Join the Park-A-Day Challenge

When you think of classic movies like “The Sandlot,” “Little Rascals” or “Now & Then,” there is a common theme among them: the summers of our childhood. And throughout these movies we witness the adventures, mishaps and entertainment brought about by what child specialists call “free play.” Free play is voluntary, unstructured activity completely initiated […]

by Maura Flaherty

Should You Redshirt Your Child for Kindergarten?

Kathy Hardy, Winnetka Community Nursery School Director, says she has always regretted not “buying” her daughter, now 27, an extra year of preschool. “As parents you can’t help but want the leg up for your child,” Hardy says. Hardy is referring to academic redshirting, the practice of intentionally holding your child out an extra year […]

by Maura Flaherty