Teaching young children is about more than just imparting knowledge; it is also about fostering their growth and development. The role of hands-on activities in early education engages children in tactile, experiential learning. With these activities, educators can create environments that nurture development in multiple areas.

Explore how these activities help your students, great examples to use in your classroom, and how to easily incorporate them!

Boosts Cognitive Growth

Hands-on activities let children actively engage with their environment. This helps develop cognitive skills such as memory, attention, and problem-solving.

Manipulating objects, such as blocks or puzzles, helps students learn through trial and error. This experiential learning fosters a deeper understanding than passive instruction. For instance, sorting objects by size or color introduces patterns and strengthens early math and reasoning skills.

Supports Social Skills and Emotional Growth

Collaboration and teamwork are key to hands-on learning. By encouraging students to use their hands, you give them the chance to develop essential social and emotional skills.

Group activities like crafting art projects or building towers encourage communication, patience, and conflict resolution as children share materials. Hands-on learning also provides safe spaces for emotional expression. For instance, sensory activities like finger painting help children process emotions non-verbally, building resilience and confidence.

Nurtures Creativity and Problem-Solving

Creativity thrives when children have the tools to explore and experiment. Hands-on activities like crafting or building small structures help them think outside the box and solve problems in innovative ways.

For example, using ribbon to teach motor skills improves coordination but also encourages imaginative interaction with materials. By tinkering, questioning, and adapting, children develop critical thinking skills that last a lifetime.

Examples of Hands-On Activities

Educational toys enhance child development by fostering all the skills above. Plus, these activities don’t have to be complicated to be fun or educational. Here are a few more examples that blend play with meaningful learning experiences:

• Conducting simple science experiments, like making a volcano with baking soda and vinegar

• Going on a nature walk to collect leaves and rocks while discussing the environment and encouraging hands-on exploration

• Creating a sensory bin that students can sift and dig through

Bonus Tips for Incorporating Hands-On Learning

To get the most out of hands-on activities, here are a few strategies you can adopt:

• Choose activities that align with your lesson goals. Focus on how they can actively reinforce the concepts you’re teaching.

• Allow children the freedom to explore and problem-solve without too much interference. Observing their thought processes can provide valuable insights.

• Adapt activities to your students’ unique interests and developmental levels. If a student shows interest in a specific topic, incorporate it into future projects to maintain high engagement.

The role of hands-on activities in early education empowers young learners to explore, create, and engage with the world around them in meaningful ways. Start incorporating these approaches into your classroom today, and see the difference they can make in shaping confident, curious, and capable learners.

Teething is one of those milestones that every parent both dreads and anticipates. As tiny teeth push through the gums, babies experience all kinds of new sensations — and parents, in turn, hear every myth and piece of advice imaginable.

While some teething tips are helpful, others are pure fiction. Let’s dive into the most common teething myths you should finally leave behind.

Myth 1: Teething Always Causes High Fevers

Many parents believe that a high fever automatically means their child is teething. In reality, while a slight rise in temperature can occur due to gum inflammation, a high fever (over 38°C or 100.4°F) is not typical of teething. If your baby develops a significant fever, it likely points to an illness unrelated to teething. Always consult your pediatrician if you’re unsure.

Myth 2: Babies Start Teething at the Same Age

Every child develops at their own pace. Some babies sprout their first tooth as early as three months, while others might not get one until after their first birthday. Comparing your child’s teething timeline to others can cause unnecessary worry. Just like walking and talking, teething has a wide “normal” range.

Myth 3: Diarrhea is a Symptom of Teething

Another persistent myth links teething to diarrhea. Although teething babies tend to drool a lot, which can sometimes cause mild loose stools, genuine diarrhea is not a direct symptom of teething. If your child has frequent, watery bowel movements, it could indicate a stomach virus or another issue needing medical attention.

Myth 4: Teething Makes Babies Sleepless for Months

Yes, teething can cause some sleep disruptions, but it’s rarely the sole reason for long-term sleep issues. Discomfort from teething typically lasts a few days around the time a new tooth breaks through. If your baby continues to have trouble sleeping, it might be worth looking into other factors such as growth spurts, separation anxiety, or changes in routine.

Myth 5: Teething Gels are Always Safe

Many over-the-counter teething gels contain ingredients that can be harmful if used incorrectly. Some gels include benzocaine, which the FDA has warned against for children under two due to the risk of methemoglobinemia — a rare but serious condition. Always consult your pediatrician before using any teething medications and consider safer alternatives like chilled teething rings or clean, cold washcloths.

Myth 6: You Should Rub Whiskey on the Gums

This old-fashioned advice is still whispered from generation to generation, but it’s dangerous and outdated. Giving alcohol to a baby in any form is unsafe and can lead to serious health complications. Stick to methods that have been proven safe and effective by pediatricians.

Myth 7: All Babies Teeth the Same Way

Teething experiences are as unique as the babies themselves. Some may breeze through with barely a whimper, while others seem miserable for days. Factors like genetics, personality, and overall health can influence how a baby handles teething. There’s no one-size-fits-all rule, and that’s perfectly okay.

How Long Does Teething Last?

Parents often ask how long teething last, and the answer is: it varies. Typically, teething starts around 6 months of age and continues until about age 2½ or 3, when all 20 primary teeth are in place. However, the active pain period usually only spans a few days before and after each new tooth erupts.

Safe Ways to Ease Teething Discomfort

Instead of relying on myths, here are some safe, pediatrician-approved methods to help soothe your little one during teething:

• Gently rub your baby’s gums with a clean finger
• Offer a firm rubber teething ring (chilled, not frozen)
• Use a cold, clean washcloth for chewing
• Distract with extra cuddles, playtime, or walks

Natural Teething Relief: The Role of Amber Jewelry

In addition to traditional methods, some parents turn to natural remedies like amber teething jewelry. Baltic amber, in particular, contains succinic acid, a substance believed to have anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. When worn against the skin, the warmth may release small amounts of this acid, potentially helping to soothe teething discomfort.​

At BalticProud.com you can find a variety of amber necklaces and bracelets designed for babies. These pieces are crafted with safety in mind, featuring individually knotted beads and secure clasps. While scientific evidence on the effectiveness of amber teething jewelry is limited, many parents report positive experiences. As always, it’s important to supervise your baby while they’re wearing any jewelry and consult with your pediatrician regarding teething remedies.

If you need even more helpful parenting insights, Baltic Proud is a great place to start. Visit their website for practical lifestyle tips, useful blog posts, parenting advice, and an opportunity to purchase natural remedies that can help babies go through this stage of life more easily.

Read more about baby teeth health.

Modern parenting feels like a minefield. Between screen time overload, post-pandemic anxiety, school pressure, and the nonstop emotional swirl of growing up, it’s no wonder today’s kids are struggling to cope.

But while the challenges are real, so are the tools. And it starts with one simple truth: kids are allowed to have big feelings. They just need help understanding them. Here’s how parents can help kids make sense of it all.

What Are “Big Feelings,” and Why Do They Matter?

Big feelings aren’t just tantrums or tears. They’re the intense emotional states kids experience when they don’t yet have the words, tools, or maturity to regulate what’s going on inside.

Think:

• Frustration after a tough school day
• Anxiety around performance or friendships
• Overwhelm from social media exposure
• Grief from a loss or change in the family

These are real emotional challenges. And ignoring them—or brushing them off as “kids being kids”—can lead to bigger problems later, including chronic anxiety, withdrawal, low self-esteem, or acting out.

Why Emotional Regulation Is a Skill, Not a Personality Trait

Some kids are naturally more expressive. Others are quiet processors. But all children benefit from learning how to name their emotions, self-soothe, and respond rather than react.

This is called emotional regulation, and it’s one of the strongest predictors of lifelong mental health. Studies have shown that emotional regulation skills developed early on can lead to better social relationships, academic performance, and resilience later in life.

The Silent Stressors Parents Often Miss

You might be doing everything right: listening, validating, supporting. But there are still hidden stressors that impact your child’s emotional health.

Here are a few common ones:

• Too much unstructured screen time (especially scrolling before bed)
• Overscheduled routines with no downtime to decompress
• Social comparison, even in young kids, especially through YouTube, games, or classroom dynamics
• Parents’ own unprocessed stress, which kids often absorb

Children are intuitive. They pick up on tension, even when we don’t say a word. That’s why it’s so important to model regulation ourselves, while creating space for them to process in healthy ways.

Signs Your Child May Need Outside Support

There’s no shame in seeking help. In fact, reaching out can be the most powerful move a parent can make.

You might want to explore therapy if you notice:

• Frequent emotional outbursts that don’t match the situation
• Difficulty bouncing back from small setbacks
• Social withdrawal or constant worry
• Changes in eating or sleeping habits
• Ongoing challenges at school

Professional support can offer kids a safe place to explore their feelings and help you as a parent feel more confident and connected, too.

Where to Turn: Trusted Help from People Who Get It

If you’re in Ontario and feel like your child could benefit from extra support, CASE Psychology offers compassionate, personalized mental health care for kids, teens, and families.

Their team of psychologists and therapists specializes in child and adolescent development, offering strategies that are evidence-based and emotionally attuned. Whether your child is dealing with anxiety, behavioural challenges, or just needs someone to talk to, CASE can help your family build healthier emotional foundations.

The Role of Schools in Supporting Emotional Development

Many schools are now adopting social-emotional learning (SEL) programs to help kids navigate emotional challenges in the classroom. These initiatives teach self-awareness, empathy, responsible decision-making, and stress management.

But these programs are most effective when supported at home. Talk to your child’s teacher or school counsellor about what tools are being taught in class and how you can reinforce those lessons in daily life.

5 Simple Ways to Help Your Child Cope Today

You don’t need to be a psychologist to support your child’s mental wellness. Try these small but impactful strategies at home:

1. Normalize all emotions
   Say things like “It’s okay to feel sad sometimes” or “Being nervous is part of trying something new.”

2. Use emotion wheels or charts
   These help kids identify their feelings beyond just “mad” or “sad.”

3. Practice calm-down routines together
   Breathing exercises, body scans, or movement breaks are powerful regulation tools.

4. Create consistent rituals
   Bedtime routines, family meals, or even a 5-minute morning check-in can build a sense of safety.

5. Model your own regulation
   Say out loud when you’re taking a deep breath or pausing to think before reacting.

Parenting Isn’t About Perfection—It’s About Presence

There is no such thing as a perfect parent. What matters is that you show up. That you’re curious. That you care. And that you’re willing to learn alongside your child as they grow.

Supporting kids emotionally isn’t a one-time fix. It’s a journey. One that requires patience, understanding, and sometimes outside support.

Final Takeaway

Big feelings aren’t a problem to fix. They’re an opportunity to connect. And when kids have the right tools to cope (and the right adults walking beside them), they don’t just get through hard moments. They grow from them.

The holiday season, birthdays, and special occasions often draw attention to gift-giving. For children, much of the focus can naturally shift toward receiving. But parents have the opportunity to balance this focus by introducing them to the joy of giving, helping establish a strong moral compass that will guide them throughout life.

Teaching kids to appreciate giving doesn’t come all at once. It’s a process that builds empathy, gratitude, and emotional awareness over time. Read on to discover practical tips for parents on how to encourage the joy of giving in their kids.

Model Generous Acts

Children learn by observing the adults around them. If you want your kids to understand the beauty of giving, start by modeling it yourself. Actively involve them in acts of generosity, whether it’s donating clothes to a shelter, baking treats for a neighbor, or sending someone a care package.

As you model this behavior, narrate why you’re doing it in a way they’ll understand. For example, you might explain the effect of sending a greeting card by saying it helps show someone you care and can brighten their day. Explain how giving creates happiness not just for the recipient but for the giver as well. Children will naturally begin to adopt this mindset through your actions and enthusiasm.

Explain the Significance of Gifts

Helping your child understand why we give gifts allows them to see beyond the material aspect. Explain that gifts aren’t just about objects but about expressing love, gratitude, or appreciation for someone. Share instances of how the thought behind a gift can hold emotional weight, like when you receive something meaningful that resonates with your needs or feelings.

If they are making or choosing a gift, encourage them to think about the recipient’s preferences or needs. Ask them questions such as “What does Grandma love to do?” or “What would make your friend smile?” Guiding them through this process empowers them to see gift-giving as a meaningful expression.

Discuss and Acknowledge Their Emotions

It’s normal for kids to wrestle with the idea of giving, especially if it means sacrificing something they’d like for themselves. Instead of brushing these feelings aside, invite them into a conversation about it. Acknowledge their emotions and gently guide them to understand others’ feelings as well.

For example, if your child hesitates about sharing a toy with another child, acknowledge their feelings with empathy and explain how this can bring joy to others. Teaching kids to process their emotions while considering the feelings of others develops their emotional intelligence and makes the act of giving a more meaningful experience.

Cultivating Your Child’s Empathy

Sharing how it feels to receive a gift can be a powerful way to inspire empathy. Talk to your child about times they’ve felt joy when someone gave them something thoughtful. Help them recognize those moments and encourage them to imagine giving that same happiness to someone else. This understanding strengthens their sense of connection and teaches them the joy of selfless acts.

Give Back as a Family

One of the most powerful ways to teach kids the joy of giving is by making it a family tradition. Engage in activities such as charity runs, food drives, or creating handmade crafts together as a donation. Through these shared experiences, you’re fostering community for children and helping them see firsthand how their efforts can bring positive changes to a broader group of people. These experiences also provide invaluable opportunities for reflection, reinforcing the idea that giving is heartfelt and impactful.