Cheers to the New Year! On New Year's Eve, the new Constellation Ball dropped in Times Square as millions of people across the United States said goodbye to 2025 and welcomed 2026.
The big, bright Constellation Ball featured round Waterford crystals, replacing the traditional triangular ones. It symbolized "infinite joy, infinite light, and infinite new beginnings." Each child is a symbol of these things, too!
At Edward Street, we're on a mission to make 2026 the best year ever for children in Central MA.
In the spirit of bigger, brighter, and, well, more, we're sitting at the kids table to hear what they want more of in 2026.
Here's what they had to say about their hopes and dreams for 2026. We've also included parents' responses to their children's hopes and dreams, and what they'll try to do to make 2026 the year of more for their children.
1. I want more joy!
I love each and every day with you, and the small moments make a big difference to me. Because, when you add all those small moments up, that's a lot of joy.
Let's make the most of these moments! More playtime is a must! We can play hide and seek, make up stories, go on scavenger hunts, build blanket forts, and much more. When we play, we're having fun and creating moments that we'll remember for a long time.
And don't forget: With every moment you make, you get to enjoy them with me, so we can be joyful together!
Parents' Response
Every moment we're together is joyful! Let's enjoy the power of play to make joyous memories together! Let's also find joy in the everyday things we do together!
Let's try to do more things together, like play games, make art, read books, and many others. As we do, we'll be joyful together!
2. I want more time with you!
Spend time with me! Let's do anything and everything together. Whether it's a game, a book, a walk, or anything else, I want to enjoy it with you.
You matter the most to me, so let's spend more time together. Because, as the song goes, "The more we get together, the happier we'll be!"
Parents' Response
You matter the most to me, too. And I agree: We'll both be as happy as can be if we spend even more time together moving forward.
I'll do my best to carve out time – even during chores we can have fun and learn. And let's end the day with a big hug and "I love you!"
3. I want more time outside.
Nature heals me and you. It's refreshing to take a breath of fresh air outside, feel the gentle breeze on my face, and experience the many sights and sounds of the world around me. These things are incredibly nourishing!
You always say that you want me to take my vitamins! Let's find ways to be outside when it rains, snows, or is sunny. Whether it's splashing in puddles, building a snowman, or playing a game of catch in the backyard, we'll be able to get our vitamins and have fun!
Parents' Response
I love spending time outdoors with you! And yes, I do have to remind you to take your vitamins every now and then (but you're really good about doing this when I ask).
I will try to make time to go outdoors with you every day. This may be challenging when the temperatures drop or it's raining, but we can still find time to get outside and do things together.
4. I want you to have more you time!
I'm only a kid, but I know it's not easy being a grown-up. I know that I keep you busy, and grown-up worries can be big and a little bit scary. So, to be your best with me, you need time for you.
We practice fun breathing exercises at school and mindful moments to reconnect and calm our bodies. If we do these things together, we'll both enjoy them. Like my teacher says, "Everyone grows better when we give the gift of time to ourselves."
Parents' Response
I love knowing that me time also helps you. If my cup isn't filled, I am less able to fill yours.
I will try to set aside a few minutes each day for "me time." During this time, I can practice deep breathing and other mindfulness techniques that'll help me live in the moment. When the time's done, we can return to being together. And at this point, I'll be recharged, and I'll be able to enjoy the time with you more fully.
5. I want more funding for my teachers!
Speaking of my teachers, I love them, and I want them to stay and play with me to help me learn and grow.
But sometimes, my teachers leave because they have to find jobs so that they can pay their bills.
Some of my teachers also work at nighttime just to help them with their – what’s that word – oh, budget.
I really wish they didn’t have to worry so much and just be able to stay and play with me and my friends. That'd be really great for them and for us.
Parents' Response
I want more funding for your teachers, too. Every penny counts, and that's especially true nowadays for teachers.
Unfortunately, we can't always control how much funding teachers get. However, there are things that I can do as your parent to put you and your teachers in the best position to be successful.
I will try to learn about the state budget and all that it entails. I'll also try to advocate for funding for teachers by sharing the story of how important your early learning program is with the people who make decisions on budgets. Along with these things, I can talk with other members of the community about the problems they face and what I can do as your parent to help resolve them.
Make 2026 the Year of More for Children and Families in Central MA
From all of us at Edward Street, we wish you and the people who matter the most to you a Happy New Year!
Expect more from us in the New Year, including our biggest and brightest Children's Art Show and Day of Play Family Festival to date.
Check out our blog and news in early childhood as often as you can, since we'll be doing everything we can to provide you with access to more insights and resources than ever before.
Lastly, stay tuned for more details about our many early childhood initiatives and programs that will benefit children, families, and early education and care providers in Central MA in 2026 and beyond.