Parent Resources - Little Sunshine's Playhouse

November 3, 2026

Loose Parts, A Simple Way to Spark Big Imaginations

Ever watched your child ignore an expensive toy and spend an hour playing with the box it came in? You’re not alone, and you’re not raising a strange kid. That moment is a window into how young children actually learn, and it’s the heart of something called loose parts. Loose parts are open-ended, movable materials […]

October 29, 2026

Trunk or Treat vs Trick or Treat: What’s Actually Better for Young Kids?

If you have a toddler or preschooler, Halloween brings a real question: Is it worth walking the neighborhood, or should you stick to the parking lot event at your school or church? You want your child to have fun, but you also want it to feel safe and manageable. The good news is that trunk […]

October 27, 2026

How to Help Your Kids Transition Off Screens Without the Meltdown

Your child was happily watching a show, and now that you’ve asked them to turn it off, the tears and negotiations have begun. Sound familiar? You’re not alone, and you’re not doing anything wrong. A screen detox for kids simply means intentionally reducing screen use and helping children rebuild the habits, attention, and play skills […]

October 21, 2026

What Family Style Dining in Child Care Really Means for Your Child

You pack a lunch, drop your little one off, and wonder: is mealtime just about getting fed, or is something more happening at that tiny table? If you’ve ever watched your child refuse broccoli at home but devour it at a friend’s house, you already understand the power of the setting. Family style dining in […]

October 19, 2026

Early Literacy Tips: What Parents Can Do About Declining Reading Skills Right Now

You’ve probably noticed the headlines, or maybe you’ve felt it yourself when you sit down to read with your child at night. Early literacy skills across the country are slipping, and that worry you’re carrying is valid. The good news is that these early literacy tips can help you support your child at home, starting […]

October 14, 2026

September 2026 National Teacher of the Month

The Teacher of the Month award is our way of celebrating educators who live out our core values—compassion, humility, integrity, loyalty, and discipline—each and every day. We’re excited to announce that our 2026 September National Teacher of the Month is Ms. Sydney from Little Sunshine’s Playhouse of Lake St. Louis. The leadership team at Lake St. Louis had such […]

October 8, 2026

When to Start Preschool: 7 Signs of Readiness (and What to Do If They’re Not There Yet)

You’ve watched your little one grow from a tiny bundle into a curious, chatty, opinionated small person, and now a big question keeps circling your mind: is it time? Deciding when to start preschool is one of those milestones that feels equal parts exciting and nerve-wracking. Preschool is an early education program, usually for children […]

October 5, 2026

“Does Play-Based Learning Really Help With Kindergarten Readiness?” Yes!

You want your child to walk into kindergarten confident, curious, and ready to learn. So when a preschool emphasizes play over worksheets, it’s fair to ask the hard question: does play based learning actually prepare kids for school, or is it just a nice way to pass the morning? This post was sparked by a […]

October 5, 2026

A Parent’s Guide to Fall in Roswell With Young Children

When the weather finally cools and the leaves start to turn, you want plans that work for little ones and a schedule that keeps everyone happy. The good news: Georgia packs the season with things to do, and having reliable childcare in Roswell, GA makes it easier to say yes to a Saturday festival or […]