About Lydia M. Bowers

Lydia M. Bower has 15 years experience as an Early Childhood Educator, and as a public programs presenter for the Cincinnati Museum Center. She completed her Child Development Associate credential and is currently finishing her Bachelor’s degree from Kent State University. Lydia works as a freelance early childhood writer and sexual health educator, as well as audio book narrator for educational and children’s books. She currently serves on an advisory council to the governing board of the National Association for the Education of Young Children and is an American Sexual Health Association Ambassador and creator of their “Be An Askable Parent” curriculum.

Sensory Scavenger Hunt

How can we engage children in using their senses outdoors? Use a Sensory Scavenger Hunt! This can be something you try to search for all in one longer outdoor trip or keep it on hand for whenever you notice these … READ MORE

Prescription: Sunshine

The weather is fluctuating…one day may be 65 degrees, and a couple of days later it’s snowing! Do fluctuating temperatures, overcast days, and fickle temperatures have you and your children feeling aggravated, house-bound, and on edge? You’re not alone! We … READ MORE

Cold Weather Fun!

Let’s talk cold weather fun for kids! When it’s really cold, it’s hard to get motivated to go outside. I am not a cold weather person. I’d be happy never seeing snow again, and anything under 40 degrees is too … READ MORE

O Christmas Tree!

Did you happen to have evergreen in your home over the holidays? Whether it was a Christmas tree, a wreath, garlands, or something else, they don’t have to be garbage. Get outdoors with your children and get creative with exploration … READ MORE

Seed Bombs

In the fall, many plants start dropping their seeds, so now is a great time to head outside to collect and prepare seeds for growing in the spring. Take a bucket or bag with you on nature walks, and have … READ MORE

What to do with Leftover Jack O’ Lanterns?

Are you soon going to be wondering what to do with leftover pumpkins?  After October 31st, all those carved pumpkins have to just be thrown away, right? Wrong! You can head outside and work together to turn jack o’lanterns into … READ MORE

Nature’s Fidget Spinner

Even if you don’t have one, you’d be hard pressed to not know about the fidget spinner craze. But instead of running out the door, jumping in your car, and speeding off to the nearest store selling them, encourage children … READ MORE

Summer Playground Safety

The sun is shining and children cannot wait to get outside and play! Even beautiful weather can create a few hazards, however, so it is a good idea to make sure everything is looked over. As the temperatures increase, playground … READ MORE

Bike Wash

I sometimes struggle to motivate myself to face the heat and humidity, even when I know I need to get my children outside to play. Incorporating water helps, but sometimes I look for something to do beyond just running through … READ MORE

Not Just a Climber

We often hear about the importance of adjusting environments to children’s learning and behavior, but somehow that tends to stop at the door. We head out to the installed, immobile playgrounds and assume that’s just it. However, playgrounds are extensions … READ MORE