![An early childhood educator lies on the floor and plays with three babies.](https://activeforlife.com/content/uploads/2024/07/daycare-989x660.jpg)
![An early childhood educator lies on the floor and plays with three babies.](https://activeforlife.com/content/uploads/2024/07/daycare-989x660.jpg)
![Why investing in active play in childcare is essential for children’s development](http://activeforlife.com/img/thumbnail/2024/07/daycare.jpg)
Why investing in active play in childcare is essential for children’s development
ActivePlay in childcare is a new, free program designed to support the ECEs tasked with educating our children.
![Beach days with toddlers: How to play, what to pack, and staying safe](http://activeforlife.com/img/thumbnail/2024/07/toddler-beach.jpg)
Beach days with toddlers: How to play, what to pack, and staying safe
The beach is such a fun place for a toddler! Here’s some helpful advice to ensure beach days go smoothly for you and your little one.
![7 ways for your kids to have an unscheduled summer](http://activeforlife.com/img/thumbnail/2024/07/child-laughing-bubbles.jpg)
7 ways for your kids to have an unscheduled summer
In the summer, kids have many weeks of freedom from school. Here’s how to help them nix boredom while encouraging unplanned, unscheduled fun!
![How to make friends with other active families](http://activeforlife.com/img/thumbnail/2024/06/group-kids-laughing.jpg)
How to make friends with other active families
Spending time with active families can help your family be more active! Here are some tips for how to start and cultivate friendships like these.
![The 17-second rule & the importance of risky play](http://activeforlife.com/img/thumbnail/2024/06/girl-swinging.jpg)
The 17-second rule & the importance of risky play
Learn why risky play is so important for kids and try this useful tip to keep yourself from jumping in to intervene (we know it’s hard!).
![8 popular outdoor games from around the world](http://activeforlife.com/img/thumbnail/2024/06/kids-running-field.jpg)
8 popular outdoor games from around the world
As parents and educators, we’re always looking for creative, new-to-us games to teach our children. These eight games from different countries are fun, active, and can help expose kids to different cultures.
![Celebrating the first International Day of Play](http://activeforlife.com/img/thumbnail/2024/06/kids-tug-of-war.jpg)
Celebrating the first International Day of Play
In 2024, the first-ever International Day of Play will be observed and celebrated on June 11. For children, this is big news.
![How often does my toddler really need a bath or shower? (Plus other hygiene questions)](http://activeforlife.com/img/thumbnail/2024/05/baby-bath-time.jpg)
How often does my toddler really need a bath or shower? (Plus other hygiene questions)
Learn how often you should be bathing your little one and if it’s possible to bathe too much or little, plus other toddler hygiene tips.
![The Anxious Generation: It’s time to protect children against social media](http://activeforlife.com/img/thumbnail/2024/05/kids-on-phones.jpg)
The Anxious Generation: It’s time to protect children against social media
Social media has taken a toll on kids’ mental health. Here are some things parents can do to try to alleviate their children’s anxiety.
![Mindful mornings: Creating a positive morning routine for children](http://activeforlife.com/img/thumbnail/2024/05/iStock-1415071386.jpg)
Mindful mornings: Creating a positive morning routine for children
By incorporating positive and mindful activities into your family’s morning routine, you can help start the day off on the right foot.
![How to adapt the activities you enjoy as an adult for toddlers](http://activeforlife.com/img/thumbnail/2024/04/mom-toddler-seaside-walk.jpg)
How to adapt the activities you enjoy as an adult for toddlers
Whether it’s going to restaurants or going hiking, how can you make the activities you love fun for your young children?
![Here’s why I’ll be pulling my kids out of school more often as the weather warms up](http://activeforlife.com/img/thumbnail/2024/04/mother-daughter-hike.jpg)
Here’s why I’ll be pulling my kids out of school more often as the weather warms up
Unique, outside-the-classroom experiences hold a lot of value for our kids. Here’s why I like taking my kids out of school for vacation from time to time.
![Why babies need the freedom to move + floor activities for each stage](http://activeforlife.com/img/thumbnail/2024/04/baby-smiling-crawling.jpg)
Why babies need the freedom to move + floor activities for each stage
It’s important that babies have the opportunity to move freely. Try these fun activities to help your little one start to sit up, crawl, and stand.
![Ontario school boards sue social media platforms](http://activeforlife.com/img/thumbnail/2024/03/girl-phone-class.jpg)
Ontario school boards sue social media platforms
The school boards claim that platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok have an incredibly negative impact on how children think, behave, and learn in school.
![8 games and activities young kids can play alone](http://activeforlife.com/img/thumbnail/2024/03/two-sisters-laughing.jpg)
8 games and activities young kids can play alone
As a mom who works from home, I sometimes need to set my kids up with fun, independent activities. Here are some suggestions for games children can play alone.
![10 books for babies and toddlers that encourage movement](http://activeforlife.com/img/thumbnail/2024/03/dad-toddler-reading.jpg)
10 books for babies and toddlers that encourage movement
Many babies and toddlers struggle to sit still long enough to listen to a story. These fun, active books will encourage kids to move, wiggle, and clap!
![7 wonderful things ECEs can do for our children](http://activeforlife.com/img/thumbnail/2024/03/childcare-centre-play.jpg)
7 wonderful things ECEs can do for our children
Early childhood educators are incredibly valuable in supporting and guiding the educational, social, behavioural, and emotional development of children.
![When should your toddler start running?](http://activeforlife.com/img/thumbnail/2024/02/toddler-mom-chase.jpg)
When should your toddler start running?
It’s very clear our toddler wants to run (and jump and swing and slide), but we started to wonder: when should she start running?
![Outdoor winter chores for 7 to 10 year olds](http://activeforlife.com/img/thumbnail/2024/02/father-son-carry-wood.jpg)
Outdoor winter chores for 7 to 10 year olds
When it’s snowy and chilly outside, these chores will help get kids moving and helping out the family.
![Creative activities across Canada to beat the winter blues](http://activeforlife.com/img/thumbnail/2024/02/boy-mom-running-winter.jpg)
Creative activities across Canada to beat the winter blues
Cities and towns across Canada are embracing winter through fun activities that encourage residents to get moving outdoors.
![The importance of active play in the early years](http://activeforlife.com/img/thumbnail/2024/02/toddler-girl-smiling.jpg)
The importance of active play in the early years
Active play plays an essential role in kids’ development, and early years educators are uniquely positioned to incorporate active play.
![Outdoor winter activities for kids when there’s no snow](http://activeforlife.com/img/thumbnail/2024/01/mom-child-mushroom-hike.jpg)
Outdoor winter activities for kids when there’s no snow
Even though snow provides many opportunities for play, there are plenty of great outdoor winter activities for families when there’s no snow on the ground!
![Canadian Paediatric Society recommends risky play for kids](http://activeforlife.com/img/thumbnail/2024/01/girl-climbing-playground-risky.jpg)
Canadian Paediatric Society recommends risky play for kids
Risky and unstructured play have a crucial role in the physical, mental, and social development of children, says the Canadian Paediatric Society.
![5 good reasons why kids should play outdoors in winter](http://activeforlife.com/img/thumbnail/2024/01/child-laughing-snowy-winter.jpg)
5 good reasons why kids should play outdoors in winter
Outdoor play in the winter is so great for kids. Learn how it can even help keep our children healthy throughout the colder months of the year.