Raising Little Trailblazers: Celebrating Women’s History Month

(Written by Emily Thomas)

March is officially here, and between the lingering winter sniffles and the "Spring Forward" sleep shuffle, life is definitely keeping us on our toes. There is no denying that as parents and caregivers, our daily to-do lists are already bursting at the seams. Whether it’s keeping up with school runs or managing the unpredictable chaos of nap schedules, the idea of adding "history lessons" to the mix can feel like just another chore we simply don’t have time for.

However, at Napp Network, we believe that celebrating the incredible women who changed our world shouldn't feel like a lecture or a classroom requirement. When we integrate these stories into daily playtime, it transforms from a dry list of facts into an exciting adventure that sparks curiosity and builds confidence in our little ones. Not only are we teaching them about the past, but we are also providing them with the rewarding blueprints they need to build their own bright futures. Our goal this month is to move away from abstract dates and toward hands-on, memorable experiences that show our kids what it means to go the extra mile.

Spark Curiosity Through Storytelling

The best way to introduce big concepts to small minds is to start small. You don’t need a multi-volume encyclopedia to make an impact; instead, focus on one or two "hero" stories each week so the kids don't feel overwhelmed by the scale of history.

We love using modular book lists that grow with your child. For the littlest ones, the Little People, Big Dreams series offers a wonderful, kid-friendly entry point into the lives of exceptional women. Not only are the illustrations beautiful, but the stories are also short enough to hold a toddler's attention during a busy afternoon.

For those in the elementary years, the “Who Was?” book series is a staple for a reason. These books are interactive and easy to read, making legends like Harriet Tubman or Sally Ride feel like real, relatable people. Not only do they spark a deep interest in history, but they also provide an exceptional "independent reading" win. On the other hand, if you’re looking for something for the bedtime routine, Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls offers one-page snapshots that are wonderful for sparking a quick, meaningful conversation before lights out—ensuring the day ends on a soothing and encouraging note.

For older kids who are ready for a more hands-on look at history, graphic novels like Brazen: Rebel Ladies Who Rocked the World offer the best of both worlds. These are visually engaging and highlight the messy and unpredictable paths many women took to achieve their dreams. Plus, discussing contemporary trailblazers like Malala Yousafzai helps middle schoolers see that history is being made every single day. This creates a safe and reliable bridge to discuss big world topics in a way that feels empowering rather than overwhelming for their developing minds.

By choosing stories that resonate with their current interests, we can ensure that learning feels like a rewarding part of the routine rather than a forced activity.

Hands-On History with "Trailblazer Play"

There is no denying that these rainy March afternoons can lead to a lot of pent-up energy. Whether it’s a drizzly Monday or just a long gap between naptime and dinner, finding ways to stay active is essential. Channel your inner explorer by turning a lesson on Amelia Earhart into a full-blown flight school. You can spend the afternoon crafting different styles of paper airplanes to see which ones catch the most air. Not only does this teach basic concepts of aerodynamics, but it also encourages kids to dream big and imagine themselves soaring over obstacles.

If you’re looking for a more colorful way to spend the day, spark artistic curiosity by exploring the life of Frida Kahlo. Rather than focusing on perfect lines, encourage your little ones to create vibrant self-portraits that highlight their favorite things about themselves. This kind of interactive play is messy and unpredictable, but it is also deeply enriching for their self-esteem.

When the sun finally breaks through those March clouds, head outside to become a backyard biologist in honor of Jane Goodall. Set up a simple "nature station" on your back porch or in a quiet corner of the yard to practice the art of quiet observation. Encourage the kids to keep a "Field Journal" where they draw what they see—whether it’s a robin searching for worms, a squirrel gathering nuts, or the behavior of the family dog. Not only does this get them some fresh air, but it also sparks a deep curiosity about the natural world right in their own backyard.

For the mini-mathematicians in your house, you can navigate the stars like Katherine Johnson. Use masking tape on the floor to create "constellations" and have the kids solve simple addition problems to "launch" toy rocket cars from one star to the next. 

Whether it’s through a high-energy scavenger hunt or a quiet art session, these activities ensure that history is something they can feel, touch, and move with every single day. These moments go the extra mile in showing our children that being "exceptional" starts with a little bit of curiosity and a whole lot of play.

The Women in Our Village

While we love the stories of world-renowned icons, some of the most inspiring trailblazers are the women our children interact with every single day. There is no denying that the "hero" stories we read in books are made even more powerful when kids see those same values—bravery, kindness, and hard work—modeled in their own communities. 

Highlight local trailblazers by pointing out the incredible work of the women in your "village." Whether it’s the local librarian who always knows the perfect book to spark a new interest, the teacher who patiently guides them through a difficult lesson, or the healthcare professional who keeps them safe and healthy, these women are living proof that you don't have to be in a history book to make an impact. Plus, we often forget that our caregivers and nannies are a vital part of this empowering network. Not only do our exceptional Napp providers keep things running smoothly, but they also go the extra mile to provide a high-quality, enriching environment where kids feel safe to take risks and try new things. By acknowledging the "everyday exceptional" women in our lives, we teach our children that they, too, have the power to be a trailblazer right where they are.

The Best of Both Worlds: Education Meets Fun

As we transition from the chilly winter months into the exciting possibilities of spring, Women’s History Month offers a wonderful opportunity to slow down and truly connect. There is no denying that parenting can often feel like a marathon of logistics, but taking a breath to celebrate these trailblazers reminds us why we do it all in the first place. Whether you’re reading a new favorite biography or navigating a masking-tape galaxy on the kitchen floor, these moments are the ones that stick.

Not only are we honoring the past, but we are also planting the seeds for a future filled with curiosity, empathy, and joy. Plus, these high-quality connections build the safe and reliable foundation our kids need to eventually go the extra mile themselves. However you choose to celebrate this month, let’s remember that the rewards of these small, enriching activities will last far beyond the season of mud and rain.

We would love to see how your family is celebrating this month! Share your "Trailblazer Moments"—from art projects to backyard biology—with us on social media using @nappnetwork. Together, we can make this March a memorable, messy, and absolutely wonderful season of growth.