As an early childhood educator, I spent years in a classroom, watching little ones learn and grow. I saw firsthand how much a child can absorb through play, exploration, and hands-on experiences. I was passionate about early childhood development and creating a space where children could thrive. But when I became a mom myself, I found that the journey was entirely different when it was happening in my own home.
I remember trading my teacher's lesson plans for a toddler's unpredictable energy. Suddenly, the checklists and milestones I knew so well felt less like a guide and more like a source of pressure. I wanted to use my professional knowledge to support my child, but I also wanted our days to be filled with connection and fun, not just structured "learning time."
That’s what led me to a beautiful realization: I didn't need a classroom to provide a rich learning environment. I could use my expertise to transform our home into a space of discovery and joy. I learned to embrace play-based learning at home as the most powerful tool for growth. It wasn't about buying fancy toys or following a rigid curriculum; it was about seeing the learning potential in every moment—from a sensory bin of dried beans to a backyard scavenger hunt.
This shift in perspective became the foundation of my approach to homeschooling toddlers and preschoolers. I started looking for ways to weave my knowledge of developmental milestones into our daily routines. My goal was simple: make learning so fun that it just feels like playing. We began building block towers to practice motor skills, sorting colorful pompoms for early math, and creating "mud pies" to explore scientific concepts.
This approach isn't about being a perfect parent or a perfect teacher. It's about being present and purposeful. It’s about understanding that every time your child asks "why?" they are building their critical thinking skills, and every time they try to zip their own coat, they are working on their independence. These are the moments that truly matter.
If you’re a parent who is passionate about nurturing your child’s development but wants a simple, joyful way to do it, you’re in the right place. I’ve taken all my years of experience and poured them into a guide for you. My new book, Milestones Made Easy, is a collection of my favorite purposeful play ideas that support all areas of a child's growth. These are the activities that my own children and I have loved the most—the ones that feel like pure fun while secretly building a strong foundation for future learning.
My mission is to make child development made simple, approachable, and a source of joy for every parent. I believe that learning through play for ages 1-6 is the most natural way for a child to thrive. It's about celebrating every milestone, big or small, and cherishing the journey.
Ready to discover how you can bring the magic of learning into your own home? Let's make every day an adventure together.
Ready to start? You can find all my favorite simple, joyful activities in my new book, Milestones Made Easy: Support Developmental Milestones with Simple, Joyful Activities at Home in my Rooted Prints Payhip store.
Let’s make early learning feel doable and delightful—together.
With heart,
Rowena
Homeschool mom | Early Childhood Educator | Founder of Rooted Prints