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.

Sarah Fite Sarah Fite

Helping Children Build Healthy Eating Habits from the Start

The wholesome meal offerings we provide are healthy and fresh, giving you peace of mind that your child has received the nutrition needed to grow and thrive. We understand how valuable the time at home with your children truly is.  By preparing and serving nutritious meals at school, we help take the pressure off busy families so you don’t have to spend all evening meal-prepping or packing food for the next day. Whether it is breakfast, lunch, or snack time, our menus are carefully planned to include the key proteins, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables that kids need to succeed.

Read More
Haley Beroske Haley Beroske

The "Why" Behind Balanced Family Academy: Becca Pahl on iHeart's "CEOs You Should Know"

What does it take to build a childcare center that truly understands the needs of families? Recently, Balanced Family Academy CEO and Co-founder, Becca Pahl, sat down with iHeart Radio's "CEOs You Should Know" to share the story behind BFA. It's a story that begins with a simple desire: to provide unwavering support for parents in Columbus. In just a decade, BFA has grown to 18 schools while staying true to its commitment to the highest quality of care.

Read More
Taylor Lane Taylor Lane

Supporting Your Child’s Language Development at Every Stage

As parents, we all want the best for our children, and setting them up for success in school and life often feels like a monumental task. But what if one of the simplest, most enjoyable ways to pave that path was as easy as talking and reading? Early and frequent exposure to language is a powerful tool, nurturing your child's cognitive development and building a strong foundation for future learning.

Read More
Taylor Lane Taylor Lane

6 Winter-Themed Activities to do with your Children this Weekend

Winter's chill brings a flurry of exciting possibilities for family fun! Whether you're snuggled up indoors or venturing out into a snowy wonderland, there's something magical about this time of year. We've gathered ten festive winter activities that are perfect for all ages, from toddlers to teens (and even the young at heart!). Get ready to spark creativity, embrace the frosty air, and create memories that will warm your hearts all season long.

Read More
Haley Beroske Haley Beroske

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.

Read More
Guest User Guest User

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.

Read More
Guest User Guest User

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!

Read More
Guest User Guest User

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.

Read More
Guest User Guest User

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.

Read More
Guest User Guest User

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.

Read More