Parent Resources - Little Sunshine's Playhouse

July 15, 2026

The Summer Reading List Every Parent of Young Children Needs

Summer is here. The days are longer, the schedule is looser, and if you’re anything like us, you’ve already started a mental list of things you actually want to do with a little breathing room. Can we make a suggestion? Add at least one good book to the pile. We put together a list of […]

July 8, 2026

Early Literacy Activities for Young Children: Write to Your Child’s Favorite Author!

Writing a letter to a favorite author is the kind of activity that sounds simple on the surface and turns out to be quietly extraordinary. It takes a child’s natural love of stories and transforms it into something active, intentional, and deeply meaningful. It bridges reading and writing in a way that feels like neither. […]

June 10, 2026

The Difference a Hands-On Dad Makes: What Early Childhood Research Shows

We want to share what research actually says, and why the role of a father in a family during these early years matters more than most people realize. The science on the importance of dads in early childhood has grown significantly over the past two decades, and the findings are consistently clear: when fathers are […]

May 6, 2026

Matrescence: The Identity Shift of Becoming a Mother That Nobody Talks About

There is a word for what happens to you when you become a mother. Most people have never heard it. Matrescence. It was first coined by medical anthropologist Dana Raphael in the 1970s and has only recently started making its way into mainstream conversation. The matrescence definition, at its simplest, is this: the physical, psychological, […]

April 27, 2026

How to Identify Your Child’s Learning Style (And Support It at Home)

Every child is wired differently. Some light up when they get to move their bodies. Others want to take everything apart and see how it works. Some are drawn to art and color, while others want to talk through every idea out loud. These differences are not random. They often reflect your child’s learning style, […]

January 12, 2026

Let’s Talk Screen Time for Kids (Alternatives, Pros, Cons, and Everything Else)

Screens have slowly become a part of modern childhood. From television shows and tablets to phones used for video calls and learning apps, digital media is woven into daily life. For parents, the challenge often isn’t whether screens exist. It’s how to manage screen time for kids in a way that supports healthy development without […]

December 29, 2025

The Best Children’s Books to Embrace the Winter Season

Winter brings a unique kind of magic for children. Shorter days, chilly air, and quieter moments create opportunities for slowing down, snuggling up, and sharing stories together. One of the most meaningful ways to help children connect with the season is through books that capture the wonder, beauty, and lessons of winter. Carefully chosen winter […]

December 16, 2025

Winter Activities for Kids: Keeping Children Learning, Moving, and Thriving All Season Long

Winter brings a beautiful shift in the seasons. It’s full of shorter days, colder temperatures, and a slower pace for many families. While winter often means cozy mornings and holiday traditions, it can also create challenges for keeping young children active, engaged, and learning. That is why thoughtful winter activities for kids play such an […]

November 28, 2025

17 Elf on the Shelf Ideas That Make December More Magical (and Way Less Stressful)

Elf on the Shelf season arrives with so much excitement. Families begin December feeling inspired and energized… and then, somewhere around mid-month, the scramble begins. Suddenly, it’s late at night, the elf hasn’t moved, and parents are searching for “easy elf on the shelf ideas” before tiny feet hit the floor in the morning. This […]