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6/3/2026 Sunlight Over Screens: Why a Screen-Free Summer is a Gift for Your Little ExplorerRead Now Screens are all around us, a part of most people's daily lives. But if you're anything like me, there's a call deep in your heart to walk away from the screen and enjoy the natural world and lead your kids to do the same. With June officially here, the temptation to lean on the "digital nanny" is real. We are tired. For those of us with multiple kids, the transition from the structured school year to the expansive, often overwhelming days of summer can feel like leveling up, not relaxing. But I want to offer you a gentle reminder: your child’s brain is a masterpiece of neural pathways waiting to be mapped by the texture of a leaf, the cool splash of a puddle, and the warmth of your undivided gaze. Choosing a screen-free summer isn’t about being "perfect" or "anti-tech." It’s about making room for the joyful chaos that helps our little ones grow into the natural explorers God intended them to be. The Science of the "Sunlight Gift"When we talk about the developmental benefits of outdoor play, we aren't just talking about burning off energy. For babies and toddlers, the world is a giant sensory laboratory. Research shows that screen time, especially for those under two, can sometimes lead to a form of hormonal suppression of the natural curiosity that drives learning. When a child is mesmerized by a fast-paced cartoon, they are in a passive state. Conversely, when that same child is outside, they are practicing:
Sensory Summer for Your Tiniest Blessings (0–12 Months) If you are a new mother, perhaps you’ve recently visited us for breastfeeding support, you might wonder if your baby is "too young" for summer adventures. I promise you, they are ready.
For the Busy Toddler Explorer (1–3 Years)  Toddlers are explorers by nature. They want to test their boundaries, climb everything (as seen above!), and understand how the world works. When we swap the iPad for the backyard, we give them permission to be the scientists they are.
Practical Tips for a Screen-Free SummerWhen the day feels long and the "boredom" whining begins, use this acronym I created to help you reset. Here's a practical tip to help you make the most of those long Minnesota summer days.
Embracing the Journey You are doing a beautiful job. Whether you are breastfeeding on a park bench or navigating the "no" phase of toddlerhood, your story matters. These screen-free moments are small moments of attention that tell your child: I see you. You are enough. This world is a gift. You're Invited to Join Us this SummerWe have designed our June and early July classes specifically to help you navigate these sunny months with intention. From our "My Outside Adventure" class to our "Teddy Bear Park Field Trip," we want to be part of your village.  Take a look at our full schedule of Summer With Littles Classes and find a place where you and your little explorer can grow together. How are you feeling about your summer rhythm? What is one "old-fashioned" outdoor activity you remember from your own childhood that you’d love to share with your little one this year? Share your heart in the comments below (I read every single one.)
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5/23/2026 Big Feelings and Really Big Teddy Bears: Elevate Your Summer with Our NEW Baby Signs Course!Read Now
The "Inside Out" Connection: Giving Joy and Sadness a HandRemember the movie Inside Out? It perfectly illustrates the colorful, chaotic control center inside all of us. For a toddler, those characters ~ Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear, and Disgust ~ are running the show at full speed, but the "control panel" doesn't have a speaker attached yet. When we teach our babies to sign, we aren't just teaching them "tricks." We are giving Joy a megaphone and helping Sadness feel seen. In my experience, when a child can sign "SAD" or "MAD" instead of just screaming, the energy in the room shifts instantly. You move from a place of guessing to a place of knowing. There is such a tender peace that comes when a child realizes, “Oh, she understands me.”  Announcing: Our "More Sign Say & Play" Summer Adventure!I am so incredibly excited to announce our upcoming summer series: More Sign Say & Play, beginning June 10! This is a special six-session journey designed for families with little ones aged 6–24 months. And here is a little secret: you don't need to have taken the first Sign Say & Play series to join us. We are starting fresh and diving deep! This summer, we are doing something brand new. We’re blending the convenience of virtual learning with the community-building and fun of local Twin Cities field trips. We’ll meet online to learn our signs, and then we’ll take those signs "into the wild" to practice them together. Our Summer ThemesEach session is crafted to help your child communicate about their outer world and their inner heart. We’ll be exploring:
From the Screen to the Park: Our Local Field TripsOne of the things I love most about St. Croix Birth & Parenting is the community we build. Especially in Minnesota, summer is SHORT! We have to take time to enjoy the green and growing world around us before it's gone again for another long winter. Therefore, this summer, we aren't just learning behind screens. We have three awesome field trips out in the world planned for our local Twin Cities families: 1. Teddy Bear Park in StillwaterWe’ll be heading to the iconic Teddy Bear Park to practice our "Outside" and "Play" signs. There is something so joyful about witnessing a toddler invite a new friend to "PLAY" while standing in the shadow of a giant bear. It’s a wonderful way for big siblings to get involved, too: they are always welcome to join the fun!  2. The Como Zoo in St. PaulIs there anything better than a summer day at Como? We’ll use our "Zoo" session to name the animals we see. When your child points and signs "MONKEY," they aren't just identifying a creature; they are sharing a thought with you. That connection is a pure blessing from God.  3. A Local Farm AdventureWe are currently finalizing the perfect farm location (stay tuned!), where we will put our "Farm" signs to the test. Imagine your little one signing "COW" or "CHICKEN" while actually hearing the sounds and smelling the hay. It grounds their learning in a sensory-rich reality that sticks.  Why This Matters (The "Real Talk" Version)I know your schedule is packed. I know the idea of adding "one more thing" can feel overwhelming. But I want to give you permission to see this not as a chore, but as an investment in your peace...and proactively laying the foundation for a lifetime of better communication with your child. Research shows that baby sign language can actually boost neural pathways and support later literacy. But more importantly, it reduces the "hormonal suppression" of frustration. When a child can communicate, their cortisol levels drop. And mama, when their cortisol drops, yours does too. You are not alone in the struggle of the toddler years. Your story matters, and your child’s voice ~ even if it’s currently only expressed through their hands ~ is a gift. Join Us This Summer!Whether you are a first-time parent or a seasoned pro with a van full of kids, there is a place for you in More Sign Say & Play.
You can find all the details and register here to grab your spot. I can’t wait to see your little ones' faces light up when they realize they finally have the words or the signs to tell you exactly what’s on their mind. It is a beautiful, tender journey, and I would be honored to be your guide. What is one thing your toddler is currently trying "so hard" to tell you? Share your stories (and your frustrations!) in the comments below: let’s support each other! With love and blessings,
~Christelle Valentine's Day is just a few days away! While the first thing that springs to mind may be romantic love, Valentine's Day is a wonderful time to focus on growing your connection with your little one as well. Toddlers thrive on simple, meaningful activities that engage their senses and strengthen their bond with their parents and other caregivers. I have gathered some simple activities you can easily do with the little ones in your life, while you make some precious memories. crafting A BEE-YOUTIFUL connection
For babies or young toddlers, you can add the details to their footprint to make their bee come alive. Older toddlers and preschoolers will love crafting their bee by themselves! Hint: if you don't have or don't want to use alphabet stickers, you can trace the letters, "BEE MINE," in pencil and have little ones paint over your letters. Fine motor skills, arts and crafts, and writing practice all in one! Saint Valentine love lettersWhile it is entirely possible to celebrate and enjoy Valentine's Day as it is commonly celebrated today, my Christian and Catholic readers will appreciate a faith-based activity you can do with your little ones. Since we're on the topic of "Valentines," did you know that the Saint Valentine, a Roman clergyman from the third century, is still known for writing letters of encouragement to Christians undergoing persecution? This may explain our tradition of writing sweet cards on Valentine's Day to those we love. If you are interested in adding this activity to your special day, talk with your child about people you know who might need some extra encouragement...perhaps a grandparent, a neighbor, residents at a local nursing home, immigrants, or mothers experiencing a difficult or unexpected pregnancy. Write simple messages of encouragement such as "God loves you," "Praying for you," "You are a gift," or "Jesus loves you," and having your child "sign" his name to the card, with a thumbprint, first initial or first name, depending on your child's abilities. Your little ones can also decorate their Saint Valentine cards with hearts, stickers, or stamps. You and your child can then deliver the cards to the intended recipients, bringing them joy, and practicing the virtue of kindness as a family. SENSORY PLAY WITH A HEARTFELT TWISTIf you're hoping to encourage the growth of your little one's attention span; give them an opportunity to explore textures; and practice scooping and pouring; a sensory bin is a great idea. But let's be real...when you've got little ones who may still put things in their mouths, a sensory bin can be a nerve-wracking and potentially dangerous thing! If you can handle it if the littles dump everything out, here's a great idea for a (mostly) edible sensory bin: a cereal bin!
If you want to contain the mess, and you have a big enough box, put the sensory bin and the little ones in the big box. When they're done nibbling, scooping, pouring, and exploring, remove the reusable items and toss, or compost, the remains of the cereal. sweet treats, simple joysSince we're on the topic of food, making heart-shaped treats together is a wonderful way to develop teamwork with your child, while teaching math skills. Valentine's Day and strawberries seem like a natural pair; how about your own home-made, heart-shaped strawberry roll-ups? Yes; please! With only four simple ingredients, this recipe is a great one to make with your little ones. The hardest part for them will be the three to four-hour wait while the mixture dries in the oven. (Hint: fill the time with the other activities we have suggested!) Little ones can measure out and add the ingredients to the food processor, and later, they can cut out the heart-shaped roll-ups with heart cookie cutters. As always, for their safety, make sure you stay with your child throughout this activity. COMMUNICATING LOVE WITH BABY SIGNSGetting out with your little ones to shops or stores around this time of year is a great opportunity to communicate with your child about Valentine's Day. Hearts, flowers, and so many red objects surround and delight your child! Did you know research demonstrates that little ones who use baby sign language learn to communicate more quickly with their parents or caregivers than non-signing babies, and have reduced frustration, because they can talk about the world around and inside them?
The best Valentine's Day activities are the ones that create joyful memories and strengthen family bonds. If you try one or more of these activities, make sure to share how it went in the comments. Use our hashtag #stcroixbirth on social media, so we can share the joy with you and your little ones as you connect on this special day dedicated to love! Note: this post contains affiliate links. Proceeds from your purchases helps us to continue providing free and low-cost services to families in the Twin Cities, Minnesota area, and around the world.
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