Build Up Michigan

Parenting a child with a disability often comes with an invisible load that many people never see. It’s the constant advocating, researching, scheduling, comforting, adjusting, and carrying the emotional weight of making sure your child has what they need to thrive. Parents are not only managing daily routines, but also navigating therapies, appointments, school supports, sensory needs, and worries about the future. Even joyful moments can come alongside exhaustion and mental overload. A little understanding, flexibility, and compassion from others can make a meaningful difference. Sometimes the most supportive thing we can do is listen without judgment and recognize the strength it takes to show up every single day. Behind the scenes, the parents are carrying far more than most people realize - and they deserve support too.



Source: Apex Social Group

As children begin to wrap up the school year and head into summer break, many families will be spending more time at pools and lakes. An important safety reminder: dressing children in bright neon colors while they’re in the water can make a big difference. Neon colors are much easier to spot, helping caregivers keep a constant visual eye on kids as they swim and play. In busy or crowded water settings, this added visibility can provide extra peace of mind. It’s a small choice that can support quicker awareness and response if needed. Pair this with active supervision and regular check-ins to help keep summer water fun both safe and enjoyable.



Source: The Craft-at-Home Family

Preschoolers are not meant to sit still or stay focused for long periods of time - and that’s completely developmentally normal. 💛

When we understand what is typical for this age, we can support them with more patience and less frustration. Short attention spans aren’t a problem to fix - they’re part of healthy development. With the right support, children gradually build focus over time.

Supporting autistic children also means supporting the parents and caregivers who advocate for them every single day. 💛

Families often navigate appointments, therapies, school concerns, emotional stress, and uncertainty while trying to ensure their child feels understood and accepted. As educators and early childhood professionals, our compassion, communication, and partnership can make a meaningful difference. Listening without judgment, celebrating strengths, and working collaboratively helps families feel supported rather than alone. Small acts of understanding and flexibility can build trust and create a more inclusive environment for both the child and their family. When parents feel heard and valued, children benefit too. Strong family-professional relationships help create the consistency, support, and connection children need to thrive.



Source: Apex Social Group

Every child grows and develops at their own pace, and early childhood professionals play an important role in recognizing developmental milestones and supporting families along the way. 💛

Build Up Michigan provides free resources, videos, guides, and referral tools to help caregivers and educators support children ages 3–5 as they prepare for kindergarten. The program helps connect families to additional educational supports so children can continue receiving services beyond Early On eligibility. With the right tools and early support, children can build the skills they need to thrive in school and beyond. Together, we can help create strong foundations for lifelong learning!

Sometimes the reminder we all need is simple: your child is acting like a child because they are a child. 💛

Big feelings, impulsive moments, and learning boundaries are all part of normal development - not signs of failure or “bad behavior.” Young children are still learning how to regulate emotions, communicate needs, and navigate the world around them. With patience, guidance, and connection, those skills grow over time. When we shift our perspective, we can respond with more understanding and less frustration.



Source: motherhood.and.montessori

Preschoolers ages 3–5 often have worries that may seem small to adults but feel very real to them. Common concerns include separation from caregivers, new environments, loud noises, changes in routine, or fear of the unknown.

Because their thinking is still developing, these worries are often expressed through behavior like clinginess, tantrums, or trouble sleeping rather than words. The best way to help is by offering reassurance, predictable routines, and simple explanations they can understand. Naming their feelings and letting them know they are safe helps build emotional security. Co-regulation - staying calm and present with them - teaches them how to manage those big feelings over time.

With support and consistency, preschoolers learn that worries can be worked through and handled safely.

Did you know that children typically don’t begin engaging in associative and cooperative play until around ages 3–5?

At younger ages, children are more likely to participate in parallel play, where they play near others but not directly with them. As they grow, they start to show more interest in peers - sharing materials, observing each other, and beginning to interact during play (associative play).

By the preschool years, many children begin cooperative play, where they work together toward a shared goal, take on roles, and follow simple rules. This progression is an important part of social development and doesn’t happen all at once - it takes time, practice, and lots of opportunities to play with others.

Understanding this can help us support children with patience and realistic expectations as they learn these important social skills. 💛



Source: Pathways.org

Calm down strategies are an essential part of helping preschoolers learn how to understand and manage their big emotions. When children are given tools like deep breathing, movement breaks, or quiet spaces, they begin to build self-regulation skills that will support them for life.

It’s important to remember that not every strategy works the same for every child. Some children may need movement to reset, while others may prefer quiet or sensory supports. By offering a variety of options, we help children discover what works best for their own bodies and emotions.

Over time, this builds confidence, independence, and emotional awareness. Teaching these skills early helps children feel safe, supported, and capable of handling big feelings.

Interested in using Build Up services and wondering if your child’s development is on track? A free developmental screening for children ages 2 months to 5 years can be found on the Build Up MI website. Families can complete simple questionnaires to learn more about their child’s communication, motor, problem-solving, social, and emotional development. Completing both screenings provides a more complete picture of your child’s growth and skills. Afterward, a Care Coordinator follows up with results and shares fun, age-appropriate activities to support development at home. Early awareness and support can make a big difference!

To learn more or connect with a Care Coordinator, visit buildupmi.org