Darling Otter Day Care

08/04/2026

I had someone ask about my program. We have 10 kids right now. 2 are school age and are only here before and after school.
Our 2 infants are with us through out the day. They laugh and play with the kids. Toddlers and Preschoolers play, do crafts, sing, and learn together. Each child is at a different level and we respect that. They are encouraged to go farther, try harder, and challenge themselves.
We have a large 4 acres to play on. Some wild some tame. LOL.
We have apple, peach, pear, and plum trees that the kids play in.
During the school year we do the Clifford Let's Find Out Magazines for reading and preschool readiness.

Miss Marissa and Myself work together to provide a caring, structured environment that allows children to grow and learn with acceptance and joy.

We do have a private Facebook group where I share pictures of our week. But I do not share them publicly often. Usually only fun events. I believe this should be private. I have had people ask why I do not share more so they can see. I understand and try to share during interviews.

Miss Sheila

08/04/2026

We are getting set for the school year. Preschool will start soon. If you are looking for a place for your little one to come socialize, learn, play, and grow message me.
I am looking to fill 1 or 2 part time spots.

I will not use children's images in advertising!!

07/22/2026

Family fun this Saturday in Lapeer!!
Take those kids, even those too old for day care now.
I know most of my "kids" would love this.

Something magical is coming to Historic Downtown Lapeer...

On Saturday, July 25, the streets of Historic Downtown Lapeer will be filled with wonder during Wizarding Weekend! 🦉⚡

Begin your adventure at Axecadia 's Academy of Mystery & Magic, then continue the fun at the Lapeer Main Street DDA office, where you can fold a magical paper airplane and write a letter filled with kindness and magic for the community. Venture to the Lapeer Area Chamber of Commerce as they embrace the Chamber of Secrets. Then spend the rest of your day exploring participating downtown businesses, discovering magical treasures, and enjoying enchanted menus and themed drinks at local restaurants.

The fun doesn't stop there! Enjoy activities for all ages, two FREE magic shows, magical surprises, and more throughout the day. There's something for witches, wizards, and muggles alike!

Wizarding Weekend
Saturday, July 25
10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Historic Downtown Lapeer

Bring your family, gather your friends, create some magical memories, and discover that the best adventures are Remarkably Close.

Visit the official event page https://www.facebook.com/share/1EZqUKD63K/ for more details and information

06/28/2026

Hey there Lakeville area moms and dads. Bring the kids out to meet our local First Responders, have some delicious home cooked treats, and meet your local small businesses.

06/10/2026

Good morning 🌄

06/04/2026

Great resource for those of us with 2 year olds!!

Age-Appropriate Discipline for a 2-Year-Old

The goal of discipline for a 2-year-old is not punishment it is teaching, guiding, and supporting development.

Toddlers are still learning how to manage emotions, handle frustration, and communicate their needs.

Their brains are not yet developed enough for strong impulse control or emotional regulation.

Because of this, discipline should focus on connection, safety, and consistent boundaries.

Simple, clear expectations help toddlers understand what is being asked of them.

Instead of long explanations, short phrases like “gentle hands” or “feet stay on the floor” work best.

At this age, children learn through repetition and co-regulation, not fear or shame.

Redirecting behavior, offering choices, and staying calm are often more effective than punishment.

Natural consequences and modeling appropriate behavior help toddlers connect actions with outcomes over time.

It’s also important to remember that tantrums and big emotions are developmentally normal at this stage.

A calm, supportive adult helps toddlers feel safe enough to learn from difficult moments.

Discipline during the toddler years is about building skills, trust, and emotional security not demanding perfection.



Image Credit:

06/03/2026

We use sign language as a way to help infants and toddlers commuinicate. They are learning to get all the muscles of the mouth, jaw, and throat to work together. It is hard and they get frustrated easy. Giving them to tools to communicate while learning to use all those muscles together will lesson the frustration and help boost their abilities.

05/25/2026

Memorial Day is a day to honor the brave men and women who gave their lives while serving our country. It is a day of gratitude and quiet reflection. Families do not need to go into heavy details with young children. What matters most is helping them understand kindness, courage, and thankfulness.

How Parents Can Teach Little Ones

Keep it simple — Tell children that some people had very important jobs helping our country and today we say thank you.

Talk about helpers — Connect the idea of service to people they already know like firefighters and police officers.

Use gentle symbols — Flags, stars, and red white and blue crafts help children understand the day in a positive way.

Practice gratitude — Encourage children to say thank you for people who keep us safe.

Model respect — A quiet moment or a simple family thank you can help children learn the meaning of the day.

At Darling Otter Day Care we honor Memorial Day with gentle conversations about kindness and bravery. We keep it simple for little ones and focus on gratitude and respect. We encourage families to do the same at home in ways that feel natural and comforting.

05/21/2026

A little glimpse into our days.