Ages & Stages

While the greater Cleveland/Akron area offers plenty in the way of outdoor winter fun, sometimes the temperatures are too frigid for young children. Get your kids out of the house for an indoor adventure at one of the many family-friendly play centers in the region. You're sure to find one close by with our extensive list. ...

The Greater Cleveland area offers many options when it comes to preschool. If it's time to start considering which program would be the right fit for your child — and your family — begin your search for information by consulting our list of Northeast Ohio preschools. ...

Did you know that reading aloud is the single most important thing a parent or caregiver can do to help a child prepare for reading and learning? Reading aloud stimulates language development even before a child can talk. Find out other benefits associated with reading to your child. ...

For children younger than age 5, the body is organizing itself and learning how to move using two types of skills: gross motor skills and fine motor skills. Parents should watch their child’s development and mastery in these skills closely, as delays in one area likely predict other issues. ...

Open house events are ideal for parents and students to ask questions, meet faculty and see if a particular school is the right fit. Check this list of private and other schools in the greater Cleveland/Akron area that offer upcoming open houses and tours. ...

When it comes to helping a child deal with worry, it's important to remember that the content is largely irrelevant. What’s important is how parents are responding to their kid’s worry. Learn five steps to help your child deal with their worries, no matter the cause. ...

Parents want the holidays to be a fun time for kids, but sometimes it seems almost impossible to manage their behavior around this time of year. When your child starts to act out of character, they are probably just overstimulated — taking in too many sights, sounds and smells can be overwhelming for little children. Keep these things in mind to help reduce holiday meltdowns. ...

Until now, feeding your baby has been your job. However, as your baby gets older, your little one will want to do this more and more on their own. Now that they’re joining the rest of the family for meals, older babies are ready — and often willing — to try more table foods. ...

Sign language can help ease frustration for children between the ages of eight months and 2 years. At this age, children begin to know what they want, need and feel, but don't always have the oral-motor and verbal skills to express themselves. Basic sign language can help decrease frustration for both caregiver and child, promote early language skills and enhance the bond between the infant and those who sign. ...

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