Photo courtesy of Sunshine Academy 

Every parent wants to raise confident, capable, and emotionally resilient kids, but in today’s fast-paced world, we’re constantly battling the pressure to make things faster, easier, and smoother. “I get it. I’ve spent over two decades in early childhood education, and I’ve seen firsthand how much parenting has changed — and how children are changing, too.” shared Sara Schreiner owner of The Sunshine Academy.  

If you're looking for practical ways to support your child’s development in everyday life, here are three big ones — and they’re simpler (and harder) than they sound. 

1. Give Them Opportunities to “Want” Something 

This one is tough, because as parents, we’re wired to provide and protect. When a child asks for something and we have the ability to give it; whether it’s another snack, screen time, or that shiny toy in the checkout lane. It’s tempting to say “yes,” especially if saying “no” leads to a meltdown. 

But here’s the thing: tolerating discomfort is a learned skill. And one of the best ways to teach it is by letting your child want something... and not immediately fulfilling that want. Letting them sit with the feeling of “I don’t get what I want right now” helps build emotional regulation, patience, and resilience. 

If we always rescue them from that tension, they miss out on the lesson that it’s okay to feel disappointed and that the feeling will pass. 

2. Teach Them to Advocate — Not Whine 

We all want our kids to “use their words,” but we often stop short of showing them how. Teaching advocacy starts with modeling. When a child says, “I want juice!” we can pause and say, “You can say, ‘May I have juice, please?’” And when they do, we follow through. 

This builds both language and confidence. Whining, on the other hand, is often just a sign that a child doesn’t know a better way to express themselves or has learned that whining gets results. 

Be consistent. If your child whines for a snack, calmly let them know you’ll respond when they use their regular voice. Hold the boundary. You're not being mean, you're teaching them how to communicate their needs in a respectful way, which will serve them far beyond toddlerhood. 

3. Help Them Stretch Their Attention Span 

Here’s a trend Sara has watched grow over the past 20 years: attention spans are getting shorter. And no, it’s not just because of screens. 

• Think about how many little parts of life have changed: 
• Fewer commercials to sit through 
• Grocery delivery and curbside pickup instead of long shopping trips 
• Instant downloads instead of waiting for a show to come on 
• Toys that light up, talk, and play for the child rather than with them 
• So many parts of modern life require less waiting, less creativity, and less effort — and that affects how long children can stay engaged. 
• But attention span is like a muscle — it grows when it’s gently challenged. 

Here are a few ways to help: 

• Let your child be bored sometimes. Boredom sparks creativity. 
• Don’t feel the need to entertain them 24/7. 
• Use open-ended toys like blocks, dolls, or art supplies that encourage imagination. 
• Avoid interrupting them when they’re focused, even to praise. Let them stay in the moment. 
• And most importantly, give things time. You don’t have to structure every minute of your child’s day to give them a great childhood. In fact, leaving space may be one of the greatest gifts you can offer. 

Here’s the encouraging part: when you stick with it, it really does pay off. 

It might not feel like it when your toddler is crying over crackers or whining for a toy but the effort you put into helping them wait, express themselves clearly, and stay engaged just a little longer is laying the groundwork for success far beyond the toddler years. 

These are the exact skills that help children thrive in the classroom: 

• They can follow routines and wait their turn. 
• They can express needs without melting down. 
• They can stay focused during story time, art projects, or play. 
• They can handle frustration and bounce back more quickly. 

Sunshine Academy sees it all the time, the child who struggled to wait as a two-year-old becomes the confident, kind, and curious four-year-old who’s ready to take on Pre-K with independence. That kind of growth doesn’t happen by accident, it happens because of the hard, intentional work parents are doing every day behind the scenes. 

So, if it feels hard right now, that’s okay. It’s supposed to be. You’re raising a human being, not just managing behavior. And the good news? You’re doing better than you think. 

Sara Schreiner is the owner of The Sunshine Academy, a certified parenting coach, and a dedicated advocate for early childhood education. With years of experience in the childcare industry, she has helped parents navigate the joys and challenges of raising over a thousand children in Yellowstone County. Her expertise in early learning, child development, and family support makes her a trusted resource for parents seeking guidance in choosing high-quality childcare. 

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