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The Sunshine Blog

Notes for parents, from people who get it.

Real talk on parenting, childcare, and family life, written by Sara Schreiner, founder of The Sunshine Academy, with guest posts from Katlyn Gotschall, LCPC of Apricity Counseling.

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How to Stop Rehearsing Worst-Case Scenarios at Your Desk
Sara Schreiner, Founder of The Sunshine Academy
July 6, 2026Childcare Tips & Advice

How to Stop Rehearsing Worst-Case Scenarios at Your Desk

You are three items into a meeting and your brain is somewhere else entirely.

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How to Use Summer to Teach Your Child About Privacy and Consent
Sara Schreiner, Founder of The Sunshine Academy
June 18, 2026Health & SafetyParenting Tips & Advice

How to Use Summer to Teach Your Child About Privacy and Consent

You're at the pool, or maybe it's bath time, and your four-year-old asks a question so loud and so blunt that the parent next to you pretends not to hear.

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Sara Schreiner
May 8, 2026Teachers

How to Find a Classroom That Actually Sees You

You know the moment I'm talking about.

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Sara Schreiner
May 8, 2026Childcare Tips & Advice

How Hiring People Who Truly Want to Be Here Changes Everything

You know that feeling when you drop your child off and your stomach knots up?

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Hair Goals and Rubber Band Regrets
Sara Schreiner
January 31, 2026Childcare Tips & Advice

Hair Goals and Rubber Band Regrets

Not about world peace or financial freedom, something far more specific: I dreamed of having a daughter whose hair looked like she had just stepped out of a baby salon every single day.

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You're Not Tired. You're Regulating Everyone.
Sara Schreiner
January 14, 2026Childcare Tips & Advice

You're Not Tired. You're Regulating Everyone.

A note for the moms who are tired in their bones

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Finding Peace in Split Holidays
Katlyn Gotschall, MS, LCPC
December 8, 2025Parenting Tips & Advice

Finding Peace in Split Holidays

December often brings thoughts of togetherness, tradition, and family gatherings.

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The Top Christmas Gifts for Kids in 2025
Sara Schreiner
December 8, 2025Childcare Tips & AdviceParenting Tips & Advice

The Top Christmas Gifts for Kids in 2025

(From a Mom Who's Seen What Actually Gets Played With)

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Nurturing Gratitude in Children and Families
Katlyn Gotschall, MS, LCPC
November 21, 2025Childcare Tips & AdviceGuest Blog

Nurturing Gratitude in Children and Families

November often invites us to slow down.

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What to Ask on a Childcare Tour (And Why the Answers Matter)
Sara Schreiner
October 31, 2025Childcare Tips & Advice

What to Ask on a Childcare Tour (And Why the Answers Matter)

If you've ever stood in the lobby of a childcare center, smiling politely while your mind runs through a thousand questions, you're not alone.

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Strengthening Partnerships and Raising Empathetic Kids
Katlyn Gotschall, MS, LCPC
October 23, 2025Childcare Tips & AdviceParenting Tips & Advice

Strengthening Partnerships and Raising Empathetic Kids

October is often a month of reflection.

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Why Cheap Childcare Usually Costs the Most
Sara Schreiner
September 29, 2025Childcare FinancesChildcare Tips & AdviceParenting Tips & Advice

Why Cheap Childcare Usually Costs the Most

Hey mama, let's talk about something that doesn't get said enough: cheap childcare often ends up being the most expensive choice you can make.

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Helping Families Cope with Loss and Grief
Katlyn Gotschall, MS, LCPC
October 6, 2025Guest BlogParenting Tips & Advice

Helping Families Cope with Loss and Grief

September is a month of transition.

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Tantrums Aren't the Problem, Avoiding Them Might Be
Sara Schreiner
August 24, 2025Parenting Tips & Advice

Tantrums Aren't the Problem, Avoiding Them Might Be

Let's talk tantrums.

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Positive Discipline and Boundary Setting: Teaching with Connection, Not Control
Katlyn Gotschall, LCPC
August 24, 2025Guest Blog

Positive Discipline and Boundary Setting: Teaching with Connection, Not Control

As summer winds down and routines begin to shift again, August can be a great time to reflect on the structure we bring into our homes.

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If You Always Say Yes, Someone Else Will Have to Say No
Sara Schreiner
July 24, 2025Parenting Tips & Advice

If You Always Say Yes, Someone Else Will Have to Say No

Let's just say it: saying "no" doesn't make you a mean parent.

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From Mama to Me Again, Supporting Postpartum Mental Health During Life Transitions
Katlyn Gotschall, LCPC
July 18, 2025Guest Blog

From Mama to Me Again, Supporting Postpartum Mental Health During Life Transitions

Postpartum is one of the most vulnerable, transformative times in a person's life.

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From Schedules to Summer, Supporting Your Child (and Yourself) Through Transition
Katlyn Gotschall, LCPC
July 2, 2025Guest Blog

From Schedules to Summer, Supporting Your Child (and Yourself) Through Transition

The end of the school year can feel like a breath of fresh air… and a wave of uncertainty all at once.

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The Default Parent, Understanding the Invisible Load
Katlyn Gotschall, LCPC
May 17, 2025Guest Blog

The Default Parent, Understanding the Invisible Load

May can be a beautiful month, filled with blooming flowers, school-year wrap-ups, and the promise of summer.

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The Power of Connection: Building Community with Other Families
Katlyn Gotschall, LCPC
April 17, 2025Guest Blog

The Power of Connection: Building Community with Other Families

April is often a time of new beginnings, flowers blooming, longer days, and kids finally getting outside again after months of chilly weather.

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The "Lucky" Parent: Overcoming Mom and Dad Guilt
Katlyn Gotschall, LCPC
April 1, 2025Guest Blog

The "Lucky" Parent: Overcoming Mom and Dad Guilt

Parenting is one of the most rewarding yet challenging journeys in life.

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Helping Kids Navigate Big Emotions: Understanding Childhood Anxiety and When to Seek Support
Katlyn Gotschall, LCPC
February 18, 2025Guest Blog

Helping Kids Navigate Big Emotions: Understanding Childhood Anxiety and When to Seek Support

February is a month centered around love, making it a perfect time to explore how we can help children navigate their big emotions with care and understanding.

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Let's Talk About Turnover in Childcare (And Why It's Not Always a Bad Thing)
Sara Schreiner
February 10, 2025Childcare Tips & Advice

Let's Talk About Turnover in Childcare (And Why It's Not Always a Bad Thing)

Staff Changes Happen, Here's Why That's Not Always a Bad Thing

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Parenting & Comparison: Why Your Child Doesn't Need a Pinterest-Perfect Valentine's Day
Sara Schreiner
February 3, 2025Parenting Tips & Advice

Parenting & Comparison: Why Your Child Doesn't Need a Pinterest-Perfect Valentine's Day

"Should I Be Doing More?"

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How to Create a Morning Routine That Works for Your Family
Sara Schreiner
March 7, 2025Parenting Tips & Advice

How to Create a Morning Routine That Works for Your Family

Start Your Day with Calm and Connection

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Embracing Wellness Through the Post-Holiday Season
Katlyn Gotschall
February 3, 2025Guest Blog

Embracing Wellness Through the Post-Holiday Season

Hello, families!

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Is Your Child Ready for Preschool? Here Are the Key Signs to Watch
Sara Schreiner
January 17, 2025Childcare Tips & Advice

Is Your Child Ready for Preschool? Here Are the Key Signs to Watch

Preschool Readiness: A Milestone to Celebrate

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Creating New Year's Resolutions with Your Child: A Guide for All Ages
Sara Schreiner
January 17, 2025Parenting Tips & Advice

Creating New Year's Resolutions with Your Child: A Guide for All Ages

Start the Year with Intentional Connections

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In-Home Daycare vs. Childcare Centers: Which Is Right for Your Family?
Sara Schreiner
January 17, 2025Childcare Tips & Advice

In-Home Daycare vs. Childcare Centers: Which Is Right for Your Family?

Choosing the Right Daycare Option for Your Family

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How to Ease Separation Anxiety: A Parent's Guide to Connection and Confidence
Sara Schreiner
January 17, 2025Parenting Tips & Advice

How to Ease Separation Anxiety: A Parent's Guide to Connection and Confidence

Starting Childcare or Daycare: A Big Step for Families

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How to Survive the Holidays with Children: A Parent's Guide to Joyful Chaos
Sara Schreiner
January 18, 2025Parenting Tips & Advice

How to Survive the Holidays with Children: A Parent's Guide to Joyful Chaos

The holiday season sparkles with joy and connection, but for parents, it often comes with a hefty dose of chaos.

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What to Expect on Your Child's First Day of Childcare: A Parent's Guide
Sara Schreiner
January 17, 2025Childcare Tips & Advice

What to Expect on Your Child's First Day of Childcare: A Parent's Guide

Starting Childcare: A Big Step for Families

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Frequently Asked Questions for Families Enrolling at The Sunshine Academy
The Sunshine Academy
January 17, 2025Childcare Tips & Advice

Frequently Asked Questions for Families Enrolling at The Sunshine Academy

Welcome to The Sunshine Academy!

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Choosing the Right Childcare: A Parent's Guide to Making the Best Decision
Sara Schreiner
January 17, 2025Childcare Tips & Advice

Choosing the Right Childcare: A Parent's Guide to Making the Best Decision

When it comes to your child's well-being, selecting the right childcare program is one of the most impactful choices you'll make as a parent.

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"Why Is My Child Getting Sick After Starting Daycare?": What Parents Need to Know
Sara Schreiner
January 17, 2025Health & Safety

"Why Is My Child Getting Sick After Starting Daycare?": What Parents Need to Know

Why Daycare Illness Feels Overwhelming (and Why It's Normal)

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