Confused by all the parenting resources? Looking for the definitive voice? Let our experts cut through the noise. Subscribe to the Bright Horizons® podcast, "Teach. Play. Love. Parenting Advice for the Early Years." Listen as parents and early childhood educators come together to cull the competing advice, separate fact from fiction, and focus on what does – and doesn’t – matter during these early years. Be more confident, have less worry…and let Bright Horizons help make parenting the joy i ...
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Ep 67: Healthy Screen Time for Young Kids
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This episode dives into the presence of screens in our daily lives and how they influence child development. Child development experts, Rachel Robertson & Claire Goss, discuss how to navigate screens in everyday life, recommended screen time for young children, how parental screen habits affect children, and the advantages of establishing healthy s…
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In today's episode of Teach, Play, Love, our hosts & education experts, Rachel Robertson and Claire Goss, redefine school readiness and what you can do at home to support your child’s school readiness skills.
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Ep 65: Tantrums: The What, The Why, and The How
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In this episode of Teach. Play. Love. Our Education experts Rachel Robertson and Claire Goss discuss How to deal with children's tantrums. They cover why tantrums are normal, tools to handle them, the brain science behind tantrums, alternative handling methods, and tips on staying calm during a tantrum.…
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In this episode of Teach, Play, Love, our hosts & early childhood education experts Rachel Robertson and Claire Goss, explore the topic of friendships in early childhood. They examine how friendships and play encourage social-emotional development, how to have a successful playdate, and what to do when aggressive behavior happens between children.…
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Ep 63: Listener Questions: Setting (and Holding) Limits
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In today's episode of Teach, Play, Love, our hosts & education and development experts Rachel Robertson and Claire Goss, delve into how to set limits with your young children.
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Ep 62: The Benefits of Chores for Young Children
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In this episode, our education experts Rachel and Claire discuss the benefits of giving chores to young children. Listen for tips on what chores are best for certain ages, and learn how giving your child responsibilities leads to not only a tidier home, but also builds your child’s confidence and independence.…
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Ep 61: Building Executive Function Skills
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Join Rachel and Claire as they discuss how executive function skills develop and how to work on these skills with your children as they grow and learn. As children grow and learn, they continue to develop and refine their executive function skills, which are crucial for success in school and in life. In this episode of Teach. Play. Love., Rachel an…
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Ep 60: Fact or Fiction: Common Child Development Myths
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Join Rachel and Claire as they sort the fact from the fiction, redefine what matters most, and equip parents with the confidence to provide the experiences their children need to thrive now and in the future. Get parenting advice from Rachel and Claire! You can leave them a voicemail by calling 617-673-8881 and your question may be answered in a fu…
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Did you have a favorite book as a child? Perhaps you remember reading with a loved one or special teacher. In this episode of Teach. Play. Love., Rachel and Claire discuss why reading to your child is so important and how to make story time a memorable bonding and learning experience. Do you need help picking out books for your kids? Check out our …
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Ep 58: Navigating the Joys and Challenges of Grandparents
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In this episode of Teach. Play. Love., explore the advantages of grandparent and extended family support, and learn how to overcome common challenges. Grandparents and other extended family members have the remarkable ability to bring joy to a child's life. When grandparents are actively involved in their grandchild's life, they can provide invalua…
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Listen to this episode of Teach. Play. Love., to learn why play is one of the most important things a child can do each day and get advice on how to have fun playing with your kids. Play allows children to experiment with concepts and ideas to make sense of the world around them. Setting aside time each day to play with your child can foster their …
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Ep 56: Listener Questions: Helping Children with Big Emotions
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Whether you’re preparing for a new baby, answering complicated questions, or encountering defiance from a toddler, it’s important to give yourself grace. Guiding your children through these moments will not only help them build resilience and understanding, but will ensure they know you’re there for them no matter how tricky life may get. Get paren…
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Ep 55: Hands On, Minds On: How Kids Learn REPLAY
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Hands-on, minds-on — that’s how children learn best. When they can touch, wonder, explore, and discover, the opportunities are endless. In this episode, get expert advice from Rachel Robertson and Claire Goss on encouraging immersive and meaningful learning experiences. Plus, you’ll find out how to build a foundation for happy, healthy development.…
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Are you getting ready for a family trip? Join Rachel and Claire as they share their own travel adventures and provide a practical list of tips you can implement right away as you plan your next family getaway. While traveling with kids has challenging moments, it can also be one of the most rewarding experiences your family can have. Make sure to g…
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Sibling relationships can be complicated—camaraderie and closeness sometimes mixed with moments of intense competition and conflict. From understanding the root causes of sibling rivalry to promoting cooperation and empathy, Rachel & Claire will navigate the intricacies of sibling relationships and explore effective strategies to foster harmony amo…
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Raising children on your own can feel overwhelming. In addition to caring for your children, it’s also vital to take care of yourself. Learn how to turn to family, friends, and even strangers for support, how to use Prime Times to build connections with your children and find reassurance in your parenting. Join Rachel and Claire as they speak candi…
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Establishing a consistent routine can not only benefit your child, but also make your life as a parent or caregiver much easier. By providing predictability and structure, routines can help everyone in the family feel more confident and prepared for each day. Be sure to give children enough time to get used to new routines and once they do, you’ll …
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Ep 50: Creating Easy Transitions (Through Your Day)
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Whether you’re coming inside after fun at the playground, going from playtime to bath and bed, or even just leaving the house to go to school, transitions can cause an array of complicated feelings for our children. Learn strategies to help them through these tough moments and make the day a bit easier for everyone! Transitions can be challenging m…
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Ep 49: Raising Resilient Kids: The Importance of Failure and Building a Growth Mindset
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One of the key ways we can help our children grow in life is to let them fail. While it can be difficult as a parent to see your children struggle, we know we won’t always be by their side to help when things get tough. Developing a child’s resilience can help them prepare to tackle future challenges. We want them to have the confidence to handle a…
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Ep 48: Nurturing Your Child’s Love of Art & Creativity
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While creative art activities may seem like something that is “just for fun,” they are actually key elements to child development. Remember to let your child take charge of the artistic process! Your job is to provide the rich environment and materials. Then allow your child to take the creative lead. In this episode, Rachel and Claire discuss the …
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Ep. 47: Managing Separation Anxiety in Young Children
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While separation anxiety can be tough for both parents and children, it’s reassuring to know it happens because we love each other so very much. Establishing daily routines and rituals – paired with patience and grace -- will help your child trust the process. And YOU can find comfort in knowing that your child is in good hands, even on the most di…
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Ep. 46: Encouraging Sharing & Taking Turns
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At what age should a child understand the concept of sharing, and how do we give them tools to develop this important life skill? Join our early childhood experts Rachel Robertson and Claire Goss as they share developmentally appropriate expectations around taking turns and sharing, how to practice and model sharing with your child, and when it’s a…
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Curiosity is an important skill that enhances cognitive and social-emotional development, gives your child confidence, and contributes to their love of learning. If your child is asking you a question, instead of answering, try responding with, "what do you think?" or "let's find out." Minimizing direction and instruction will help your child build…
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Ep. 44: Lesser-Known Child Development Milestones
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Small developmental milestones, such as stranger awareness and imaginative play, give children the chance to think, process, wonder, and act on their curiosity. These minor, often overlooked, milestones can signify growth in cognitive, social, emotional,language, and motor skills. Learn from our early childhood experts, Rachel Robertson and Claire …
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Some love math, many hate it, but we all need it. And no matter how you feel about it, it’s critical to your child’s development. Take another listen to this episode as Rachel Robertson and Ruth Fidino discuss appropriate math activities for your child. Go beyond counting, teach the bigger concept of numbers and what they stand for, and find out ho…
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With the approach of summer comes camps, family vacations, and outdoor fun. But you may be wondering, when will you have time to prepare your child for the new school year? Luckily, outdoor fun encourages learning for your child. Play contributes to the imagination and encourages healthy risk-taking. When we’re outside moving our bodies, we’re doin…
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Does it seem like your child’s favorite word is “no” these days? Why are they suddenly opposed to everything? Find out what’s really going on and how to get through this frustrating phase from our own early childhood experts, Rachel Robertson and Claire Goss. Learn why saying “no” is a positive milestone and hear how to nurture your child’s emotion…
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Ep. 40: How to Approach Hitting and Biting
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Biting, hitting, kicking, “I hate you!” Why does physically aggressive behavior happen in the early years? Where does it come from, and what can you do to deal with it proactively and manage it in the moment? Our early childhood experts Rachel Robertson and Claire Goss explain the many different underlying reasons why your young child might get phy…
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Ep. 39: Difficult Conversations with Kids: Your Body
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“Where do babies come from?” Your child’s inevitable questions are coming — but when? What if they come up in inopportune moments or places? How should you answer? On this episode, early childhood experts (and moms!) Rachel Robertson and Claire Goss share guidance and personal tips. Tune in to learn how to prepare for body conversations, make every…
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Your child’s brain is hardwired to categorize things — so they’re going to notice and ask about differences. The question is: how should you respond? Join early childhood experts Rachel Robertson and Melanie Brooks to find out how to explore race with your child in a sensitive, positive manner. Plus, learn how to use play, books, images, and experi…
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Your child has the desire to build new skills and learn new tasks from day one — but motivation is something they need to learn. And you can impact the inner workings of their brain to help them do so. In this episode, early childhood experts Rachel Robertson and Claire Goss cover strategies for inspiring motivation and the foundational steps that …
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“What happened to my world?” “Am I going to be okay — will everyone be okay?” When stress and trauma disrupt your child’s life, what can you say and do to help them feel safe and secure? Early childhood experts Rachel Robertson and Claire Goss say the four pillars of security — people, places, routines, and rituals — can guide your child through di…
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We’re all born hard-wired for empathy — but we have to work at it. How can you help your child build this lifelong skill? In this episode, early education experts Rachel Robertson and Claire Goss offer a run-down on what empathy is and why it’s important. Plus, hear how to set appropriate expectations for your child’s age group and learn proactive,…
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Ep. 34: Hands-On, Minds-On: How Kids Learn
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Hands-on, minds-on — that’s how children learn best. When they can touch, wonder, explore, and discover, the opportunities are endless. In this episode, get expert advice from Rachel Robertson and Claire Goss on encouraging immersive and meaningful learning experiences. Plus, you’ll find out how to build a foundation for happy, healthy development.…
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Ep. 33: Build Healthy Habits Early REPLAY
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Healthy eating is an important part of your child’s development. Nutrition impacts energy and brain function, so building healthy habits early on is key. But high cost and low availability of some foods, busy schedules, and picky eaters can throw a wrench in your healthy plans. Take another listen to this episode as Rachel Robertson and Ruth Fidino…
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Wondering how to help your child feel ready as they head back to the classroom? After remote or hybrid learning, the school-year transition might feel like a whole new ball game. But the good news is: your child needs the same strategies they’ve always needed to prepare for back to school. Tune in to hear early childhood experts, Rachel Robertson a…
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Ep. 31: The Worry Over Language Development
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Are you concerned that the mask-era hindered your child’s language development? Listen to this episode to get advice from Rachel and Claire on how to keep helping your child improve their language skills.
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Outdoor play offers so many developmental benefits – including healthy risk-taking. But bold, physical risks might make you feel uneasy. How can you encourage your child to bravely step outside their comfort zone, without letting on that you’re worried? On this podcast episode, early childhood experts Rachel Robertson and Claire Goss cover how to h…
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As things start to open up, opportunities for socialization do, too. Is your child craving social interaction, or are they nervous about what comes next? How can you support them as they ease back into social situations, and venture out into the world again? On this episode, early childhood experts Rachel Robertson and Claire Goss discuss how play,…
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How has the pandemic affected children’s learning? Are they behind? What can we do about learning loss? For over a year, child care and school have felt anything but normal — and if you’re a parent concerned about learning loss, you’re not alone. But according to early education experts (and parents!) Rachel Robertson and Claire Goss, we need to th…
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Inspiring strong voices, boosting self-confidence, encouraging risks, and celebrating differences — it’s all part of raising a girl. Who does your daughter want to be when she grows up? How can you help her get there? On this episode, Rachel Robertson and Claire Goss — early childhood experts and proud girl moms — talk about everything from setting…
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Ep. 26: Important Conversations About Social Justice for Kids
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Children are hard-wired to want to help others. Collectively, we’re raising the next generation of leaders — and we can empower them to make a difference. On this episode, we’re exploring social justice. Our child development experts share strategies to help you teach your child about diversity, equity, and inclusion, and encourage them to be curio…
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Ep. 25: Can Pandemic Stress Be Positive Stress?
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2020 brought unimaginable instability, and 2021 didn’t begin with the fresh start we hoped for. No one knows what’s happening next, and everyone’s stressed — including kids. How can you tell if pandemic stress is affecting your child, and how can you offer the support they need? Early childhood experts Rachel Robertson and Claire Goss describe diff…
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“Am I doing this right?” “How will my child turn out?” Overwhelming, isn’t it? Join Rachel Robertson and Ruth Fidino — early education experts and parenting veterans — who say that parenting doesn’t have to be perfect to be successful. There are so many ways to be a good parent, and you’ll find what works for you. Tune in to hear what worked for t…
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Ep. 23: How to Talk to Children About Race
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Your child’s brain is hardwired to categorize things — so they’re going to notice and ask about differences. The question is: how should you respond? Join early childhood experts Rachel Robertson and Melanie Brooks to find out how to explore race with your child in a sensitive, positive manner. Plus, learn how to use play, books, images, and experi…
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Ep. 22: Staying Connected While Staying Apart
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Building secure, social attachments…during a pandemic? None of us have trained for this. But it is possible to help your child stay connected with others, even while staying apart. Get ideas that will boost social-emotional development for little ones through elementary schoolers — including games, cooperative play, interactive technology, virtual …
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Ep. 21: Bringing the Classroom to Your Living Room
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School has started, but it’s far from what we’re all used to. Are you scrambling to create a remote learning environment that will make things easier on you and your child? Our early childhood experts Rachel Robertson and Ruth Fidino have ideas that can help. Tune in to hear how to set up a learning space, establish routines, rituals, classroom job…
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Ep. 20: A Parenting Mindset for Back-to-School
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Remote learning, a hybrid model, or fully in-person, no matter how your school district decided to start the academic year, it’s sure to look and feel different than you and your child expected. And, on top of that, no one knows what’s coming next. Hear from Rachel Robertson, education and development vice president, and Ruth Fidino, senior educa…
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World events shake all of us — parents and children alike. So how do you answer when your child asks, “Are we going to be okay?” On this episode, Bright Horizons early childhood education expert Rachel Robertson gives concrete advice on all of it — supporting your child through difficult times, giving calm, simple reassurances to tough questions, a…
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Full schedules and little downtime can cause stress for everyone – including children – but practicing mindfulness can alleviate that stress. We are bringing back this episode to help you learn about the many benefits of being mindful, how to pay attention on purpose, and how to do mindfulness activities like Shake the Sillies Out and Mind Bubbles.…
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