Maria Lopez

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Thrive to Five Playfest

What: A day of play and discovery for children ages 0 to 5, networking opportunities for families and a Community Resource Fair

When: 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Saturday, March 15, 2025. Sensory hour for ages 0-3 with special needs begins at 8:30 a.m.

Where: Arizona State Fairgrounds, 1826 W. McDowell Road, Phoenix

Admission: $10 adults, free for children. Tickets required to enter

Information/tickets: www.classy.org/event/thrive-to-five-playfest-2025/e659811

Parenting or caring for a child from birth to age 5 is an adventure. It’s a time filled with rapid development, curious question, and milestones that make you proud. But let’s be honest — sometimes it feels like you’re winging it.

The good news? Supporting a young child’s growth doesn’t have to be complicated or overwhelming. Small, everyday actions can make a big difference in their development.

Here are some simple, practical tips for parents and caregivers to help make the most of these precious early years.

Make play a priority

When you think about teaching your child, it’s easy to overlook something as simple as play. But for young children, play is the work of learning. Whether they’re stacking blocks, coloring with crayons or banging on pots and pans, they’re figuring out how the world works.

Pretend play is especially powerful. When your child pretends to be a chef, a teacher or a superhero, they’re building problem-solving skills, creativity and even empathy.

Let their imagination lead the way, and don’t worry if the living room becomes a jungle or a spaceship — it’s all part of the fun!

Read together every day

Storytime isn’t just about books; it’s about bonding. Cozying up with your child and a good story can spark their imagination and build early literacy skills. Choose books with bright pictures and engaging stories, and make reading interactive.

Ask questions as you read. “What do you think will happen next?” or “Can you find the dog in this picture?” can turn reading into a two-way conversation that helps your child stay engaged. Plus, it plants the seeds for a lifelong love of learning.

Encourage curiosity

Have you ever felt like your child has asked “Why?” a million times in one day? It might be tiring, but their curiosity is a gift. When they ask questions, take a moment to answer — or better yet, explore the answers together.

For example, if your child asks, “Why is the sky blue?” and you’re not sure how to explain it, look it up together or create a simple experiment about light and color. These small moments show your child that learning is an exciting, shared journey.

Build routines

Children may seem like little balls of chaos, but they actually thrive on structure. Routines help them feel safe and secure because they know what to expect.

Keep things simple: regular times for meals, play and bedtime can make a huge difference. Even small rituals, like singing a song before brushing teeth or sharing “what made you happy today” before bed, can create a comforting rhythm in their day.

Celebrate every win

Every child develops at their own pace, and progress comes in all shapes and sizes. Did your toddler say a new word? Celebrate! Did your preschooler finally figure out how to put on their shoes? Give them a high-five!

Acknowledging these small wins helps your child feel proud and motivated to keep learning and growing. Your encouragement and praise mean the world to them.

Your role as the first teacher

While Head Start and preschool programs are excellent ways to support early development, remember that the most important classroom is at home. Your love, support, and time are the greatest gifts you can give your child.

When you take the time to play, read, or simply listen, you’re laying the foundation for their future. It’s not about doing everything perfectly — it’s about showing up, being present and making those little moments count.

Together, we build bright futures

Parenting isn’t easy, but you’re not alone. Resources like Southwest Human Development’s programs, including Head Start and the Birth to Five Helpline, are here to support you every step of the way.

For more tips and ideas, visit swhd.org. Together, we can help Arizona’s youngest learners grow, thrive and achieve their full potential.

Editor’s note: Maria Lopez is Birth to Five Helpline Program Manager for Phoenix-based Southwest Human Development, Arizona’s largest nonprofit dedicated to early childhood development. Please send your comments to AzOpinions@iniusa.org. We are committed to publishing a wide variety of reader opinions, as long as they meet our Civility Guidelines.