Blog

Welcome to the Way to Grow blog! Here you’ll find parenting tips, early childhood resources, and stories from home visits across the Twin Cities. We believe parents are their child’s first and most important teacher, and our home visiting model is built around that: bringing tools, activities, and encouragement right into the home. Browse for book recommendations, everyday learning ideas, program updates, and family stories from across our community.

One Pumpkin, Lots of Learning 1704 2560 Way to Grow

One Pumpkin, Lots of Learning

From sink-or-float experiments to counting seeds, we’ve put together some easy ways to turn the pumpkin on your porch into hands-on learning for kids of every age. 🎃

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What We’re Reading: Spooky (But Not Too Spooky) Favorites 1080 1350 Way to Grow

What We’re Reading: Spooky (But Not Too Spooky) Favorites

Halloween can feel big when you’re little! This month’s What We’re Reading rounds up spooky stories that are more fun than frightening, from board books for your littlest ghosts to picture books for big kids. Find your family’s new favorite here!

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Halloween Tips for Every Age 2560 1707 Way to Grow

Halloween Tips for Every Age

Babies, preschoolers, and big kids all need something a little different on Halloween night. Here are our favorite tips from pediatric and early childhood experts to keep the night safe and fun for every age! 🎃

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2026 Shine Celebration: Silent Auction Preview 2560 2560 Way to Grow

2026 Shine Celebration: Silent Auction Preview

Get a sneak peek at the silent auction for the 2026 Shine Celebration on Friday, October 23! Every lot was donated by the local businesses, artists, and friends of Way to Grow. Search by keyword, browse by category, or find a favorite donor below.

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Raffle: 2026 Shine Celebration
2026 Shine Celebration: Raffle Preview 2048 2560 Way to Grow

2026 Shine Celebration: Raffle Preview

This year’s Shine Celebration raffle features three unforgettable prizes: a lakeside overnight in downtown Wayzata, a VIP day at the 2027 3M Open, and a family escape to Minnesota’s North Shore. Every ticket helps Way to Grow families build strong starts for their kids!

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Live Auction: 2026 Shine Celebration
2026 Shine Celebration: Live Auction Preview 2560 2560 Way to Grow

2026 Shine Celebration: Live Auction Preview

Our live auction is filled with one-of-a-kind experiences designed to delight, inspire, and create memories that last a lifetime.. Whether you’re a collector, a connoisseur, or simply someone who loves to celebrate life’s best moments, these packages are the perfect way to treat yourself or your loved ones, all while making a powerful difference for children and families in our community.

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From Our Educators: Parent Teacher Conferences 2236 2560 Ann Frances Gregg

From Our Educators: Parent Teacher Conferences

Way to Grow educators share how families can prepare for parent teacher conferences, ask helpful questions, and build relationships with teachers.

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What We’re Reading: The Books ’90s Kids Still Love 2048 2560 Ann Frances Gregg

What We’re Reading: The Books ’90s Kids Still Love

Calling all ’90s kids! Remember these childhood favorites? Revisit the books you loved growing up and share them with a new generation of readers.

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From Our Educators: Settling Into School 2560 1709 Ann Frances Gregg

From Our Educators: Settling Into School

Way to Grow educators share how families can help children build school skills, from routines and homework to getting started and asking for help.

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Love to Learn: Snack Time Is Math Time! 2560 1707 Ann Frances Gregg

Love to Learn: Snack Time Is Math Time!

Turn an everyday snack into a simple math activity for preschoolers. Practice counting, sorting, comparing, patterns, and more through play.

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What We’re Listening To: Mom Enough + Coco Du 2048 2560 Ann Frances Gregg

What We’re Listening To: Mom Enough + Coco Du

How can home visiting support the whole family? Hear Way to Grow and Mom Enough discuss trust, family partnership, and building an ecosystem of care.

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What We’re Reading: Remembering Dolly Parton 1080 1350 Ann Frances Gregg

What We’re Reading: Remembering Dolly Parton

Celebrate Dolly Parton’s legacy of literacy with three children’s books to read together and the story behind her Imagination Library.

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