Building Connections with Families in the Columbus Community
Welcome to the BFA blog! We help Columbus parents navigate infant, toddler, and preschool care. Explore our developmentally-focused curriculum ideas, find playful early learning activities, get expert parenting tips, and discover the best Columbus has to offer for young families.
The Best Toys for Early Childhood Development
Our team at Balanced Family Academy has put together a list of some of favorite educational toys for early childhood development.
10 Children’s Books that Celebrate Native American Culture
In this blog post, we explore the significance of representation in children's literature and its impact on young readers. We emphasize the importance of celebrating Native American culture through books, shedding light on indigenous traditions, history, and contemporary experiences. The post features a list of 10 compelling children's books that provide a window into Native American cultures and stories, offering readers a journey of understanding, empathy, and appreciation. These books serve as valuable tools to empower children with diverse perspectives, laying the foundation for a more inclusive and compassionate society.
Navigating Behavior in Early Childhood
As your partner in parenting, we’ve summarized our “must-know” information when it comes to early childhood behavior. So, whether you're seeking insights, strategies, or simply a supportive community, we're here to journey alongside you. Grab a cup of tea, settle in, and let's delve into the intriguing world of understanding and guiding our little ones' behaviors.
Battling Pollen Allergies: A Parent's Guide for a Breath of Fresh Air
Dr. Kara Wada shares her expert tips for defending our children against pollen allergies this season.
Kindergarten in Columbus
Your comprehensive guide to navigating and preparing for kindergarten in Columbus!
How to Discuss & Celebrate Black History Month with your Child
A big welcome to our first ever guest blogger, Jasmine Daniels, a teacher at Balanced Family Academy of Clintonville! Check out her take on Black History Month and how to talk about it with your children at home or in the classroom.
The 23 Best Children’s Books to Read During Black History Month (and Beyond)
Break down stereotypes and build bridges with your child through effective representation. Our new blog post unveils 23 powerful children's books that ignite conversations, promote empathy, and celebrate Black heritage during Black history month.
How to Discuss and Celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. with your Child
As MLK Day approaches, we're here to guide you in introducing your little ones to the impactful life of Martin Luther King Jr. Join us as we explore age-appropriate activities and strategies to instill the values of equality, justice, and love in the hearts of our young learners!
Is Your Child Too Busy? 3 Reasons Being Bored Is Good for Your Child
The truth is, overbooking your child can actually do more harm than good. Boredom is actually a good thing for your child to experience and there are multiple benefits to allowing your child to have unstructured downtime. Read more to learn about how experiencing boredom benefits your child and how you can help them utilize their natural creative ability to enjoy unstructured down time.
8 Festive Winter Activities for All Ages
If you're looking for ideas to entertain your little ones this winter break, we've got you covered! Read on for some fun and engaging activities that you can enjoy together.
5 Ways to Honor and Celebrate Native American Heritage this Thanksgiving
In this blog post, author Heather Hughes, a proud Anishinaabe woman, highlights the significance of Native American Heritage Month and shares ways to celebrate and honor Indigenous cultures throughout the year. The post emphasizes the importance of learning about diverse Indigenous traditions, understanding land acknowledgments, participating in related activities, supporting Indigenous creators, and exploring traditional cuisine. It encourages ongoing respect, understanding, and appreciation for Indigenous cultures and their contributions.
Tantrums & Outbursts: Parenting through the Challenges
Parenting is a journey filled with ups and downs, and if you're like most parents, tantrums are a familiar part of the ride. Our latest blog post outlines effective strategies to help you manage these challenging moments with grace and understanding. This post os all our tips, tricks, and a sprinkle of psychology for navigating the big emotions of your little ones.
5 Fall Activities To Spark Your Child’s Connection to the Outdoors
As autumn paints the world in warm hues, this blog post offers five creative and engaging activities to connect your child with the beauty of fall leaves. From leaf rubbings that encourage fine motor skills to making "Fall Leaf Soup" in a playful outdoor kitchen, these activities are designed to ignite your child's curiosity and appreciation for the natural world. Whether you're crafting leaf mandalas on your driveway or sorting leaves by color and shape, these simple ideas provide quality outdoor time for you and your little ones, fostering a deep connection with the magic of the season. Don't let those vibrant leaves go to waste in your yard—explore the wonders of autumn together!
A Separate Space for Play
Movement plays an important role in a child’s development and each BFA school features a separate space for play to meet that pivotal need.
All They Do is Play!: The Importance of Play in Early Childhood
Encouraging your child’s natural love for play and exploration is one of the best ways to support their development.
A Letter To Moms: The Hero in Your Motherhood Story
A thank you letter to all the moms for doing all the things. You ARE amazing.
Building Bridges
Building Bridges: How a simple straw craft turned into a teachable moment.
Christmas Chaos to Christmas Calm
Christmas Chaos to Christmas Calm. How to survive expectations and budgets without losing your mind.
Back to School - The Good, The Bad, The Transitions.
What to look for and how to maintain the routines without losing your sanity.