The dramatic development in a teen’s brain helps explain why parenting teens can be equal parts joy and exasperation. You might admire their creativity, fast learning, and adaptability, but you might still see them struggle with impulse control, decision-making, and evaluating consequences. Both the dizzy excitement and door slamming we see from teens can, in part, be explained by changes in the brain.

What is going on with my emotional teen’s brain?

A teen’s brain relies more on the emotional, reactive center, the amygdala, than an adult’s does. The area of the brain that controls reasoning and helps us think before we act, the prefrontal cortex, is still changing and maturing well into our 20s.

Compared to adults, the teen brain has a harder time thinking before acting or stopping action once it’s started. Their judgment can be overwhelmed by impulses, making it harder to choose between safer and riskier choices.

This doesn’t mean teens can’t show self-restraint or don’t know right from wrong, but they are partly driven by a brain that is currently relying heavily on emotional and reward-driven centers. That can lead to positives, such as strong social connections, and to challenges, such as reckless behavior.

Why is my teen obsessed with K-pop or video games?

There is increased activity in the part of the brain that heightens sensitivity to rewards in teens. The midbrain reward system is the area at the root of romantic love, habit formation, and the reward for being part of the pack. That system is still mostly in charge at this stage. 

Teens will be seeking social approval and exciting experiences. They’ll get immersed in listening to their favorite song (over and over) or want to try every new game. This reward-focused part of the brain can influence things like forming habits and addictions, but it can also lead to positive outcomes, such as joining peers in peaceful activism or volunteering.

Why is my teen so stressed out?

There are plenty of stress triggers at this age. Combine that with stronger emotional reactivity and still-developing coping systems, means that stressful situations can feel overwhelming. Teens may react more to stress more intensely than adults and also may be more susceptible to stress-related problems like anxiety and depression. There are hormonal changes at play that affect the limbic system and the neurotransmitter serotonin, which is important in mood regulation.

Why is my teen still asleep at noon?

This has biological roots too (they are also flexing their independence muscles). Teens are experiencing a shift in their circadian clocks, including changes in the sleep hormone melatonin, causing them to feel awake later at night and struggle with early mornings. Not getting enough sleep can further disrupt hormones and increase impulsivity and emotional volatility.

What helps teens, and their brains, thrive?

Amid all this change, adolescent brains are learning rapidly and have a great capacity for adaptation, called neuroplasticity. You’ll likely see them develop new skills and strengths, make social connections, and think in different ways. Even better, engaging in healthy, challenging activities can help strengthen those brain circuits and promote development.

Here are some things you can do to support your teen and their growing brain power:

Practice patience. What might seem like willful defiance, oversized emotions or thoughtless risk-taking can actually be about how their brains are wired at this age. You’ll still need to parent around those behaviors, but you can acknowledge the biological side while maintaining consistent expectations.

Prioritize good sleep habits. Sleep is essential for all of us. When possible, aim for a balanced schedule that aligns with their adolescent biology.

Be a coach. They are at an age where they are asserting their independence but still reliant on their caring families. Help them reflect on choices and consequences and coach them on different behaviors rather than criticize.

Help them cope with stress. It’s a good time to practice coping skills with your teen because, on the flip side of the brain changes associated with this age, teens also have a lot of cognitive flexibility, which allows them to adapt and shift their perspective more easily.

Seek support if needed. That applies to both you and your teen. Considering how dynamic the adolescent brain is during this period, it’s not a coincidence that major mental health conditions, including anxiety and depression, often appear during this time. If you’re worried about your teen or you need support yourself, talk to your provider, who can also refer you to mental health care. 

Links between the prefrontal cortex and the midbrain reward system develop over time and at different rates in different kids. While a teen’s brain reaches its largest physical size early in adolescence, it still has a lot of changes and development to do, well into their mid-20s. Have some patience and enjoy the ride. It’s an amazing thing to see your child become a teen, make new cognitive connections, become more emotionally aware, and find their own path.

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I’ll start by reiterating that there is robust evidence to support the safety, effectiveness, and necessity of vaccines. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends a vaccine schedule for when and how many doses children in the U.S. receive. Navigating the schedule might look complex at first glance, but it’s helpful to know it’s based on the times when vaccines work best with children’s immune systems and when they are most vulnerable to certain diseases.

I consider the AAP a trusted resource for parents who have questions on immunizations, along with discussing vaccines with your child’s provider. Let’s look at the vaccine schedule to better understand how you are protecting your child and why it’s recommended to start vaccines at these times.

Vaccines recommended at birth

• Hepatitis B is the first vaccine most babies receive, with the first dose within 24 hours of birth. Why? People who are infected with hepatitis B as a baby have a 90% chance of developing serious, chronic conditions like liver damage and liver cancer in their lifetime.
• Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is extremely common overall and is the top cause of hospitalization for babies, so the vaccine is recommended at birth and sometimes for pregnant mothers who can pass protective antibodies on to babies.

Vaccines for babies at 2 months

• Diphtheria, tetanus and acellular pertussis (DTaP) vaccine prevents serious illness from these three diseases.

We hear about DTaP, what’s it all about? Before we had a vaccine, diphtheria killed 1 out of every 5 kids who were infected. Awful, I know. Pertussis, also known as “Whooping Cough,” is characterized by a severe cough caused by bacteria damaging the airways. Babies with pertussis may need hospitalization and are at risk of death. 

Tetanus is caused by bacteria already present in the soil or dust, usually from a cut or puncture wound. You can’t protect kids from getting cuts and scrapes out there, but you can protect them from a painful disease with a tetanus vaccine.

• Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib) vaccine prevents several types of illness, some life-threatening, including ear infections, lung infection, and meningitis.
• Polio (IPV) vaccine prevents a disease that causes death and paralysis. Polio outbreaks still occur in the U.S., so unvaccinated children are at risk.
• Pneumococcal vaccine prevents disease caused by bacteria that can cause ear infections, pneumonia and sometimes sepsis, an overwhelming infection.
• Rotavirus (RV) vaccine stops the highly infectious virus that is the main cause of diarrhea in children.

Immunizations at 6 months

• COVID-19 vaccine, which we know is safe and effective. Children younger than 2 years old are at the highest risk for severe COVID-19 and hospitalization. The AAP recommends the COVID vaccine for all young children aged 6 months through 23 months. Beyond that age, it recommends the vaccine for children and teens with risk factors for COVID or whose parents want COVID vaccine protection.
• Influenza (flu) vaccine is for an unpredictable disease. You don’t know if your child will have a mild case, missing a few days of school, or a severe flu that needs hospital care. Annual flu shots are recommended for everyone.

Vaccines for toddlers (12–18 months)

• Varicella vaccine prevents “chickenpox,” and the Hepatitis A vaccine provides lifelong protection from a serious liver disease.

• Measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine protects most people for life for these diseases with serious consequences. 

Since we’ve recently had another outbreak of measles here, I’ll say a little more on measles. Nearly 1 out of every 3 children under the age of 5 who catches measles ends up in the hospital. The measles virus is quite contagious; it can remain in the air for up to two hours. It incubates for 10 to 14 days, so an infected person could spread it widely before the rash even appears. The vaccine lasts a lifetime with 97% protection against the virus, protecting you and your community.

Vaccines for school-age kids and teens

• Meningococcal vaccines protect older kids from a fast-acting disease that is life-threatening if it’s not caught and treated early, within a few hours. Infections are spread in saliva through close contact, such as coughing or kissing.
• Human papillomavirus (HPV) prevents six types of cancer. Vaccinating kids against HPV when they are ages 9-12 years will allow them to build strong immunity against the virus before they are exposed to it. Here’s my guide to the HPV vaccine.
• Tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis booster: The protection your teen got from their childhood vaccine starts to wear off around age 11. They will need a booster vaccine every 10 years as an adult as well.

Catch-up immunizations: What parents should know

Children and teens can catch up on recommended immunizations if there are doses or vaccines you missed, check with your provider. Immunization helps protect your child now from serious illness and can protect health over a lifetime. 

The post A Parent’s Guide to the Childhood Immunization Schedule appeared first on Seattle's Child.

Rite of Passage Journeys is a unique Northwest summer camp program that offers wilderness experiences from which kids return standing taller, excited to connect with others, and with a strong sense of who they are, what they can accomplish, and their place in the world.

What Makes a Rite of Passage Summer Camp for Kids Different

“It’s so transformative, I can’t even tell you,” says Jenny Macke, the organization’s recent executive director. “I physically see the difference in the kid, every kid—the way they walk, the way they stand, their confidence.”

“It’s kind of a sophisticated version of the adage: know thyself,” adds Randy Morris, president emeritus of the Rite of Passage Board of Directors.

How does this happen? Through a variety of coming-of-age outdoor programs in Olympic National Park for kids ages 10 to 18. Journeys range from a week to three weeks, and many are backpacking trips, while others take place mostly at a base camp.

These programs mark key life transitions: from childhood to adolescence, or from the teen years to adulthood. (Rite of Passage Journeys also has programs for adults.)

How a Rite of Passage Summer Camp for Kids Supports Key Life Transitions

Morris says they meet an instinctual hunger for a way to pause and honor the change, an initiation into the next phase of life. This rarely happens in our culture, and in the absence of a healthy way to mark such a moment, some young people turn instead to alcohol, drugs, or dangerous activities.

Rite of Passage Journeys sends them into the wilderness with their peers and expert mentors to challenge themselves physically and emotionally.

Who should consider a Rite of Passage Journey?

Macke says the programs are a good fit for families who prioritize:

• Building resilience and life skills in their kids.
• Reducing dependence on technology or devices.
• Connecting with nature. “So many parents have great memories of being in nature and having freedom, and they want their kids to have that.”

“Nature is the teacher,” Morris says. “We forget that. We become alienated from the wisdom nature has to offer.”

Summer Camp Without Phones or Screens

He acknowledges that it can be tough for kids to be away from their phones, games, and social media, but that the nervous system actually calms down in their absence, and the body returns to a more normal rhythm – not to mention that the mind is open to new sights and experiences.

One of Macke’s favorite stories is of a journey participant who recalled spending time on a beach in Olympic National Park one evening. The stars were above her, more stars than she’d ever seen in her life in the city. And below her in the water was the glow of bioluminescence. She had a sense of awe.

Not everyone who shows up for a journey is necessarily seeking that awe or excited to be there, Macke says. “The normal response of an ego, especially a teenager’s ego, when they don’t know something, is to be like: I don’t want to do it.”

How Nature Shapes a Rite of Passage Summer Camp for Kids

The journeys aren’t easy. There can be tough hiking, carrying a heavy pack, sleeping on the ground, and group sessions full of challenging self-reflection and relating to others. But despite initial reluctance, Macke believes that kids actually want to be challenged, and they love learning that they can do hard things.

“The whole intention of a rite of passage is to stretch yourself, to say to the part of yourself that doesn’t want to do it that I’m going to try and I’m going to learn and I’m going to grow and I’m going to evolve.”
And don’t believe for a minute that this is all misery. “Oh, these kids have so much fun,” Macke says, “partly because they aren’t worrying all the time about being criticized or bullied or teased for saying something crazy or zany or whatever. There’s a culture that’s created around authenticity, vulnerability, truth telling, taking chances, and a lot of listening and kindness.”

The Confidence Kids Gain at a Rite of Passage Summer Camp for Kids

The end result is what Morris describes as a sense of, “I did that! I didn’t know I could, but I did.” He says it means a lot to a young person to have others witness them exhibiting strength and courage. Lifelong friendships are created, too.

The journeys, by the way, are in small groups led by guides who are highly trained in both the emotional and outdoor aspects of the trips. In general, adolescent journeys for 12- to 15-year-olds are divided by gender; both older and younger groups are mixed gender, and there is also a program called Queer Kinnection for LGBTQIA++ youth ages 14 and up.

Rite of Passage Journeys for 2026 begin in late June and many still have space available. Find full details at riteofpassagejourneys.org.

The post What Happens When Kids Unplug and Head Into the Wilderness appeared first on Seattle's Child.

A Purposeful Extension of the Montessori Day

The Amazing Adventures After-School Enrichment Program runs immediately after school and is offered in three sessions each year – Fall, Winter, and Spring, providing consistency, rhythm, and something for children to look forward to throughout the school year.

The SMS After-School Enrichment Program is more than childcare; it’s an intentional continuation of our educational philosophy. Rooted in Montessori principles, each enrichment offering supports independence, hands-on learning, collaboration, and joyful discovery. Children are given the freedom to explore new interests in a structured yet flexible environment that respects their developmental stage.

Our goal is simple: to offer meaningful experiences that complement academics, encourage holistic growth, and allow children to end their day feeling inspired rather than exhausted.

What Makes SMS Enrichment Unique

All enrichment programs are curated with Montessori quality in mind. Whether a child is building, creating, moving, or problem-solving, activities are purposeful, age-appropriate, and guided by experienced educators and vetted partners.

A Wide Range of Interests

Our after-school enrichment offerings rotate by session and may include:

• Creative chemistry and hands-on science exploration
• Themed art, where children are learning different art techniques
• Lego engineering and design thinking
• Sports and karate programs
• Music, dance, and language exploration

This variety allows children to explore passions while also helping families avoid overscheduling outside of school. Three sessions culminate in a special end-of-session performance, giving children the opportunity to showcase their learning in programs such as drama, music, karate, ballet, and Spanish.

Community Partnerships That Add Value

We collaborate with high-quality external providers and specialists who align with our values and bring expertise in their respective fields, including Amazing Athletes, Kidokinetics, Snapology, Golden Aurora, and IRG. These partnerships allow us to offer diverse programming while maintaining the standards our families expect from SMS.

On-Campus Convenience for Families

Held directly on the SMS campus, enrichment programs eliminate the logistical challenges of after-school pickups and external classes. Children transition seamlessly from their school day into enrichment, and parents enjoy peace of mind knowing their child is learning and thriving in a familiar, trusted environment.

SMS enrichment is intentionally designed to support social-emotional growth alongside skill development. Mixed-age collaboration, teamwork-based activities, and guided independence help children develop confidence, resilience, and communication skills.

In a region where families value education, balance, and enrichment, SMS’s after-school program meets a real community need. By integrating enrichment into the school environment, we help children maintain a healthy rhythm by learning, moving, creating, and connecting without the pressure of long commutes or overly packed schedules.

A highlight of the Amazing Adventures program is the end-of-session celebration. These performances are meaningful moments of pride for children, educators, and families alike, where growth, confidence, and creativity take center stage.

Ultimately, our after-school enrichment program is about joy. Joy in learning, joy in discovery, and joy in community. It’s where interests spark, friendships deepen, and children are reminded that learning can be both meaningful and fun.

Learn more about Sammamish Montessori School and its Montessori after-school enrichment program at the Open House on February 7, 2026.

The post Inside a Montessori After-School Enrichment Program appeared first on Seattle's Child.

I’m a big fan of the benefits of team sports. However, the pressure of succeeding or rushing around to attend every game and practice can take the fun and sense of achievement out of it. In its worst forms, the pressure around performance and sports can lead to low self-esteem, anxiety, and children quitting sports altogether. Parents can help their child find a balance by encouraging physical activity in a way that works best for their child and their family.

Help protect kids from sports injuries

The best thing we can do is protect our kids from getting hurt in the first place. The highest risk is when a child starts a new sport, so make sure kids understand the rules of the sport, have good protective gear and equipment, warm up adequately, and take breaks. You can also teach them about:

• Paying attention to pain and fatigue. Teach your child that pain and tiredness are the body’s way of saying “slow down, recover, and heal.” Sore muscles are common after starting a new activity, but pain can also be a sign of an injury.
• Being willing to sit one out. Kids want to stay in the game, and coaches sometimes rely on the child’s own assessment of a minor injury to decide if they can continue. Talk to your child about the long-term risks of injury and teach them that admitting they are injured or tired and sitting one game out can mean they can play the whole rest of the season.
• Varying their activity. Encourage your child to participate in a variety of sports instead of focusing on just one. This cuts down on repetitive actions and overtraining. Help them understand that repetitive activities like pitching or a golf swing can lead to injury and that adults may need to set limits on their participation in a particular activity in order to keep them healthy.

Avoid burnout and keep sports fun

Sports and activity are clearly part of good physical and mental health. But the American Academy of Pediatrics found that 70% of kids drop out of organized youth sports by age 13, and nearly 1 in 10 youth athletes experience burnout. When your child no longer feels a sense of fun and accomplishment, they are less likely to stay active. Help your child find ways to stay active that fit into your life, school commitments, social time, and sleep schedules by:

• Letting your child choose their sports or activities. Children are more likely to develop a lifelong habit of physical activity if they enjoy it! Let them choose their sport or activity, and let them change sports or activities if they want to.
• Finding more flexible schedules. If it doesn’t feel like there’s time for school sports or competitive sports schedules are too hard to fit in, your child could ride a bike with friends or take a hike. There are also organized activities with less demanding schedules, like drop-in pickleball or basketball games at the YMCA, martial arts classes, or my family’s favorite: ultimate frisbee.
• Doing something fun: Jump rope, dance, or toss a ball with your child. Running amok in the backyard can be as good a physical activity as team soccer. What the activity is doesn’t matter as much as your child enjoying it, doing it regularly, and wanting to do it again.
• Choosing appropriate activities. This goes for both burnout and injury. Participating in sports that match a child’s development helps keep them in the game. A child younger than 10 can’t do as much aerobic activity as a teen can, and children make gains in muscle strength and coordination in stages, so help them choose accordingly.

Being active lowers the risk for serious health problems, keeps bones and joints strong, and helps children focus in school. But I don’t know many 10-year-olds who care much about that! They want to do sports or activities that make friends, give them a sense of accomplishment, and make them feel great. Focusing on those benefits can help them stay healthy, stay motivated, and stay in the game.

Read more from Dr. Block

• The Importance and Joy of Reading with Kids
• Talking to Kids About Diverse Families
• Why Parents Need Support Networks and How to Build Yours

The post Youth Sports Burnout and Injury Prevention for Kids appeared first on Seattle's Child.

The holidays can be hectic. Reading together, either out loud or reading our own books, can be a golden moment of slowing down and connecting. Reading and reading to your children plays an amazing role in their healthy development and is also a way to bond and explore topics together. Let’s talk about why reading matters and how to raise readers in your family.

Not every kid takes naturally to reading, but if you can encourage reading, it brings big developmental benefits. Reading and being read to activate key areas of the brain that support language, critical thinking and emotional growth. Books introduce complex ideas and words, concepts that strengthen critical thinking, and stimulate imagination. Kids who read for pleasure are shown to perform better at cognitive tests and have better mental health in adolescence.

Reading with kids: getting started

It’s amazing when you think about it, but infants start learning in the womb, where they hear and respond to familiar voices. When children are young, reading aloud to them promotes healthy brain growth and positive emotional and social development.

Really, the best time start reading with your kids is now. Start at whatever age and wherever your children are with their own reading interest and skills. It can be a great way to support family bonding and to offer a safe way to explore feelings and ideas together.

There’s a difference between learning to read and learning to be a reader. Both are important!

Make reading enjoyable

Here are a few tips for creating positive associations that help children build a healthy habit of reading for pleasure:

• Short reading sessions are fine. Spending 20-30 minutes a day reading and fostering connection is ideal but even short sessions reading together can build consistency and reap benefits.
• Model reading. I say it over and over again, kids reflect what we do. If they see you enjoying reading, they’re more likely to pick it up. However, if you aren’t a big reader, you can also set a tone where your family likes to learn new things, including from books.
• Let them pick their own books. Take your child to the library often and let them pick what they are interested in. Tie reading to a hobby or interest like books about baseball or horses. Additionally, you can tie reading into TV, movies or games.
• Ask questions during reading. Ask things like “What do you think will happen next?” or “How does the character feel?” This helps children practice predicting, analyzing and making connections and engages them in the story.
• Let them read an extra few minutes. If you “let” kids stay up an extra bit or read in bed by a flashlight, they feel a little like they are getting away with something! That can help create positive associations with books.
• Remember that stories are entertaining! Books are a great way for children to entertain themselves, get absorbed and fuel their own imagination. You can put books in places that your child would otherwise be bored like the car to make it a habit to grab something to read.
• Try alternatives to traditional books. Formats like graphic novels (which require creating a cohesive narrative in your head and yes, a lot of reading), reading aloud at any age, and reading along with audio books require the reader to learn to read differently. It might be the path in for you child.

Empathy and connection

When children see characters navigate life’s joys and challenges, resolve conflicts and succeed, they develop empathy and emotional strategies they can apply in their own lives.

Just talking with them about their reading can be a good way to explore feelings and ideas and enjoy the connection that reading can bring.

More from Dr. Block and Kaiser Permanente:

• Tips for talking to kids about diverse families

• How team sports can be good for kids’ physical and mental health

• What to know before adopting a family pet

• Tips for managing holiday stress and overload

• What to do if your child is being bullied, or being a bully

• Why parents need support networks, and how to build yours

The post The importance, and joy, of reading with kids | Ask the Pediatrician appeared first on Seattle's Child.

SMS has been part of the region’s long-standing Montessori network in the Puget Sound, and our mission has always been rooted in providing an authentic, high-quality Montessori education that nurtures the whole child. A key part of sustaining that mission is engaging in thoughtful reflection, continuous improvement, and accountability to the highest standards of Montessori practice.

What AMS accreditation means for Seattle-area families

One meaningful way we uphold these standards is through our long-standing relationship with the American Montessori Society (AMS), the organization that sets the benchmark for quality Montessori education in the United States and beyond. The AMS accreditation is widely recognized as the gold standard of Montessori excellence, offering schools a rigorous framework that guides strong program implementation, professional growth, and long-term school development.

We are proud to share that Sammamish Montessori School (SMS) has been officially re-accredited by the American Montessori Society (AMS) through 2032. SMS remains one of only 10 AMS-accredited schools in Washington state, and part of a distinguished network of 239 AMS-accredited Montessori schools worldwide. This designation places our school among a select group that has demonstrated excellence across all aspects of Montessori education—from curriculum and instruction to organizational leadership, staff development, and community engagement.

Our reaccreditation journey

The SMS reaccreditation journey began in January 2023 with the start of an in-depth, collaborative 12–18-month self-study process. Over this extended period, our community, including lead guides, assistant guides, administrative staff, and parents, engaged in thoughtful reflection, data collection, and analysis guided by the nine AMS Accreditation

Standards:

• Standard 1: Philosophy, Mission, and Vision
• Standard 2: Governance, Leadership, and Continuous Improvement (Strategic Plan)
• Standard 3: Teaching and Learning—Educational Nature
• Standard 4: Documenting and Using Results—Learner Outcomes
• Standard 5: Personnel
• Standard 6: Facility Resources
• Standard 7: Finances & Stability
• Standard 8: Records, Resources, and Support Systems
• Standard 9: Stakeholder Communication and Relationships

This intensive process examined every aspect of the school, from curriculum and teaching practices to governance, finances, safety, and community engagement. Through this introspective process, the school identifies both its strengths and opportunities for growth. The final self-study report was submitted in May 2024, marking the completion of this important phase.

The on-site visit: October 2024

Following the self-study, SMS welcomed an AMS peer review team for a comprehensive on-site visit in October 2024. During this multi-day evaluation, the team:

• Observed classrooms in both the Toddler and Primary programs
• Engaged with guides (lead and assistant teachers) across both programs
• Interviewed parents to understand the family experience and community strength
• Conducted meetings with the leadership team, administrative staff, and enrichment specialists
• Reviewed documentation to validate alignment with AMS standards
• Connected with various stakeholders to gain a holistic understanding of SMS’s operations and culture

This process reflects AMS’s commitment to ensuring that accredited schools truly embody the principles of Montessori philosophy, prepared environments, and child-centered learning.

This visit served not only as an objective review but also as an affirming and collaborative exchange with peers from other accredited Montessori schools.

Sammamish Montessori School reaccreditation granted: April 2025

After a thorough review of the self-study and the on-site visit findings, the AMS Commission on Accreditation granted SMS full reaccreditation in April 2025, extending our accredited status for another seven years, through 2032.

This acknowledgment affirms the dedication, consistency, and expertise of our guides, staff, and school leadership, and the trust and partnership of our parent community.

Celebrating strengths & looking ahead

The AMS review team highlighted numerous strengths within our program, including:

• Our experienced, dedicated, and passionate teaching teams
• Carefully prepared and beautifully maintained Montessori environments
• Strong administrative leadership and operational stability
• A deeply connected and supportive parent community
• A culture rooted in respect, safety, and the holistic development of each child

They also provided thoughtful recommendations that we have incorporated into our strategic plan, guiding our next phase of growth. Reaccreditation is both a celebration and a renewed commitment to continuous improvement.

Honoring Montessori’s vision

As we reflect on this accomplishment, we are guided by Dr. Maria Montessori’s profound understanding of the child:

“We must help the child to act for himself, will for himself, think for himself. The child is the constructor of man, and the environment must give him the means to develop his potential, respecting his individuality and natural tendencies.” — The Discovery of the Child (1948)

These words remind us why we do this work—and why this reaccreditation matters.

With gratitude

This milestone would not have been possible without the exceptional dedication of our faculty and staff, who bring the Montessori philosophy to life each day with passion, professionalism, and heart. We are equally grateful to our families for their trust and partnership throughout this journey.

Together, we are nurturing curious minds, compassionate hearts, and confident lifelong learners.

We are honored to continue this important work as a trusted Montessori option for Seattle-area families and an AMS-accredited school through 2032 and beyond.

The post Sammamish Montessori School achieves AMS Reaccreditation through 2032 appeared first on Seattle's Child.

When we gather with generations of family and friends, we’re likely to spend time with families that look different than our own. It’s natural for kids to be curious about differences and as parents, we can help them learn the skills to embrace different and diverse families with respect.

A lot of the time, kids are good at passing over differences without a thought, they just want to get to the pie please. But spending time with families different from yours can also bring up questions and curiosity. It can make kids uncomfortable or afraid, and sometimes parents too. The holidays are also a time that changes in your own family like divorce or loss and grief can feel more visible.

Parents can help their kids understand that families can be any kind of shapes or combinations, like a single parent, two moms or divorced co-parents, or they might have a child with special needs or be a family with different ethnicities or cultures.

Let them know that what loving families all have in common is that they care for each other, just like you care for them.

Tips for talking to your kids about families

Fill them in ahead of time. How much you fill them in depends on your child’s age and maturity, but just a little info can help kids process the world. Simply state the facts “Maria has two moms, and they love her very much,” or “Families can look different and it’s fine to be curious.”

There are a lot of examples of diverse or different families in books and videos you can share with your child to open up conversation and questions they may have.

Answer your child’s questions. Often kids are just looking for information, “Why and how is this family different than mine?” If you are unsure how to answer, you can say, “You’re really curious, let me see if I can find out more and we can talk later.” Do get back to them, pulling away from a topic can send a caution message and that they shouldn’t be curious or connect with this family.

You can also ask other families if it’s OK to ask questions. If your family is getting the questions, set expectations and boundaries about what you feel comfortable talking about and let your children know they can refer questions from kids and adults to you if they are uncomfortable or unsure.

Love and feelings

Acknowledge your child’s feelings. Listen to their concerns or feelings and let them know you understand why they might feel confused or curious. If your family or others you spend time with are going through transitions like divorce or grief, holiday gatherings can bring up fear for kids, “What would happen to me if you went away?” Reassure them that they are loved and safe and listen to your child’s fears or worries. A hug goes a long way to helping your child cope with those feelings!

Focus on loving families. Most kids just want to know they are safe and that others are safe too. Ask about your child’s worries or fears and let them know that all kinds of loving families nurture and care for each other. If your child is coping with loss like divorce or grieving a loved one, acknowledge those losses and focus on the love around them.

Manage your own feelings. Kids take cues from us. If you’re uncomfortable with how a family is different or are feeling upset about a breakup among friends for example, you can still reduce stress and worry for your kids by listening and answering questions calmly and reassuring them.

Emphasize respect and kindness

Conversations about different families can also sometimes lead to conversations like the birds and the bees, sexuality and gender. It’s going to come up sometime! This can be a good opportunity to answer those questions as well as you can at an age appropriate level. If you’re unsure how to talk about an issue you can find resources online, from community members, or from your pediatrician.

Showing your child how to treat other people with respect and kindness will help them navigate the world, help them build positive coping skills and celebrate the differences in our lives.

More from Dr. Block and Kaiser Permanente:

• How team sports can be good for kids’ physical and mental health

• What to know before adopting a family pet

• Tips for managing holiday stress and overload

• Why parents need support networks, and how to build yours

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KidsQuest history: Fostering children’s play since the beginning

Think of KidsQuest’s story as a whimsical, layered cake: each tier slightly off-center but perfectly balanced, every layer filled with color, play, and a generous serving of imagination.

The first layer was baked in 2005, when KidsQuest opened at Bellevue’s Factoria Mall. Here, children could climb a towering treehouse, steer a pirate ship, splash in water, or imagine life on the road inside a real PACCAR semi-truck cab. Every exhibit was designed to put play at the forefront of discovery, encouraging children to experiment, solve problems, and create alongside their caregivers.

“For children, play is an essential need. It’s just as important as food, clothing, or shelter,” says Putter Bert, KidsQuest’s President and CEO. “As a vital educational resource, our mission is rooted in play to foster a love for lifelong learning. We want to give our visitors the toolkit to discover and learn something new every day.”

Science and play collide at the old Factoria Mall KidsQuest Children’s Museum location.

Beloved programs like the Gingerbread Workshop, Teddy Bear Clinic, and Pysanky Egg Decorating Workshop became signature sprinkles on the KidsQuest experience, bringing families of all backgrounds to learn and laugh together. “We’ve always had a quilt of the community in terms of cultural and economic diversity,” Bert adds. “Everyone is welcome here. No matter what. As long as you’re kind and joyful, we want to play with you.”

Taking the mission and creating a space

As KidsQuest’s impact grew, so did its recipe for success. Educators began taking the Museum’s mission beyond its walls, bringing hands-on STEAM activities to schools, libraries, and community events across the region. The community’s appetite for playful learning only expanded, and by 2017, KidsQuest had outgrown its first home.

That year, the Museum added a new tier—moving into the former Rosalie Whyel Museum of Doll Art in downtown Bellevue. The reimagined space offered fresh ingredients for discovery: a 2.5-story Climber, a Story Tree, the Bellevue Mercantile, outdoor space Sticks & Stones, and a dedicated Art Studio. All these exhibits were designed to help children explore STEAM concepts in joyful, organic ways.

KidsQuest’s foundation of creating learning through play remains the sturdy base beneath every layer. Through partnerships with schools, libraries, and family service organizations, the Museum continues to expand access to playful learning for children of all backgrounds and abilities. In 2019, KidsQuest became a certified Sensory Accessible Venue, ensuring all children and families feel safe, welcome, and able to participate fully in the joy of discovery.

KidsQuest in the community at an outreach event in Renton.

A place for all families to connect and learn

Today, KidsQuest stands as a cornerstone of its ever-growing community. The Museum proudly serves as the place where families connect, children lead their own learning, and imagination knows no age limit. “We don’t want to just be a museum in the community,” says Bert. “We want to be the community’s museum.”

As KidsQuest looks ahead, the next layer is already taking shape. Plans for the future include new ways to bring art and science together in the heart of downtown Bellevue and continuing to serve as a space where little hands shape big ideas.

More than a building, KidsQuest reflects the community that built it: volunteers, donors, educators, and families who have added their own ingredients to its story. And no matter how tall the cake grows, its foundation remains the same: a love of learning that lasts a lifetime.

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Representative Salahuddin, a proud Redmond native and alumnus of Emily Dickinson Elementary School, returned to the community where his journey began to share stories of leadership, service, and the importance of giving back. His visit was both inspiring and heartfelt, reminding everyone that leadership often begins close to home.

After touring classrooms and learning about the Montessori philosophy, which emphasizes independence, curiosity, and respect, Representative Salahuddin joined the SMS Leaders Club for an engaging Q&A session. The exchange was lively, thoughtful, and filled with the kind of questions only children can dream up.

Representative Salahuddin answers questions from Sammamish Montessori School students.

Students asked everything from “Why is this job important?” to “What do you wear to work?” Some questions reflected their empathy, such as “Can you help people who don’t have homes?” While others brought laughter, including “Can you bring scooters to our school?” and the crowd favorite, “What if we want scooters and goats?”

Representative Salahuddin answered each question with warmth and care, encouraging students to stay curious, learn how the government works, and understand that their voices matter. He spoke about the importance of listening, teamwork, and how leadership means serving others —lessons that deeply resonated with both students and teachers.

To show their appreciation, the children presented him with a handmade welcome banner and thank-you card, each crafted with colorful drawings and heartfelt messages.

For Sammamish Montessori School, the visit wasn’t just a special event; it was a powerful reminder of what the SMS Leaders Club stands for: nurturing community awareness, curiosity, and compassion from an early age.

As Dr. Maria Montessori once said, “The child is both a hope and a promise for mankind.” In Sammamish Montessori School that day, surrounded by laughter and questions about goats and government, that promise was shining bright.

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