A new school year brings exciting opportunities for children to learn, grow, and build new skills. But transitions can also feel overwhelming as families adjust to new schedules, routines, and responsibilities. Preparing your home before the first day of school can help children feel more confident and capable. A Montessori-inspired home environment focuses on creating spaces where children can participate in everyday routines, access what they need independently, and build confidence through meaningful experiences. Whether your child is starting preschool, elementary school, homeschooling, or simply transitioning into a new season, small changes at home can make a big difference. Here are 10 Montessori-inspired ways to prepare your home for back-to-school.   1. Create a Montessori-Inspired Morning Routine Mornings are often one of the busiest parts of the day. A predictable routine helps children understand expectations and participate more independently. Instead of managing every step for your child, consider preparing an environment where they can take ownership of simple tasks. A Montessori morning routine may include: Choosing clothing from an accessible wardrobe Getting dressed independently Brushing teeth and washing hands Preparing a simple breakfast Packing their backpack Putting belongings away When children can access their own belongings and participate in daily routines, they begin developing confidence and responsibility.     2. Create an Organized Entryway for Back-to-School Belongings An organized entryway can help children learn responsibility while making busy mornings smoother. Create a designated place for: Backpacks Shoes Jackets Lunch boxes School supplies Child-accessible storage allows children to practice important life skills, like preparing for the day and caring for their belongings. In a Montessori environment, the goal is not to do everything for children; it is to prepare the space so they can do more themselves. Consider adding a Shoe Bench to create a space where children can independently put on and take off their shoes.     3. Design a Montessori Learning Space at Home A Montessori learning space does not need to be a separate classroom or large area. A small, intentional space can give children a place to focus, create, read, and explore. A child-friendly learning area may include: A child-sized table and chair Accessible books Organized art supplies Open space for hands-on activities Natural light when possible Child-sized furniture helps children comfortably engage with their environment and encourages independence during everyday activities.     4. Make School Supplies Accessible to Children An organized environment helps children focus and encourages them to care for their materials. Instead of storing supplies where children cannot reach them, consider creating an accessible space with: Baskets for art materials Clearly defined areas for supplies A place for completed work Books displayed with covers visible When children know where materials belong, they can practice organization and responsibility.     5. Establish Consistent Back-to-School Routines Children often feel more comfortable when they know what to expect. Creating consistent routines can make the transition back to school easier. Helpful routines may include: A consistent wake-up time A predictable morning sequence An after-school routine A calming bedtime routine A prepared environment supports children by creating a sense of order and security during times of change.     6. Create an After-School Routine That Encourages Connection After a full day of learning and socializing, many children need time to transition before jumping into the next activity. An intentional after-school routine might include: Having a snack Changing clothes Spending time outdoors Reading quietly Helping with simple household tasks Giving children time to reconnect and decompress helps support emotional regulation and a smoother transition from school to home.     7. Encourage Independence Through Practical Life Activities Montessori practical life activities help children develop skills they use every day while building confidence and independence. Back-to-school practical life activities may include: Preparing a snack Pouring water Washing dishes Folding clothes Organizing school items Caring for personal belongings These everyday tasks show children that they are capable contributors within their home.     8. Simplify Your Child’s Environment Before School Starts A prepared Montessori environment is not about having more—it is about creating intentional spaces. Before the school year begins, consider: Rotating toys and activities Removing unused materials Organizing books and supplies Creating clear spaces for different activities A simplified environment can help children focus and engage more deeply with what is available.     9. Help Children Prepare Emotionally for School Back-to-school transitions involve more than schedules and supplies. Children may experience excitement, nervousness, or uncertainty. Support your child by: Talking about what to expect Practicing new routines ahead of time Acknowledging their feelings Creating consistent connection rituals Simple moments of connection can help children feel secure as they adjust to new experiences.   10. Focus on Progress, Not Perfection Preparing your home for back-to-school does not mean creating a perfect Montessori space. It is about making small changes that help your child participate, learn, and grow. A prepared environment sends children an important message: “You are capable. You belong here. You can do things for yourself.” By creating accessible spaces and encouraging independence, families can support children not only during the school year but throughout their development.   Create a Home Environment That Supports Independence At Sprout, we believe children thrive when their environments are designed with their needs in mind. Our child-sized furniture is created to support independence, confidence, and meaningful participation in everyday life.

An infant shelf can be a valuable part of a baby’s prepared environment, especially within the infant movement area. It offers a simple, accessible display of developmentally appropriate toys that invite exploration and allow your child to begin making early choices about what captures their attention in the moment. Of course, parenting is full of busy seasons, and little ones change quickly as they grow. The ideas below offer inspiration for what you might include on a Montessori shelf for a baby at different months. Keep in mind that every child develops at their own pace and will be drawn to different materials over time. Remember the core Montessori principle to follow the child, starting with a small, intentional selection, and expanding and adjusting based on what your child shows interest in. You may be surprised by how clearly they communicate their preferences through what they reach for and return to again and again!  Jump to: 0-3 months  3-6 months  6-9 months    0-3 months  As a newborn and early infant, your baby is still adjusting to life on the outside. They won't need too much stimulation, as life is already fairly stimulating to them. For more information on what to do with your newborn, read our blog here.  However, for the few minutes a day they practice being on their tummy, you can set up their infant shelf to be a place they can recognize and give them resources to look at. You can include the following:  Tummy support - This is the KiwiCo rainbow pillow from their Panda Crate. It's thinner than a Boppy and easier for propping up newborns. This can give them some extra comfort during tummy time to look at things on the infant shelf. High contrast board book - Although they cannot read, it gives them something to look at and provides familiarity to books as they get older. Crinkly toy / book - Around 2-3 months old, your baby may be fascinated by crinkly sounds. A crinkly critter from Itzy Ritzy or a crinkly book can support that interest  High contrast display - Cards or this display from Target can give baby something to focus on while they raise their head during tummy time.  High contrast books - While they're too young to read or look through books, they can be a nice additional thing to look at. Bonus points if you read them at bedtime!  3-6 months  From 3 months onward, babies will focus more on their gross and fine motor development. This means they will practice rolling, reaching, grasping, and scratching. The following toys and materials can help with that development:  Oball - Easy for child to grab with both or one hand.  Teether/ring - Simple to grab and practice holding for longer periods of time, bonus if child is already teething and practices bringing it to their mouth. Grasping toy- The Haba Magica toy allows the child to practice grasping and holding something bulky. Spinning drum - Helps develop a child's arm and wrist strength as they spin it, as well as learn cause and effect.  Cage rattle - This Lovevery rattle is appropriately sized for a child to hold onto easily. The small balls inside the rattle provide and opportunity to practice tracking as they move around the rattle.  6-9 months  Scarves in a box - Pulling out scarves or silks from a wooden box (or a regular tissue box) helps babies refine their grasping skills, as well as object permanence. Coin box - Allows babies to practice grasping small objects and object permanence. Shape Sorting Puzzles - Helps babies understand different shapes and refine fine motor skills as they place them on their appropriate pegs on the puzzle. Object Permanence Box - Practice object permanence.  Xylophone - Practice making music. Sensory Blocks - Lets babies explore tactile touch with ribbons or crinkly paper. Wooden book - Babies can practice grasping this little wooden book from Lovevery and turning the pages to see different animals.  Were these suggestions helpful? Leave a comment below telling us what you're incorporating on your shelves at home, or if there's an age group you need recommendations for. 

Children are naturally driven to explore, create, and participate in the world around them. One of the simplest ways to support that development is by thoughtfully preparing spaces that invite independence and engagement. A dedicated workstation doesn't need to be elaborate or take up an entire room. Often, a small, well-organized area with accessible materials is all a child needs to follow their interests and engage in meaningful work. Whether you're setting up a playroom, bedroom, homeschool area, or shared family space, these workstation ideas can help create an environment that supports independence, concentration, and creativity.   Jump To:  Art Station Building & STEM Station Practical Life Station Self-Care Station Entry-Way Station Dressing Station Reading Nook Art Station An art station gives children the freedom to create whenever inspiration strikes.     How to Set It Up Choose a child-sized table or workspace such as the MakerWall and store materials on low shelves where children can access them independently. Offer a limited selection of supplies such as: Paper Crayons or colored pencils Washable markers Child-safe scissors Glue sticks Rotating materials periodically can help maintain interest without creating overwhelm. Keeping supplies organized in trays or baskets also makes cleanup more manageable and encourages children to care for their environment.   Building & STEM Station Building materials encourage creativity, problem-solving, spatial awareness, and persistence.     How to Set It Up Designate a surface where projects can remain assembled for extended periods. Open-ended materials often provide the greatest opportunity for exploration. Consider including: Wooden blocks Magnetic tiles Construction sets Puzzles Loose parts such as stones, sticks, or wooden rings Store materials in clearly defined containers so children can easily find and return items independently.   Practical Life Station Practical life activities help children develop concentration, coordination, confidence, and real-world skills.     How to Set It Up Choose a Child-Sized Table or a Washing Station and determine what practical life activities you would like to practice in the station.  Ideas include: Pouring water Sorting objects Folding cloths Caring for plants Washing tables Preparing simple snacks Present activities on trays or in baskets with everything needed to complete the task. This allows children to work independently from start to finish.   Self-Care Station A self-care station empowers children to participate in their daily routines and develop confidence in caring for themselves.     How to Set It Up Create an accessible space where children can independently complete age-appropriate self-care tasks. You might include: A low mirror Hairbrush Tissues Hand towel Toothbrush and cup Easy access to clothing Hand-Washing Station The goal is to make everyday routines visible, accessible, and achievable without constant adult assistance.   Entry-Way Station The entryway is often the first and last space children interact with each day. A child-friendly entryway station helps children take ownership of their belongings and participate in family routines.     How to Set It Up Create a designated space where children can independently manage the items they use when leaving and returning home. You might include: Low hooks for coats and backpacks A shelf or basket for shoes A spot for hats, gloves, or seasonal gear A small bench for putting on shoes A basket for library books or items that need to leave the house When children know exactly where their belongings belong, daily transitions become smoother and opportunities for independence naturally increase.   Dressing Station A thoughtfully prepared dressing station gives children the opportunity to participate in one of the most important daily routines: getting dressed. When clothing is accessible and organized, children can practice independence, decision-making, and self-expression every day.     How to Set It Up A child-sized wardrobe works best, allowing children to see and access their clothing without assistance. Consider including: A small selection of weather-appropriate outfits Low hanging rods for shirts, dresses, and jackets Shelves or baskets for folded clothing A hamper for dirty clothes A mirror for self-checking Limiting options can help prevent overwhelm while still allowing children to make meaningful choices. Refresh the wardrobe regularly to reflect your child's interests, developmental needs, and the changing seasons.   Reading Nook A cozy reading space encourages children to develop a love of books and supports early literacy.     How to Set It Up Place a forward-facing bookshelf nearby so book covers are visible and inviting. Add a comfortable floor cushion, bean bag, or child-sized chair to create a welcoming space. When selecting books, consider: Rotating titles regularly Including books that reflect your child's current interests Offering a mix of fiction, nonfiction, and poetry Keeping only a handful of books available at a time can help children focus and make independent choices.   Start Small You don't need to create every workstation at once. Begin with the area that aligns most closely with your child's current interests. Observe how they interact with the space and make adjustments as needed. As your child grows, their environment can grow alongside them. A thoughtfully prepared space isn't about having more things. It's about creating opportunities for children to independently engage with activities that spark curiosity, build confidence, and support meaningful learning every day.

Safety isn't a feature of our products, but the foundation.  Every child's bed must meet strict safety and durability standards set by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and ASTM International. At Sprout, we test our beds thoroughly to make sure they meet these standards for safety.  We take Safety Testing Seriously  With the Sparrow bed, we strength-tested various parts of the bed until failure. Then we evaluated how those parts failed and whether those failure points were acceptable for real family use. We iterated on the curve of the headboard multiple times until we landed on the version you see now. We don't say final version, because we never view something as final, because we always welcome feedback.  After testing individual parts, we test the bed as a whole. We know it’s easy for brands to say something is durable, but we’d rather show you. That’s why we created this strength testing demonstration. Pushing the Sparrow Bed to the Limits  Standardized testing confirms the bed is safe for everyday use, but we wanted to see just how far we could push the Sparrow Bed beyond those requirements. One by one, we began stacking as many 32-pound cinder blocks onto the bed as could fit.    The goal wasn’t to create a 'normal use' scenario, but to demonstrate the level of strength built into the design. The Sparrow bed is made with solid wood and designed with an intentionally high weight capacity (500–650 lbs), making it strong enough for co-sleeping and years of everyday use. For us, durability matters because childhood is active and unpredictable, and your furniture should be ready for all of it. Explore the Sparrow Bed!

As we prepared to launch the Sparrow Bed, we asked our community about their biggest sleep challenges and received over 500 responses. One thing became immediately clear: sleep is not a simple hurdle. When it’s going well, everything feels easier. When it’s not, it can affect nearly every part of life. When parents are exhausted, even small challenges can feel overwhelming. Sometimes, it can feel like you do so much and the results still aren't there. You can create routines, environments, and habits, but you can’t force a child to sleep. That lack of control, especially when you’re desperate for rest, can bring up frustration, guilt, and helplessness all at once. And because sleep is so closely tied to parenting approaches, conversations around it can feel personal, or like you are being evaluated as a parent.  That rawness is what stood out while reading through all of these questions you had for our expert about sleep. We wanted to create space for thoughtful, developmentally grounded insight that you can consider, adapt, and determine if it works for your family.  We sat down with Kelly Routkevitch, a Pediatric Sleep & Development Specialist and Kinesiologist, to answer your tricky sleep questions. Her insight brings clarity, reassurance, and practical insight grounded in both development and real family life. Prefer to listen to the podcast? Your Q&A for sleep, with Pediatric Sleep Consultant Kelly: Q: Why do tongue and lip ties affect baby sleep? Kelly: If the frenulum under the tongue or upper lip is too tight, it can cause problems with feeding and latching, which can lead to discomfort and more night wakings. The tongue also helps expand the palate. If it can’t rest on the roof of the mouth, it can lead to mouth breathing, which affects sleep quality and can cause more frequent night wakings.   Q: Why do children want more connection at night? And how do we handle the curtain calls for water, hugs, and potty breaks? A: This is very common at this age. My thought process is to build those requests into the routine: offer water, snack, potty before bed, because you know they’ll ask anyway. It really depends on the family. Some enjoy lying with their child, others need space. One thing we use is audio stories as a bridge if a parent needs to step away. The main thing is connection. Kids want connection, and even if you spend all day with them, it matters how you’re connecting. Overnight is a long separation, and children don’t understand time. So creating a connection before bed is key. Also, making sure they are actually tired so bedtime doesn’t drag on.   Q: Why is feeling safe so important for sleep? A: Sleep comes from a sense of safety. Just like adults struggle to sleep when stressed, children need to feel calm and secure before they can rest. Their nervous systems are even more sensitive, so connection and a predictable routine help them settle.   Q: Is there a developmental age where it becomes too late to teach independent sleep? Is it ever too early?  A: No. Independent sleep can be supported at any age. There may be protests, especially under 12 months. The first three years are a period of rapid brain development, and children still need closeness. Independence comes from depending on a safe caregiver. It grows from feeling safe and supported, so gradual transitions tend to be more effective than abrupt changes.   Q: When should babies or toddlers sleep through the night? A: There is no universal timeline, and it really depends on the child. Some babies sleep long stretches early, others don’t sleep through the night until age two or beyond. Sleep patterns depend on temperament, development, and possible underlying factors like airway issues, allergies, iron levels, or nutrition. Many children begin consolidating sleep around age two, but variation is completely normal.   Q: When should I transition my baby from a crib or co-sleeping? A: It depends on development and safety. Once babies are rolling or mobile, that’s a good time to transition. The recommendation is to keep baby in your room for at least six months, ideally a year. Floor beds can be used earlier if the environment is safe.   Q: Are Montessori floor beds safe for babies and toddlers? A: Yes, if the room is fully baby-proofed. Everything should be anchored, no cords, outlets covered, it should function like one big crib. A bed should be designed or positioned so that a baby can roll onto the floor rather than get stuck against a wall. I recommend you use a monitor and keep the door closed for safety. Here is our checklist on how to prepare a bedroom safely for a floor bed!   Q: Why does my toddler wake up at 5 am?  A: Early wake-ups are often related to schedule. Often, they wake because the child has had enough sleep. If they go to bed early, they may wake early. Looking at total sleep, bedtime timing, and environmental factors like light or noise can help address early waking. We assume kids should go to bed at 7 p.m., but that’s not always realistic. It’s about total sleep and internal sleep pressure.   Q: Why does my child wake in the middle of the night and stay awake? A: This can happen when a child has already had a long stretch of sleep or is going through a developmental phase. Sometimes adjusting naps or bedtime can help. These 'split nights' are often temporary and tied to growth or schedule imbalance.   Q: How do I tell the difference between a child needing me vs. normal waking? A: I would respond either way. Children don’t wake up to create problems; they wake because they need something, whether it’s comfort, food, or reassurance. Responding helps them feel safe and does not create bad habits.   Q: What’s the number one mistake parents make with sleep? A: Trying to force sleep when the child isn’t tired. Sleep cues like yawning can sometimes be misleading. If a child isn’t ready for sleep, bedtime can become a long and frustrating process.   Q: Does physical activity help children sleep better? A: Yes. Movement and sensory input are important for supporting better sleep. Movement and sensory input, like outdoor play, climbing, pushing, or rough-and-tumble play, help regulate the body. It’s most effective to look at the whole day, not just right before bed.   Q: What is one of the best things to add to a bedtime routine? A: Beyond physical activity, connection, and deep pressure. Eye contact, time together, massage, or gentle squeezes help regulate the nervous system and signal safety.   Sleep can feel all-consuming, especially when you’re in the middle of it. But one of the biggest takeaways from this conversation is that many challenges are rooted in development, connection, and environment. You aren't failing, and there are tools and approaches out there that can support you and your unique child!   Have more sleep questions? Drop them below! If you’re looking for more personalized support, Kelly offers 1:1 sleep consulting and additional resources at bizzyasamother.com or @bizzyasamother. 

Teaching children how to live sustainably includes teaching them how to reduce waste, conserve energy, care for what they have, and how to reuse or safely dispose of items they no longer need.  Here are some simple ideas you can do:  Reduce  Try to stop optimizing everything for convenience. When everything is instant (snacks, toys, etc.), consumption increases without much notice Practice turning off lights and water when not in use Grow herbs or vegetables, even a small indoor or porch garden works Let them help plan meals using what you already have at home Choose open-ended, long-lasting toys and talk about caring for them Bring them along when shopping and talk about choices (local, less packaging, reusable) Teach them to ask if they need something or if they just want it. You can follow up with how long they plan to use it Another approach is that you can create a 'waiting list', where you can revisit a desired item after a few days to see if they still want it Try to avoid solving problems with purchases Reuse  Rotate toys instead of buying new ones Talk about rewearing clothes before washing (how to tell when something needs to be washed vs. when it can be reworn)  Teach older children how to repair clothing  Let them carry reusable bags Recycle  Let them help sort recycling vs. trash (make it a game!) Compost food scraps together (show what can/can’t go in) Involve them in passing down or donating clothing and toy items Use recyclables for crafts (boxes, jars, paper rolls) and create a 'reuse bin' for art supplies Have an activity you'd like share? Tell us in the comments! 

Step inside a Montessori-inspired space, where the goal isn't to separate children from the work of a home, but to thoughtfully bring them into it. These spaces support independence, confidence, and everyday connection. This isn’t about perfection. It’s about creating a home that works with your child, not against them. Small, intentional choices can transform the way your child moves through their day, and how your home feels as a result. Support Choices in Everyday Routines A thoughtfully arranged wardrobe gives children the opportunity to participate in getting dressed from the very beginning. Because independence isn’t taught in big moments, it’s built in the small, everyday ones. Will you love their outfit every time? Maybe not. But they will, and that’s where confidence begins. Follow Their Curiosity More isn't always more. When children are young, too many options can feel overwhelming. A simplified, intentional setup helps them focus, engage, and choose with confidence. Instead of overwhelming shelves, children can clearly see their options, either with toys or with books.  Low, open shelving in the playroom keeps toys accessible and visible, helping children choose their own activities with ease. A forward-facing book display shelf makes it easier to reach, choose, and fall in love with reading on their own. Bring Them Into the Rhythm of Home It’s easy to think the goal of involving children in the kitchen is to teach them how to cook. But in the beginning, they often aren't much help, and might actually slow you down.  A toddler tower supports something else: connection.  Whether they’re helping prepare a meal or simply observing, they’re included in learning through presence, participation, and shared experience. Designed for Real Life Each piece featured in this home was designed intentionally to support both the parent and the child.  Start With Simple Changes You don’t need to overhaul your entire home. Start with one space. One shelf. One small shift. Because when your environment supports your child, everything else begins to feel a little easier.

When a child hits, it can feel sudden, surprising, and sometimes even alarming. It can leave you wondering what just happened and what to do next. In early childhood, behavior is a child’s first language. When feelings are big, and words are limited, the body steps in. Frustration, overstimulation, jealousy, or exhaustion can spill out physically before a child has the skills to express it any other way. Hitting is less about character and more about regulation and communication. That does not mean we ignore it. It means we approach it differently. Sprout worked with a licensed professional counselor to get this insight into children and hitting. She is finishing up a PHD in counseling and works with children at a nonprofit in their child development center. Here’s a few ways she recommended approaching hitting in a way that supports growth, protect boundaries, and builds long-term self-regulation.   Remain Calm Hitting can often be triggering for a parent to observe. It can be helpful to take a step back and take a breath before correcting the behavior. When we respond calmly, we model the regulation we want them to learn. A calm tone can help a child begin regulating, even during moments when their emotions feel overwhelming.   Understand the “Why” Beneath the Behavior Hitting often happens when a child: Feels overwhelmed Doesn't have the words to express their frustration Is tired or overstimulated Wants connection  Is testing cause and effect Young children are still developing impulse control. When we see hitting as a lack of skills instead of misbehaving, we can shift our response from punishment to teaching.    Create and Maintain Boundaries Holding the boundary consistently is important. When a child hits you can gently block their hands to prevent it from happening again and repeat a boundary like “I can’t let you hit. Hitting hurts.”.  While the behavior may not stop overnight, over time, children will internalize what they experience repeatedly and predictably.   Teach What To Do Instead Stopping the behavior is only part of it. We then need to teach them what to do instead when they feel like hitting. During calmer moments, practice the words they can use next time to express how they are feeling, like “I’m mad” or “I need space.” You can also offer physical outlets for big feelings like stomping feet, squeezing a pillow, or taking a breath together. The more tools they have, the less they need to use their bodies to communicate.   Teach How to Repair When hitting does happen, teaching them how to repair the situation is important. Instead of simply telling them to say sorry, you can gently guide them towards awareness or care. "Hitting hurts. Let’s go check on them together.” Repair can help a child understand the impact of their actions and build empathy over time.    Learning not to hit is part of learning self-regulation. It takes repetition and consistent modeling. When we respond with guidance instead of punishment, we’re helping a child develop the internal tools they’ll carry with them long after the hitting phase has passed.

As a parent, you’ve probably noticed the word Montessori everywhere. Montessori toys, daycares, beds, and kitchens. Because Montessori is now attached to everything, it is fair to wonder: Is Montessori just a trend? Is it a marketing tactic to sell more products? The short answer: Montessori has gained a lot more visibility lately, but it’s not new. And when it’s done well, it’s not about aesthetics or labels at all.   Montessori is a Philosophy, not a product category Montessori may feel trendy right now, but the philosophy itself was founded over a century ago. Because Montessori is a philosophy and not a product category, it isn’t about buying the right things. It focuses on the adult's mindset and creating an environment that respects the child and supports their natural development. You can practice Montessori without a perfectly curated home or a long list of specialized materials. At its core, Montessori is about: Trusting children’s capabilities Encouraging independence over convenience Designing spaces that say “you belong here” to a child Products can absolutely support these values, but they aren't the primary purpose. Learn about the method here.    Why Montessori feels trendy right now     Why do we think it is getting so much more visibility? Parents are overwhelmed  Families are craving simpler routines and more meaningful play Social media has amplified beautiful, minimalist children's spaces, often labeled Montessori Child development research is more accessible than ever Parents want to be intentional  All of this has pushed Montessori mainstream, and that comes with both benefits and challenges. More visibility means more families learning about the Montessori Method. From the beginning, it was meant to be attainable. Dr. Montessori first developed her method while working with children who were considered the poorest in Italy, proving that this philosophy was never about privilege or perfection. The challenge is that when Montessori is used loosely as a marketing label, its meaning gets diluted. This can create confusion and distrust, especially for families who are genuinely trying to understand and apply Montessori principles.   How to tell if something is Montessori So, with all of that in mind, it’s important to remember that not everything that says Montessori in the title truly aligns with the philosophy. Think of these questions as a lens you can use anytime you see the word Montessori. This can be on a product, a social post, a company, or really anything that you're wanting to question a little deeper:   1. Does it support independence? True Montessori materials help children do things for themselves. They reduce the need for adult intervention and build confidence through feeling capable. 2. Can a child use it on their own (is it truly child-appropriate)? Montessori environments are designed from the child’s perspective. If a child can’t use it or do it without help, it may not be supporting independence in a meaningful way. 3. Is it open-ended?  Most Montessori materials invite exploration, different possibilities, and trial and error, rather than one possible outcome or performance. 4. Is function prioritized over appearance? Something can be beautiful, and Montessori, but beauty should never be the primary goal. If the focus is on how it looks rather than how a child benefits from it, that’s a red flag. 5. Does it have a clear purpose? Montessori materials serve a clear developmental purpose. They aren’t decorative or solely for entertainment. They’re tools for real work and real learning. 6. Is it calm rather than overstimulating? Montessori environments are intentionally calm. Materials that light up, make noise, or overwhelm the senses can stop a child from focusing deeply.  Remember: Not everything in your home needs to meet every one of these criteria. Montessori isn’t about perfection- it’s about being thoughtful and intentional.   Sprout and the Montessori Method At Sprout, Montessori isn’t a marketing buzzword or an SEO keyword- it's the foundation of how we design. We consult Montessori educators, have had Montessori consultants on our payroll, and keep Montessori experts on speed dial. We don’t reference the philosophy lightly. It’s something we actively learn from, question, and return to as we grow. That commitment shows up even in how we build our team. When we interview for our marketing team, we talk openly about how important it is to understand Montessori before speaking publicly about it, and that a willingness to learn is essential to joining Sprout. We take the trust of our audience seriously. We work closely with educators and schools, listening to what’s working and learning how we can better support their spaces. Their insight keeps our designs grounded in real needs.     Montessori may be popular right now, but it’s not going anywhere. It has lasted for over 100 years because it respects children as capable human beings, and that is a concept that doesn’t expire or follow a trend.    

Parenting is filled with long days, big feelings, and constant learning. These are some of Sprout's favorite quotes for a parent to offer encouragement and inspiration along the way.   1. "You can't teach children to behave by making them feel worse. When children feel better, they behave better."  -Pam Leo   2. "When we treat children as if they are incapable, they become incapable" -Janet Lansbury   3. "The level of cooperation parents get from their children is usually equal to the level of connection children feel with their parents" -Pam Leo   4. "Instead of training children to meet the expectations of adults, we should be training adults to meet the psychological, emotional and developmental needs of children"  -Zoe Tolman   5. "Children don't need to have their feels agreed with; they need to have them acknowledged"  -Joanna Faber & Julie King (How to talk so little kids will listen)   6. Children don't need to be treated equally. They need to be treated uniquely."  -Adele Faber & Elaine Mazlish (Siblings without Rivalry)   7. "Too often we forget that discipline really means to teach. Not to punish. A disciple is a student, not a recipient of behavioral consequences."  -Daniele J. Siegel & Tina Payne Bryson (The Whole Brain Child)   8. "Play is often talked about as it were a relief from serious learning. But for children play is serious learning. Play is really the work of childhood."  -Fred Rogers   9. When a flower doesn't bloom, you fix the environment in which is grows, not the flower." -Alexander Den Heijer   10. "The goal of early childhood education should be to activate the child's own natural desire to learn."  -Maria Montessori   11. "Yelling doesn't teach children to behave. Instead, it teaches them to be angry." -Michaeleen Doucleff (Hunt, Gather, Parent)   What are some of your favorite parenting quotes? Drop them in the comments below!  

This guide helps you select the best mattress for a Montessori floor bed, covering firmness, airflow, mattress thickness, safe sleep tips, and parent recommendations.

Our Montessori floor bed offers benefits rooted in Maria Montessori's teachings. Its low height allows children to easily access their bed, promoting self-regulation of sleep and fostering independence. This encourages self-confidence and turns the bedroom into a learning environment, making home the perfect place to introduce this Montessori-inspired bed.

Use insights from pediatric sleep consultants, community tips highlighting the benefits and challenges of using a floor bed, and practical advice as you seek to transition your child to a floor bed.

Instead of going into a home office to do our work, we did our work in living rooms, kitchens, and backyards. Our kids got to be in the same room with us, see us working. While we have different ages of children in the home, ranging from 1 to 11 years in age, we found some commonalities in our experiences. Here’s what we noticed.

I’ve heard of the benefits of unstructured time outside repeatedly. I’ve seen the Instagram posts with children playing in their immaculately prepared outdoor spaces - gardening, climbing on their play structures, sliding, swinging, and carefully transferring water in their sensory table or mud kitchen.I’ll be honest; it felt a little out of reach. My backyard is not perfectly manicured; we don’t have a play structure, the garden is just a bed of dirt and weeds, and while we have a beautifully ample and open space to play, it didn’t feel like it was enough. But in a moment of motivation, I decided to dedicate a week of our lives to spending as much time outside as possible.I want to take a moment to acknowledge the privilege that comes with this experience. I work flexibly from home, I am able to spend my day outside with my children. Not everyone reading this is able to do this, so I am not here to tell you to replicate this experiment. I am here to share what I’ve learned and how it affected our family.Here are the challenges and joys we experienced! Less Screen Time Better Sleep More Stamina More Social Connections Our Challenges My Takeaway  Less Screen Time I think I share the same sentiment that many other parents feel—I want less screen time for my kids, but I also want a break now and then.On my first day outside, I immediately felt defeated. We had been out for one hour, and I was ready to be done. Needing some motivation, I decided to listen to a podcast by Ginny Yurich about how she started the movement 1000 Hours Outside1. She said that, on average, children consume 4-6 hours of screen time a day. What if children spent that much time outdoors?I found a new goal and a new motivation. Instead of merely spending as much time outside as we could, I wanted to spend at least 4-6 hours outside every day for one week. And that’s what we did. Better Sleep Sleep has been elusive in our home. My one-year-old still was not sleeping through the night. I woke up every morning feeling exhausted. On the first day, we spent a whopping seven hours outside, he even napped on a little cot outside for his morning nap, and to my surprise, he slept all night long.Our experience is backed by the National Sleep Foundation. Exposure to natural light supports our sleep patterns2. Being outside helps regulate the body’s internal clock and allows the body to wind down at night. When my son started sleeping, I was floored. I took it one step further. We didn’t turn any lights in our house on after the sun went down. We woke when the sun rose and slept when it went down. My goal was for my son’s sleep to improve, and it did. He slept all night every night for that entire week. What I didn’t expect was that my sleep also improved and I woke up feeling refreshed and ready for the day. More Stamina When we first began this journey, my children seemed to tire quickly. They would run (and crawl) around for an hour and seem to lose interest in what I had set up. As the week went on, I found their concentration and stamina outside began to lengthen. I observed my one-year-old in a pile of sticks, leaves, and pine straw for 30 minutes. He never once looked up at me or needed my entertainment. I was blown away by his focus and fascination with the nature around him. My children began to get curious—testing the sounds the rocks made when they banged together, looking for worms in the garden bed and watching them slowly disappear into the dirt again, or simply crawling into my lap and silently listening to the birds sing in the morning.While this may sound idyllic and unattainable, many scientists agree that time in nature restores our energy and enhances our ability to feel calm and focused. Stephen and Rachel Kaplan developed Attention Restoration Theory in the late 1980s, which proposes that exposure to nature improves our ability to concentrate, restores mental fatigue, and can even quicken recovery from injury or surgery3. Though the precise reasons behind these effects are difficult to delineate, many studies have validated the theory over time.As a tired and often overwhelmed mother of two small toddlers, I found it relieving to see that my children could entertain themselves, find beauty in the world around them, and find a calm yet energetic state while I sat and drank my coffee or did my work on the patio. Not only do children benefit cognitively, but they also benefit physically. Balance, coordination, core strength, posture, immunity, bone, and muscle strength are all developed and strengthened during active play outdoors. More Social Connections After the first three days outside, I was bored. I had been staring at the same backyard for three days. I was ready to do something new. With my commitment to this experiment, I reached out to friends and planned outdoor playdates. We spent time at parks and out on walks. I was able to connect with friends, and our children could run and play. I had to fulfill these hours outside, and I couldn’t do it on my own. I had to solicit the help and company of other parents. Without this goal of spending at least 4-6 hours outside, I could have easily isolated myself in my home for an entire week without seeing another person. I was challenged to spend my time in a new way and to seek out the support of other families. My children enjoyed our outings and seeing their friends, but I was most surprised by how refreshed I felt. Children and adults need human interaction, connection, and shared experiences. I needed this more than I realized.  Our Challenges   While we did see all of these benefits, I won't say that it came without effort, because things did not always go how I imagined. Day two of our week outside didn’t go according to plan. My two-year-old wasn’t feeling well and she just wanted to lay in her cot that we had set outside for downtime. We got a pillow and blankets and she watched a movie on her tablet while we played outside. As the morning went on, she continued to feel sick, so we went inside and I decided to cut our hours short for the day. Sometimes, despite our beautiful intentions, circumstances change and we have to adapt. In this experience, I learned that my goal should be to be as intentional as I can about how my children spend their time, but plans can be altered, and goals can be set aside for another day.  My Takeaway Our week outside was transformational. Even after our week was over, we continued to spend several hours a day outdoors. There are days when we get busy, illness, or the weather keeps us inside, but my takeaway from this experience is that my children need to be outside for unstructured play for a significant amount of time. They need time to explore, move their bodies, and appreciate the world around them. “In nature, children learn to take risks, overcome fears, make new friends, regulate emotions, and create imaginary worlds. It’s important that the adult allow children both the time and the space to play outdoors on a daily basis. It’s important that we give them the trust they deserve and the freedom they need to try out new theories and play schemes.” - Angela J. Hanscom, Balanced and Barefoot4 This Earth Day, I invite you to spend more conscious hours outside. Go to a park, call a friend to join you on a walk, or simply go out to your backyard or explore your own neighborhood. I’d love to hear about your experiences outside! Footnotes 1 "Yurich, Virginia (Host). (2019, January 28) “The Origin of 1000 Hours Outside”" 2 Suni, E. (2022, April 7). Light & Sleep: Effects on sleep quality. Sleep Foundation. Retrieved April 21, 2022, from https://www.sleepfoundation.org/bedroom-environment/light-and-sleep 3 Ackerman, C. E. (2020). What is Kaplan’s Attention Restoration Theory (ART)? PositivePsychology.com. Retrieved from https://positivepsychology.com/attention-restoration-theory/ 4 Hanscom, A. J. (2016). Balanced and barefoot: How unrestricted outdoor play makes for strong, confident, and capable children. New Harbinger Publications, Inc.

For teachers and parents, books can be a powerful tool to help students and children understand what they see and experience out in the world. Montessori-friendly books are ones that are rooted in reality and inspired by real world experiences. Illustrations portraying things that they see out in their everyday lives can illuminate the beauty in the ordinary – a sunset, a butterfly, a rainstorm, or a simple walk in the backyard. Our Montessori-Friendly Summer Reading List is perfect for the summer classroom environment or for reading at home with loved ones. Summer Days and Nights by Wong Herbert YeeBest for Ages 2-6 years old This book follows a little girl as she entertains herself with the sights, sounds, and fun activities of summer days and nights.We love books that highlight the joy and small details that make summer such a fun time of year. Summer Evening by Walter de la MareBest for Ages 0-5 yearsThis book is part of a series depicting each season. There are beautiful illustrations alongside de la Mare's poem about a summer evening. This is a beautiful book to enjoy animals, colors, and very little text that allows the reader to enjoy the beauty of the illustrations. We love artistic interpretations through words and illustrations that are inspired by the beauty of nature! Wave by Suzy LeeBest for Ages 2-5 yearsThis is a gorgeous, wordless book about a girl at the beach. The illustrations perfectly capture the many emotions the girl experiences when playing in the waves. We love books that spark the imagination by allowing children to put their own words or feelings into the story. Mama, Is It Summer Yet? by Nikki McClureBest for Ages 3-5 yearsA little boy, eagerly awaiting summer, asks his mother if it is summer yet. They watch for the signs of summer, like birds and the flowers. Reading books that promote new vocabulary and observation skills can help children navigate their world A Lullaby of Sumer Things by Natalie ZiarnikBest for Ages 4-8 yearsThis is a perfect book to end a summer day in preparation for bedtime! This is a wonderful rhyming book that can help your little one wind down from a fun-filled summer day. We love books that support our little one’s routines by helping them relate to families and children! We're Going on a Bear Hunt by Michael Rosen & Helen OxenburyBest for Ages 2-4 yearsThis is a classic book about a family outing to find a bear. The illustrations are beautiful and the simple text encourages children to join in! This is a personal favorite in our house. We read this book daily Before and After by Matthias Aregui & Anne-Margot RamsteinBest for Ages 1-5 yearsThis book makes connections between everyday things, like a chicken and an egg. The large illustrations are perfect for children who are not yet reading. Children can benefit from books that make connections between objects children see and interact with in their everyday lives. Summer Color! by Diana MurrayBest for Ages 4-8 yearsThis book is about two children who go on an adventure in their backyard and discover the colorful landscape of summer. We love when children are inspired to discover nature and read books that are relatable! Up in the Garden and Down in the Dirt by Kate MessnerBest for Ages 2 to 5 yearsThis book uncovers the hidden world under our feet! It is perfect for families starting a garden in their backyard! We love offering books that spark interest in new ideas and appreciation for what we don’t see! The Backyard Bug Book for Kids by Lauren DavidsonBest for Ages 3-5 yearsLearn facts about the bugs in your very own backyard! There are pictures and activities–perfect for your bug-lover. We love books that inspire observation and education about what can be found all around us! What are your favorite summer books? Comment below to share!

Jump To: Experience Gifts Meaningful Items Gifts that Align with your Home   For many families, choosing gifts that are thoughtful, practical, and aligned with their values can feel overwhelming. But meaningful gifts aren’t about price or quantity. They’re about observation, intention, and meeting a real need. I learned this firsthand one winter in snowy Utah. At the time, I was a single mom and a full-time student, doing everything I could to keep up. As the holidays approached, I remember feeling a mix of dread and fear because my children didn’t have warm winter gear. A neighbor noticed quietly and bought them both a winter coat. It was simple, practical, and deeply intentional. That gift changed our season, and the impact of her care has stayed with me ever since. Not every gift has to be life-changing, but well-chosen gifts can create real connection, support a child’s growth, and become treasured memories. Still, many gift-givers struggle: What do children actually need? How do we choose gifts that truly matter? In this guide, we’ll share practical insights to make gift-giving easier, more intentional, and more meaningful as you choose gifts that support the wonder of childhood. Giving Meaningful Experiences Meaningful gifts don’t have to be elaborate, expensive, or social media-ready. The most impactful gifts, whether tangible or intangible, tend to do three things: honor a child’s interests, support their development, and make the child (and their parents) feel truly seen. As @pattyrosemc put it, one of the simplest ways to choose a meaningful gift is to ask: “How will this spark the child’s imagination?” If nothing comes to mind, it’s a sign to choose something else.To better understand what families actually value, we asked our Instagram community about the types of gifts they prefer for their children. The results were clear: 79% prefer experience-based gifts over more toys. Why do experience gifts matter? They provide deeper connection with the recipient. Experiences build connection, create memories, and usually align more naturally with a family’s values. They can be big (a zoo membership) or incredibly simple (a dedicated afternoon exploring a new trail). Many people shared how they pair an experience with a small tangible item, like a stuffed animal before a zoo visit or a notebook with a handwritten letter to kick off a journaling tradition. These pairings help children revisit the experience long after it’s over.Some of the experience gift suggestions were: Zoo or aquarium memberships Museum or discovery center passes An art or science subscription box Nature exploration items (binoculars, magnifying glass, field journal) Child-sized kitchen tools paired with a cooking day together A kite and a trip to the park A beginner instrument with a music class A gardening starter experience: child-sized tools + a date to plant seeds together Small bird feeder Sleepover-in-a-box experience (matching PJs, a read-aloud, and snacks) Meaningful Items The other 21% of families told us they appreciate well-chosen, long-lasting items, especially those that support open-ended play or hands-on learning. As @nelsonninjas reminded us, the simplest way to get it right is to “ask the parents. Nobody wants stuff they don’t need.” Another community member, @melllellla, shared their approach: “I try to focus on minimalism and celebrate by giving one or two really meaningful, thoughtful, long-lasting items instead of a large number of poor-quality gifts.” High-quality, open-ended items tend to grow with a child and hold their interest over time. Some suggestions were: Years-long open-ended play  Animal figures Wooden blocks Magnets (tiles, letters, numbers, etc) Books that align with the child’s interests Art-related items (washable paints, dot markers, construction paper, stickers, etc) Age-appropriate puzzles A kids’ compass + simple map for early navigation skills A growth chart to honor milestones A first sewing kit or embroidery kit A real but small toolbox If you're looking for birthday-specific ideas, we also put together a guide to help make birthday celebrations smoother and more meaningful. Requesting gifts that align with the way you want to parent When we asked our Instagram community, 93% of parents said their child had received a gift that didn’t align with the way they wanted to parent. If you’ve ever opened a brightly wrapped present while silently thinking, “Oh no.. how am I going to handle this?”, you’re not alone. Birthdays and holidays can bring up complicated feelings. You want to honor the generosity of loved ones, but you also want a home environment that supports your values, encourages your child’s development, and reduces overwhelm. Most givers truly want to choose something meaningful, they just aren’t always sure what that looks like for your family. Parents, grandparents, and family friends all care deeply about a child’s well-being. But even with shared intention, people often differ on what makes a gift “the best.” So how do you navigate these conversations with kindness, clarity, and confidence? Below are community-tested strategies for requesting meaningful, aligned gifts without hurting feelings. How to have the conversation with friends and family When it comes to having a productive conversation while also respecting feelings, there are a couple of different ways to approach it. Here's what our followers had to say about how they communicate with those close to them about gifts: Share your “why” not just your rules Instead of saying 'please don’t buy X', framing your preferences through your parenting philosophy helps others understand the reasoning behind your choices. One parent, @xamybradshaw, phrases it this way: “As parents, we aren’t a fan of traditional plastic toys… we prefer __ because __.” This type of explanation gives people context they can support, rather than restrictions they might resist. When loved ones understand the principles behind your approach they’re more likely to choose gifts that align naturally. Offer inspiration and make it easy Many people want to give something meaningful, but they just don’t know what to get. Offering guidance removes the pressure and sets everyone up for success. As @kascondra shared: “If you need inspiration..”and then she sends a curated wishlist. This approach feels collaborative, not controlling. It reassures the giver that their gift will be used, appreciated, and aligned with the child’s environment. Create a “special toy” category for misaligned gifts Sometimes, despite your best efforts, a gift arrives that isn’t something you would have chosen. Instead of guilt or clutter, some parents give that item a clear, intentional role. Both @anyaruthmckenzie and @nylex1 mentioned keeping certain toys for: grandparent visits long car rides special occasions. This strategy allows the gift to have a purpose, without taking over your space or your daily routines. It can also strengthen the connection between the child and the giver (“We get to use this special toy when Grandma visits!”). The Weaning Chair, seen above.  Large item group gifts Sometimes the gifts that have the biggest impact or support a child’s growth come with a higher price tag than one person may feel comfortable spending. Group gifts are a thoughtful way to ensure your child receives something meaningful, while also making it manageable for loved ones. How to Organize a Group Gift Our community shared strategies for making group gifts simple, stress-free, and joyful: Communicate clearly: Talk about how it will be split, either with you or other gift-givers. Share cost guidance: Let contributors know the total cost and invite them to give what feels comfortable. Send links or wishlists: Make it easy for people to participate without confusion. Follow up with gratitude: Share pictures of your child enjoying the gift, or even a short personalized video thank-you. Especially for long-distance family and friends, this deepens the joy of giving and shows how their contribution made a difference. Community insights: Lian shared her son’s Sprout tower as a group gift, he now helps with baking, chopping, mixing, and mashing, gaining confidence and independence in the kitchen. @samanthajhendrian used a group gift strategy to avoid grandparents over-spoiling their child for a first birthday, pooling contributions for a Nugget play couch that the whole family enjoys. Sprout giftsThe top 3 most giftable Sprout items suggestions were:   However you choose to communicate with loved ones about gifts, each gift-giving moment is also an opportunity to teach gratitude. Encouraging your child to notice who gave them a particular book, pair of pajamas, or toy helps the item take on personal meaning. Over time, these connections make gifts more memorable and special. Whether tangible or intangible, gifts are a way to show a child that they are seen, supported, and valued. By putting thought into what will truly benefit and delight them, you can choose gifts that foster growth, creativity, independence, and lasting joy. We’d love to hear from you: Have you found a successful way to communicate about gifts with friends or family? Or is there a gift you’ve given or received that you feel truly nurtures a child’s development? Share your experiences below and inspire others to give more meaningful gifts.

Finding a great new book for your child can take time, and sometimes, asking a friend or scrolling online doesn’t give you many options. That’s why we asked our Instagram community to share their favorite children’s books, and over 600 parents responded! We’ve turned their responses into a big, categorized book list to make it easy for you to discover something new, whether you’re looking for books for a baby, toddler, preschooler, or older child. Want all the recommendations? Just scroll to the bottom to get the whole list. Here’s a quick look at a few of the books and the value they can offer your child:   Global Babies by The Global Fund for ChildrenBest for Ages 3 months to 3 yearsGlobal Babies shares how each child is unique and special, all around the world. Infants and toddlers tend to enjoy looking at other babies to observe their expressions! The words in the book are simple, so that you can add your own information about the country. By having REAL pictures of REAL babies around the world, your child can be introduced to different cultures, clothes from around the world, and global diversity. (Montessori-friendly) Here We Are by Oliver JeffersBest for Ages 1 to 7 yearsHere We Are is a great way to discuss caring for the Earth and the people in it. The book shares facts about the Earth and bodies while showing people in the world from all their varying styles, cultures, and lifestyles. As you continue to share these concepts of individuality and kindness early on, you could be surprised by how much they understand. Why Johnny Doesn't Flap by Clay Morton and Gail MortonBest for Ages 4 to 8 yearsWhy Johnny Doesn’t Flap gives a unique perspective from the eyes of a neurodivergent child that explains why his neurotypical friend doesn't avoid eye contact or flap their arms, but why he connects to him anyway. This children’s book about autism can help introduce the concept of neurodiversity to young readers or offer autistic children the powerful experience of seeing themselves as the main character. The Rabbit Listened by Cori DoerrfeldBest for Ages 3 to 5 yearsThe Rabbit Listened can be a great way to open your child's eyes to ways to deal with hard feelings. It is an important skill to learn how to comfort people, and through this book, you can reinforce the importance of compassion as a skill. This is a good option for an introductory children’s book about feelings. The Day You Begin by Jacqueline WoodsenBest for Ages 5 to 8 yearsThe Day You Begin is a book that can be used as a tool to discuss starting a new school as well as diversity, differences, and acceptance with your children! This book can be a great picture book about diversity as you continue conversations on race, language, abilities, personalities, and more. Through reading this, you can highlight the benefits of everyone being different. Hands Can by Cheryl HudsonBest for Ages 2 to 5 yearsHands Can offers pictures of children as they use their hands to practice various gross motor skill mastery. Through rhyming and engaging imagery, your child is shown some of the simple and complex things they can mimic as you explore this book together. (Montessori-friendly) You're Here for a Reason by Nancy TillmanBest for Ages 4 to 8 yearsYou're Here for a Reason can introduce your child to the difficult concept of understanding hard feelings or depression. This can also be a good resource for adults as they read it! This heartfelt book can help remind your child of their importance and individuality. Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? by Bill Martin, Jr. and Eric CarleBest for Ages 6 months to 5 yearsBrown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? is a great way to introduce colors and animals to your child! In fact, this is one of the most recommended books for babies under 1 that they’ll keep enjoying and recognizing as they get older. By keeping the same pattern of words but changing the animals out there is a level of predictability for your little one, which can keep them from getting distracted. Let's Find Momo Outdoors by Andrew KnappBest for Ages 2 to 5 yearsLet's Find Momo Outdoors is a fun look-and-find book with real photos! Your child can look for the animals and objects on every page, which allows you to discuss the purpose of various items with them. This can help them practice their looking skills and increase their vocabulary. (Montessori-friendly) Shh! We Have a Plan by Chris HaughtonBest for Ages 2 to 5 yearsShh! We Have a Plan is a playful book that shows 4 friends trying to carry out their plan to catch a bird. Your child can act out the actions as you read the book to them and maybe even repeat some of the lines along with you! This book can be a great way to help encourage a love of reading. The Cool Bean by Jory John and Pete OswaldBest for Ages 5 to 9 yearsThe Cool Bean is a great children’s book about friendship and inclusion. While sharing what makes someone ‘cool’, it shifts the focus to small acts of kindness having a large impact. As they read this book, it can reinforce many skills and ideas of being considerate and inclusive.   The Book with No Pictures by B.J. NovakBest for Ages 3 to 10 yearsThe Book with No Pictures is a laugh-out-loud read-aloud that surprisingly makes a picture-less book fun and engaging. Despite having no illustrations, it captivates children by making the adult reader say silly, nonsensical, and unexpected things. Kids quickly catch on to the joke: the grown-up has to read whatever the book says, no matter how ridiculous, which creates joy, connection, and endless giggles.   The Book of Mistakes by Corinna LuykenBest for Ages 4 to 9 years What starts as a "mistake" becomes something imaginative, layered, and even better than the original plan. This book is especially powerful for children who struggle with perfectionism. It gently shows that mistakes aren’t failures, they’re part of living and trying things.  Want the whole book list? Download it here!