Whitaker Music Festival at the Missouri Botanical Garden

Perhaps the most important new discovery in early learning is the fact that children can either shut down or expand their learning successes based solely on the way they think about themselves as learners. Here's how to tell if your child needs an attitude check. 

If you’re like me, the dog makes an appearance in the list as well.

Parents know they should read to their children. It’s the right thing to do to help them gain reading readiness skills. But did you know that talking to children is equally important in getting them ready for learning? 

Play comes naturally to kids. They use it as a way to express their feelings and learn new things. But in the age of electronics we live in, video games and screens can take over a child’s free time. Screen-free, or traditional play, offers benefits kids just don't get from playing on an iPad or on the latest game console.

I will never be the mom whose kids show up at doorsteps on Halloween as anything other than what you can buy in a bag. No – mine are the children sporting the “five-piece pirate suit” and answering the question of “What are you this year?” with “A medium.”