You may have heard about the Stanford marshmallow test; the one where young children are presented with the option of eating a big, fluffy delicious marshmallow right now, or if they delay gratification and wait, they will be rewarded with two fluffy marshmallows! Well, I am uncertain that I would not have opted to eat that delicious marshmallow immediately, but studies reveal that the group able to delay gratification performed better in school. Why? Self-regulation is essen

As our first month of school unfolds, it's great to see LANK children walking independently down the hill to enter the building. We know they are experiencing the good feeling that comes from knowing this is my school; I belong here! As parents, it is perfectly normal to be curious about what is happening during those hours your little one is away from home. At LANK, many of our activities are hands-on, sensory explorations so they might not be immediately visible to you. For

​ ​​Most of us are familiar with the proverbial “mama bear” image and the quotes that often accompany that vision. Bears are interesting animals; highly intelligent and curious. Like other intelligent animals, many of their behaviors are learned as opposed to instinctual. When a mama bear has cubs she keeps them close for the first 17 months of life while undertaking the tasks of grooming, nursing, playing, defending, and sleeping together. At the same time, mama bear is rea

For me, summer always signified long days of relaxation, without the hurry and hustle bustle that a school year might bring. So as our little ones begin preschool, I am mindful of trying to maintain a little bit of that summer feeling; by approaching this new and exciting time with careful consideration. At LANK we want our children to feel unhurried, and relaxed when they enter our welcoming doors. As parents, you can help us make this transition one that is calm and happ