Development Archives | Sleeping Should Be Easy

5 Coping Skills for Kids to Help Manage Big Emotions

Jan 30, 2021

Does your child struggle with handling difficult emotions? Learn 5 coping skills for kids to manage these big feelings on their own. By Amy Wruble My 7-year-old came home from summer camp in a horrible mood. She called me names, kicked her little sister for no reason, and stomped around yelling for a solid 20 minutes. Since she doesn’t normally act this way, I figured something must have happened to upset her, but it took a while to unravel the details. It turned out she’d taken a scary tumble, gotten hurt, and felt embarrassed. The physical plus emotional pain was enough to shake … [Read more...]

Toddler Rejecting Mom? 5 Powerful Ways to Respond

Development

Jan 11, 2021

Is your toddler rejecting mom or overly attached to one parent? Learn 5 powerful ways to respond when your child wants nothing to do with you. You can't help but feel a little jealous. Okay, a lot jealous. Your toddler seems to love his dad and all but ignores you. He gets excited when Daddy comes home (and of course cries when he leaves). He'll go the whole day saying "Daddy..." Never mind that you spend so much time with him, from getting up with him every night to giving him all his meals and baths. He screams and cries when you pick him up, reaching for dad instead. He throws … [Read more...]

“At What Age…?” Baby Milestones You Don’t Always Hear About

Development

Jan 09, 2021

Do you ever ask your friends "At what age did your baby..."? Discover several baby milestones you don't always hear about! Flip through any baby book, and you'll likely find baby milestones down to the month or even week. We parents like to know whether our babies are on track or if we should worry about potential delays. And sometimes we just need guidance on what to encourage them to do next. Except not all milestones make the cut, particularly practical, everyday ones we should also be on the lookout for. These are the sorts of questions that pop up when you see another baby the … [Read more...]

Stop Comparing Your Child to Others

Development

Jan 08, 2021

It's so easy to compare children, whether their milestones, achievements or interests. But here's why we need to stop comparing kids and what you can do instead. I jinxed myself, again. I was just beginning to think my toddler's tantrums didn't seem as terrible as in the past. And of course, he threw an all-out, can't-catch-my-breath tantrum in what should've been a fun birthday party. We had to listen to him cry the whole ride home—through traffic, of course—before he calmed down. All the while, I noticed how his cousin and birthday boy was laughing with family, sharing toys and … [Read more...]

As Frustrating As It Is, Your Child’s Behavior Is Normal

Development

Dec 12, 2020

Struggling with your child's behavior? See the importance of understanding child development and behavior to help you stay calm and patient. I sometimes imagine what a day would look like if my kids behaved like adults. They'd share toys all the time, to start. They'd know better than to run with a plate full of crumbs and instead would place it slowly in the sink. Or they might understand it's the end of the day, and I don't have the mental energy to listen to endless stories. Of course, that isn't what happens—often, the opposite does. And I'd find myself feeling exasperated, … [Read more...]

9 Useful Techniques for Dealing with Anxiety in Children

Development

Nov 25, 2020

Worried about your anxious child? Learn useful techniques to ease anxiety in children you can apply immediately at home. Anxiety. I tell myself everyone deals with the emotion to varying degrees, including my kids. Handling anxiety in children can be a challenge because they're still learning how to cope with difficult emotions. Anxiety can happen any time, but common culprits include a change of plans. Your child might throw a fit because you have to leave the playground sooner than expected. A new environment and meeting new people can also trigger his anxiety and send him clinging … [Read more...]

8 Tips for Your Child’s First Haircut at a Salon

Development

Nov 15, 2020

Getting a haircut at a salon can be overwhelming for kids. Learn how to make your child's first haircut at a salon a fun experience. There was no denying it: My son needed a haircut. I'd been saving a ton of money by avoiding the salon, but my home cuts just aren't, well... cutting it anymore. It was time for his first haircut at a salon. I avoided formal haircuts for over two years, thanks to the texture of his wavy hair that hid even the most lopsided, uneven haircuts I gave at home. But when a heat rash showed up on the back of his neck, I knew there was no way I'd be able to snip off … [Read more...]

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