Author Storytime at SPNS

We had a delightful Friday evening, November 14, 2025, listening to author Ellen HS read her new book, Merry Claus and the Holiday Dash. It was novel to be at school at night, wearing pajamas, and enjoying cookies! As we hoped, alumni families joined us, too! For more details about the book and to purchase, Follow Merry

Preschool or Transitional Kindergarten

Here’s a great article on the topic from our sister school, Cupertino Co-op Nursery School

The Art of Letting Go: Supporting Your Child’s Growing Independence

Parenting often feels like walking a tightrope. We want our kids to be independent thinkers, yet watching them assert that independence can feel like a gut punch—especially when it comes in the form of “I don’t want to do this anymore.”

This is the tricky territory of quitting. Whether it’s piano lessons, soccer practice, or a beloved extracurricular, every parent faces the moment when their child wants to walk away. The question is: Do we let them?

The Lessons We’ve Learned About Quitting

1. Listening Matters:
   When our preschooler announced she was “done” with dance class, our first instinct was to say, “But you love it! Don’t give up!” But after a little digging, we discovered she wasn’t enjoying the structure of the class anymore—she wanted more free movement. Listening showed us that quitting wasn’t about giving up; it was about finding joy​.

2. Quitting Is a Skill, Too:
   There’s value in teaching kids how to assess when something no longer serves them. That doesn’t mean walking away at the first sign of frustration. Instead, it means reflecting on what they’ve learned and deciding how to move forward.

3. The Right Kind of “Follow-Through”:
   If quitting is inevitable, teach your child to finish strong. Whether it’s attending the final practice or thanking their teacher, these small acts build character.

When to Step In (and When to Step Back)

There are times when perseverance is the lesson, not the activity itself. But as parents, we need to recognize when pushing them through is more about our expectations than their needs. Supporting independence isn’t always easy, but it’s an investment in raising thoughtful, self-aware humans.

Why Preschoolers Need to Get Messy: The Benefits of Hands-On Learning

Preschoolers and mess are a package deal. Finger paint on their faces, glitter in their hair, dirt on their clothes — these moments of chaos often leave parents wondering, “Is this really necessary?”

Spoiler alert: It is.

Why Messy Play Is Magical

1. It Encourages Exploration:When kids dig in the dirt or smear paint across a canvas, they’re discovering textures, patterns, and possibilities. This hands-on exploration fosters creativity and critical thinking​.

2. It Builds Resilience:Messy play is about more than fun — it’s about problem-solving. When a tower of blocks collapses, or colors mix unexpectedly, kids learn to adapt and try again. These are life skills in disguise.

3. It’s Healthy for Their Immune Systems:Believe it or not, dirt isn’t the enemy. Exposure to natural elements can strengthen a child’s immunity, making them more resilient to germs and illnesses.

How to Embrace the Mess (Without Losing Your Mind)

• Invest in washable paints, clothes, and tablecloths.

• Create designated “mess zones” where your child can play freely.

• Remember that a little chaos now is laying the foundation for big discoveries later.

So next time you see your preschooler diving into mud or glue, smile. They’re not just making a mess — they’re building a future.

At Sequoia Parents Nursery School, we embrace messy play as a critical part of learning. Visit us to see how!

We offer programs for children starting at 1 year old and are located in San Carlos, drawing families from across Silicon Valley, including Belmont, Redwood City, and San Mateo.