News and Updates From Great Kids

Maximize Movement

by Great Kids | Jan 27, 2025

“And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance, I hope you dance…” -from the song “I Hope You Dance” by LeeAnn Womack

A Love for Music and Dance

Like many of you, I’m a big fan of music and dancing. Unfortunately for me, however, I am not the most coordinated dancer. Still, that doesn’t stop me from doing it — especially in my living room or kitchen when no one is around.

I also love to watch other people dance. I sometimes enjoy scrolling through the latest video dance trends on certain social media sites. One trend I enjoyed this year featured men and women of my generation showing off their 80s dance moves to Small Town Boy by Bronski’s Beat.

Get To Know the New Great Kids CEO

by Great Kids | Dec 3, 2024

We’re excited to introduce you to the new CEO of Great Kids, David Bird! As we begin this new chapter, we want to share more about David, his vision for the future of our organization, and how he plans to continue our mission.

The “Me do it” Mentality and Asking for Help

by Great Kids | Dec 2, 2024

If you’ve ever had the pleasure of a toddler’s company, you’ve likely heard something along the lines of, “Me do it.”

On Saturday, my offer to help a little one put on their shoes was met with a fiercely independent “I can do it!” And when I gently commented that a shoe might be on the wrong foot, I was promptly informed, “I like them that way!” I couldn’t help but smile as this three-year-old clearly expressed their desire for independence!

While this behavior is normal and appropriate for an independent three-year-old, it’s not always fitting for adults.

A Farewell Message From Our CEO

Apr 30, 2024

It is with a mixture of gratitude, melancholy, and excitement for the future that I announce my resignation as the Great Kids, Inc. CEO. My last day will be May 31, 2024.

I am so grateful for my 20 years with Great Kids, working in different capacities – either as a user of the curriculum, a Great Kids’ trainer/consultant or as the CEO for the last seven years.

Riding the Child-Led Play Train

Mar 18, 2024

“Choo! Choo!” my nephew Scotty* called out, “Auntie, come get on the train!” As I made my way into the family room, I saw Scotty instructing my sister where the ticketing line started, eager for us to hop aboard the train. As we each sat in our assigned seats, our train grew longer and longer as we all joined in on the fun!

Becoming Trauma-Informed, Becoming Resilient

Mar 18, 2024

Since I moved into my own home several years ago, the season I look forward to most is Spring. The previous owner left many lovely plants, trees, and bushes, including a coral azalea that brightens the view outside my office window for a few brief weeks each year.

Becoming a Parent Changes Your Brain

Jan 11, 2024

Don’t you love crawling into bed each night? The weariness of the day seems to soak away as you snuggle under the covers and feel the comfort of your bed envelop you.

According to researchers, our bodies and brains need sleep as much as breathing air and drinking water, but the amount of sleep required differs from person to person.

Nurturing Traditions

Dec 7, 2023

Upon opening the door to my grandmother’s house on a Sunday afternoon, you are delighted with the sweet aroma of buttery biscuits and the sound of joyful family laughter greeting you. As you enter the kitchen, you will find us all working together to prepare the Sunday Dinner, a treasured tradition that has been passed down from my grandmother’s generation. Childhood memories often play a profound role in shaping our adult lives. These moments have taught me more than culinary skills. They have passed down values, cultural connections, and a sense of togetherness that will last a lifetime.

Playing Together

Nov 14, 2023

The other day, I was walking by a local playground. I stopped for a minute to notice all the happy children running around and playing with each other. It brought back such sweet memories of when my own kids were little and played on this playground with my community’s playgroup. Seeing how much the kids loved playing together and their parents bonding was such a heartwarming experience. Playgroups had a significant role in my parenting journey, and I’m so grateful for the memories they helped create.

Imagination in Adults

Oct 18, 2023

What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you picture “playing pretend”? Maybe you conjure up the image of a toddler using a recycled cardboard box as a racecar, or perhaps a preschooler mixing up a questionable potion from rarely used kitchen spices and tap water. I must admit, I have quite a bit of personal experience with the latter. For many adults, I think, we can quickly put together a colorful picture of a young child tapping into their imagination and transforming the world around them into one of their own designs. It’s more difficult, though, to find a similar picture for ourselves as grown-ups. When was the last time you activated that creativity?

Sparking HOPE for the Future: Supporting those experiencing substance use disorder

Sep 14, 2023

“What is addiction, really? It is a sign, a signal, a symptom of distress. It is a language that tells us about a plight that must be understood.” Alice Miller. I think it’s fair to say that, just like other illnesses, no one wakes up and decides to have a substance use disorder.

Sparking HOPE for the Future: Supporting Family Systems

Aug 14, 2023

So much for lazy summer days! If your family is like mine, the hustle and bustle of summer is in full swing. There are activities to go to, yardwork to keep up with, and general maintenance tasks to get done.

Travel Into Deeper Connections

Jul 21, 2023

My trip of a lifetime was in a small town on the coast of Croatia that was once a part of the Venetian trade route. It has a beautiful coast for summer visitors and ancient buildings for tourists.

The city of Split was where I spent my 50th birthday with a group of friends. We had a tour guide to take our group through Diocletian’s Palace. Tour guides in Europe often have to be trained and licensed. They must prove their knowledge, and they have to be certified.