“Quick, find your backpack! Time to go!”
“Don’t forget your shoes, meet me by the car!”
“Dinner’s ready in five!”
Do any of these phrases strike a chord? As a parent, have you ever felt a twinge of frustration when these simple directions seem to go unnoticed by your little one?
Take heart – you are not alone. Most adults grapple with their child’s perceived inability to follow simple instructions. However, we often forget the pace and stage of a child’s brain development compared to their expected abilities.
Children’s brains are like sponges, absorbing and growing; however, certain abstract concepts like multitasking or time management remain alien to them. They’re still learning self-control and patience, so a tantrum isn’t out of the ordinary when things don’t go their way immediately.
Research shows that nearly 85-90% of brain development happens in the first five years of life. It’s during these years that children, given the right environment, use their experiences and daily routines to comprehend more logical concepts and learn patience.
In fact, the critical thinking skills we value as adults don’t fully bloom until around the age of 26. So, expecting a toddler to function at that level is bound to cause some frustration (for both of you!). Your child’s brain matures through countless little daily experiences, enhancing focus, memory, and self-regulation.
With the huge responsibility of raising a child, and acknowledging that young brains develop significantly during this time, parents can easily feel overwhelmed. Good news — the educators at Kiddie Academy are trained experts who can partner with you to make the most of these critical years of brain growth.
Kiddie Academy’s Life Essentials® curriculum is meticulously designed to encompass hundreds of activities from infancy through junior kindergarten to stimulate both the creative and logical sides of your child’s brain.
For example, we understand that children need positive and engaging experiences to navigate their day successfully with fewer meltdowns. And, we know the importance of preparing them for kindergarten and beyond. That’s why our educators at Kiddie Academy take time to connect with each child, understand their perspective, and guide them forward.
And, since the emotional side of a child’s brain develops first, we regularly check in on their feelings and emotions. This helps validate their experiences and smoothly navigate day-to-day hiccups. Our goal is to provide a safe space where children feel understood, build trust, and foster a love for life-long learning.
Choosing a childcare provider is a significant decision for any family. Layer in the knowledge that brain development happens more during the first 5 years than any other time, and the importance of early childhood education becomes clear. 
Kiddie Academy is not a daycare — we’re so much more! Our educators nurture, educate, and inspire your child through our proprietary Life Essentials® curriculum, which is designed to focus on the six outcomes that prepare children for life. We partner with families to help children reach their full potential during this crucial brain development and elementary school preparation period.
We invite you to join our community dedicated to nurturing young minds.
Written by Gina Purvis, Operations Director
