Parenting Studies

Young children dancing and moving during a group music and movement activity.

Why Music and Movement Matter in Early Childhood Education

Parenting Studies /

Music and movement do much more than keep young children entertained. Singing, dancing, clapping, and active play can strengthen language, motor skills, attention, confidence, emotional regulation, and social development. Explore why these everyday activities matter and how parents and educators can build them into a child’s routine from infancy through the preschool years.

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Caregiver checking a young child’s temperature while offering comfort and support.

Why Consistent Caregivers Matter in Early Childhood Programs

Parenting Studies /

Consistent caregivers give infants and young children the safety and trust they need to grow, learn, and thrive. This guide explains how low staff turnover supports stronger attachment, better behavior, and richer language and social development, backed by research on caregiver continuity. You’ll also see how Mary Margaret Daycare and Learning Center prioritizes stable, nurturing caregiving across nine St. Louis locations for children ages six weeks to 12 years.

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Group of young children sitting together while wearing colorful rain boots.

How Infant Care Supports Early Growth and Development

Parenting Studies /

The first 18 months shape a child’s brain, emotions, and learning for life. This guide explains how responsive infant care supports early growth through secure relationships, safe sleep, sensory play, and consistent routines. Learn what quality care looks like and how Mary Margaret Daycare and Learning Center in St. Louis, MO supports babies from six weeks across nine Missouri Accredited locations.

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How Parents Can Boost Language and Literacy Development at Home

How Parents can Boost Language and Literacy Development at Home

Parenting Studies /

Giving children a strong start with language and literacy begins at home. Learn how daily conversation, responsive listening, reading together, and playful routines help children build critical skills for learning and confidence, plus, see how Mary Margaret Daycare supports communication and literacy in every classroom.

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Is Bedtime a Nightly Battle? What Parents Need to Know About Kids and Sleep

Is Bedtime a Nightly Battle? Here’s What You Need to Know about Bedtime for Kids

Parenting Studies /

Bedtime can feel like a nightly struggle, but the right routine can help children fall asleep more easily and get the rest they need. This blog shares practical sleep tips by age, ways to create a calmer bedtime routine, and simple strategies families can use to make evenings more peaceful.

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Children gathered around an outdoor table with healthy snacks and drinks.

Good Habits at the Dinner Table and Beyond: How Teaching Table Manners will Improve Your Child’s Social Skills

Parenting Studies /

Teaching table manners might feel like a daily battle, but every reminder you give is building something bigger. From patience and self-control to school readiness and respect for others, good mealtime habits lay the groundwork for lifelong social skills. This guide walks St. Louis parents through age-appropriate expectations, modeling strategies, and how those small dinner table lessons connect to a more confident, considerate child.

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