="https://www.advocate.com/books/2018/5/24/11-lgbt-themed-books-kids#media-gallery-media-2">books</a> for kids;</li><li><a href="https://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2018/06/14/rainbow-craft-ideas_a_23459239/">Pride art ideas</a> for kids;</li><li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCecsVoeJcsXbAra7Sl4mOPw">Queer Kid Stuff</a>: Amer’s YouTube channel for kids;</li><li><a href="https://amaze.org/?topic=sexual-orientation">Amaze.org</a>: Age-appropriate videos about sexual orientation;</li><li>Virtual Family-friendly drag shows;</li></ul>



Along with different books and movies you can enjoy with your kids this month you can also make it crafty. Check out this list of <a href="https://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2018/06/14/rainbow-craft-ideas_a_23459239/">Pride art for kids</a> that can help encourage creativity, while opening up the opportunity for parents to explain Pride Month to their children.



For more information about New York Pride Month check out <a href="https://www.nycpride.org/">their official website</a>.

Tips to help parents facilitate a healthy conversation with their children about the LGBTQ+ community and how to explain what Pride Month is all about.

5 Tips to Explain Pride Month and LGBTQ Identity to Kids | Vivvi

5 Tips to Explain Pride Month and LGBTQ Identity to Children

With Father’s Day just around the corner, it’s a fun time to get your toddler involved in the celebrations and show love for their dad. Here are some fun ideas for age-appropriate gifts your child can make, and activities that dad and your son or daughter can share together this Father’s Day.



<h2>Father’s Day Crafts for Kids</h2>



It’s always so special to be given a gift from your child that was made specifically for you. There are tons of ways to get your toddler involved in Father’s Day arts and crafts. Some of these craft activities can get a little messy, but always fun!



Salt dough magnets: This one is so adorable and can turn out looking a lot more expensive than it is. The ingredients are simple, just salt, flour, and water! Your toddler can help you shape the doe, stamp their hand into it, or with some help they can spell dad. When baked and cooled you have the option to paint the piece, glue on a magnet, and complete with a gloss seal. Check out the full instructions for the <a href="https://craftsbyamanda.com/salt-dough-dad-magnets/">salt dough magnets</a>, kids will love it!



Paint a birdhouse: Most dollar and craft stores typically carry a selection of pre-made wooden crafts all ready to paint. You can choose a birdhouse or anything else that screams ‘dad’ and let your toddler paint it. This is a great way to get them involved and give dad something he can hang in the yard forever.&nbsp;



Scrabble photo frame: This one is super easy and is something dad will cherish forever! All you need are scrabble pieces or any type of lettering you’d like, hot glue, and finished! For a way to get your toddler more hands-on with the gift, you can frame their finger art instead of using a photo. Pinterest is full of great examples for <a href="https://www.pinterest.ca/search/pins/?q=scrabble%20photo%20frames%20craft%20fathers%20day&amp;rs=typed&amp;term_meta[]=scrabble%7Ctyped&amp;term_meta[]=photo%7Ctyped&amp;term_meta[]=frames%7Ctyped&amp;term_meta[]=craft%7Ctyped&amp;term_meta[]=fathers%7Ctyped&amp;term_meta[]=day%7Ctyped">frames decorated with scrabble pieces.</a>



Daddy date jar: This is a fun way for a toddler to promise different memories with dad. You can use anything from little notes, popsicle sticks, or even <a href="https://www.theseasonedmom.com/diy-fathers-day-gift-building-memories-dad/">lego pieces to write activity ideas on</a>. Store the ideas in a box or mason jar that dad can pick from each week. These activities can be anything from a picnic, a movie, or even a bedtime story.



Framed finger painting: Whether your child is still finger painting or if they have graduated to a paintbrush you can <a href="https://www.thebestideasforkids.com/mess-free-painting/">do this mess-free</a>. Toddler art is a beautiful Father’s Day gift that dad can proudly display at home or the office.



Painted rock paperweight: Find a smooth rock out in the garden and let your toddler paint it however they see fit. Once it dries you can neatly print ‘My Dad Rocks’ for an added cute pun. This one is super easy to do with little ones as they can feel free to get a little messy.



<h2>Father’s Day Activities for Toddlers</h2>



A gift to dad doesn&#8217;t always have to be a physical item, especially when the kids are still little. Sometimes the best thing to gift a dad on Father’s Day is a memory or a simple day for him to relax.



Family outing: Take dad out on a hike or a long walk. If the toddler still likes being worn in a carrier then let dad carry. This is a perfect, covid friendly, activity that gets your <a href="https://www.nurturelife.com/blog/15-kid-friendly-ways-celebrate-fathers-day/">toddler involved in celebrating Father’s Day</a> while they’re still small.



Staycation: Have a cozy weekend at home. Sometimes all dad wants is to relax all weekend and enjoy family time. Order takeout, watch a movie with the baby and enjoy lots of play and cuddle time.



Baking: What dad doesn&#8217;t love to eat homemade baked goods? Dad can get in on the fun and bake with the toddler or can be surprised with some goodies that the baby helped with.



Breakfast in bed: This is another great way to get your toddler involved in the kitchen. Let dad sleep in and spend the morning baking his favorite breakfast with the little one. Cartoons, coffee, and breakfast in bed might make for the perfect Father’s Day.



Backyard games: If the weather is warm then you can make a day of it and enjoy your backyard or park close by. You can play different <a href="https://www.countryliving.com/diy-crafts/g28124780/diy-cornhole-board-game/">lawn games like cornhole</a> so the toddler can be involved, bbq some lunch and enjoy time as a family.



Camping (real or fake): Some fathers might be itching to get out into nature and teach the little one all about the outdoors. However, camping in the backyard can be just as fun too! Set up the tent, get cozy with lots of blankets and pillows, and eat dad’s favorite camping snacks.



<h2>Treat Dad to His Favorite Things</h2>



Sometimes busy dads don’t get to enjoy the things they used to. Father’s Day is the perfect day to allow him to indulge in the things he loves.



Order from his favorite restaurant: With many restaurants having to shut down over the last year it might have been a while since dad got to enjoy his favorite restaurant. Maybe wait until the kids have gone to bed and let him enjoy his food nice and relaxed with a mini date night.



A day away to play golf: Gift dad a day off from parent duties and send him to the golf course with a couple of good pals. A day with friends to get some sun and enjoy some laughs could mean a lot to a busy father.



Care package: This could be a basket full of his favorite snacks, or apparel to just say thanks for being an awesome dad. The kids can make some of the crafts listed above to put into the package as well for that added touch.



No matter what you decide to do this Father’s Day the most important thing is to ensure dad feels loved and appreciated. Happy Father’s Day to all the amazing dads out there!

Our top tips for how to get your toddlers involved in celebrating this Father’s Day, from DIY arts and crafts to quality time with dad.

15 Adorable Father’s Day Activities for Toddlers | Vivvi

15 Adorable Father’s Day Activities for Toddlers

Cognitive development is a major part of childhood development, and watching your child begin to understand core concepts about navigating the world are truly remarkable moments for all parents. Looking for ideas on activities to challenge your toddler’s mind and guide them along the path of understanding? This article will list the top cognitive activities for toddlers that parents should be trying.



<h2>Encouraging Your Child’s Growth: The Importance of Cognitive Development</h2>



Young children might experience developmental delays or challenges which <a href="https://www.webmd.com/parenting/baby/recognizing-developmental-delays-birth-age-2">can be identified and addressed if caught early</a>. For this reason, parents, teachers, and caretakers should carefully observe each child’s development to detect any issues as early as possible. Early identification can help you keep your child on track with adequate support tailored to their needs.



<a href="https://vivvi.com/blog/science-early-childhood-brain-development">Cognitive skill development from an early age</a> is crucial for children in a highly competitive world. Not only do children grow physically, but they also grow a lot mentally as they observe and interact with the world around them. Parents must foster cognitive development in their child, even as early as the child is born since this will build the foundation for their child’s success in life.&nbsp;



<h2>What Are Cognitive Skills?</h2>



The core skills the human brain uses to remember, reason, hold attention, solve problems, read, and learn are cognitive skills. These cognitive abilities are what allow you to process new information and distribute it to the areas of the brain it needs to get to. When you try to recall that information later, your brain uses cognitive skills to retrieve it and use that information. Developing cognitive skills helps your brain with these processes more quickly and efficiently, and you ensure that you can effectively understand and process new information.&nbsp;



At school and later on at their job, your child will use their cognitive skills to interpret data, remember goals and pay attention during classes. Cognitive development can start earlier than preschool for children.&nbsp;



<h2>Best Brain-Boosting Cognitive Activities for Toddlers</h2>



Promoting your child’s cognitive ability is an important part of being a parent, starting in early childhood. This can be anything from talking and singing to your baby, to helping them learn and identify the names of objects. As your child develops cognitively, their play and communication will become more complex. Here are some other ideas for brain-boosting cognitive activities to help their development along:



Encourage creative play. Creative play expands and enhances the cognitive skills of children. Encouraging children to use their imaginations is helpful, and there are many benefits associated with pretend play in child development. “Playing Pretend” is a popular game with small children where they imagine themselves in different roles where they can learn a lot using their imagination and props.&nbsp;



Encourage interest in children’s books and puzzles. Children increase their concentration, patience, and sense of achievement by reading and solving puzzles. Books also serve the purpose of kindling the imagination. Reading aloud from books can also help children build their vocabulary and language skills.&nbsp;



Provide games and toys that are educational. Games can provide both entertainment and education simultaneously. Word, number, and memory games can help kids deepen their cognitive skills while they are playing and having fun.&nbsp;



Play outdoors. Playing fills an important role in cognitive development as a mode of learning and research has shown that stimulating environments such as the outdoors can spur even greater development in the part of the brain which is responsible for thinking, perceiving, and understanding languages.&nbsp;



<h2>Vivvi Encourages Cognitive Development</h2>



Cognitive development is an important aspect of your child’s early childhood education. Vivvi’s teachers help children reach their developmental milestones so that they are ready for kindergarten, and beyond. We use carefully crafted activities, toys, and books to facilitate early learning. Our teachers are always on-hand to gently encourage your child and expose them to new and familiar activities. 



For more information about the <a href="https://vivvi.com/programs">Vivvi Learning Model</a> or to learn more about our New York City campuses, <a href="https://vivvi.com/contact">contact</a> our team today. We’re hosting virtual tours and open houses every week.

Cognitive development at an early age is crucial for your child to be successful later on in life. Expand your toddler’s mind with these cognitive activities.

Expand Your Toddler’s Mind With These Cognitive Activities | Vivvi

Expand Your Toddler’s Mind With These Cognitive Activities

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

Would you like to know more about our infant program?

Would you like to know more about our toddler program?

Would you like to know more about our preschool program?

Would you like to know more about Toddler development?

Would you like to know more about Infant development?

Would you like to know more about preschoolers' development?

Would you like to know more about how much it costs to attend Vivvi?

Would you like to know more about our programs by age?

Would you like to know more about the schedules we offer?

Would you like to know more about a typical day at Vivvi?

Would you like to know more about our in home program?

Our campuses are open, and health and safety is our top priority. <a href="https://go.vivvi.com/health-safety-plan">Learn More</a>

For Families

For Employers

Vivvi

Joie de Vivvi

Employer Resources

Employer Resources

For Families

For Employers

Joie de Vivvi

Employer Resources

Employer Resources

Experience the Vivvi difference for yourself.

We’re here for you.