Stranger anxiety in toddlers is not always a bad thing. Here’s what you need to know to help toddlers when they’re afraid of strangers. "Let's meet up for lunch," I told a friend. My husband, toddler and I were in her area, and we wanted her to finally meet the little guy. Except the minute he saw her, he cried. And I mean cried. He turned his body away from her and wrapped his arms around my neck. Even when he finally settled down, he never warmed up or showed his cheerful and friendly personality. Suffice to say, I felt horrible. Nothing about my friend would've warranted a reaction … [Read more...]
How to Potty Train a Toddler (Without the Power Struggles)
Learning how to potty train a toddler can be challenging. Take out the guesswork with these easy potty training tips, tricks, and methods to follow. The first time my toddler peed in the potty, I had no idea how to clean it up. As in, I didn't even know I was supposed to flush the pee down the toilet (don't ask where I ended up disposing it). I had been so nonchalant about potty training, only going so far as at least buying a potty. But I was pretty clueless about how to actually start potty training, so that when my toddler actually peed a few drops into the potty, I didn't know what … [Read more...]
Sensory Activities for 1 Year Olds: 18 Ideas to Engage the Senses
Sensory activities for 1 year olds are so much fun! Boost your child's development through hands-on play with these things to teach your toddler. Every mom has the best intentions... we just don't always have the best follow-through. Because I'd find myself getting excited about a sensory activity with my 1 year old, only to forget about it the next day. Or we'd actually do an activity, but then not do another one for several weeks. It doesn't help when the activities you find online all seem so complicated. "They're just 1 year olds!" I'd cry after scrolling through the photos. As much … [Read more...]
What to Do When Your Toddler Is Hysterical at Bedtime
Is your toddler hysterical at bedtime? Avoid screaming at night for hours with these tips and get your child sleeping soundly in no time. It comes out of nowhere, don't you think? Your toddler is now all of a sudden screaming and crying—for hours—when you're putting her to bed at night. She wants to get out of the crib and play, but all this madness is causing her to sleep as late as 10pm. Never mind that she still wakes up at the ungodly hour of 6am. She acts scared to go to sleep, but going into her room and reassuring her only makes things worse. She has a full-on meltdown, … [Read more...]
How to Discipline a 1 Year Old (Especially When Yours Ignores You)
I wasn't exactly sure how to discipline a 1 year old. As a first-time mom, I didn't know what stage he was at developmentally, or how much "reasoning" he'd understand. For instance, he'd bang on the sliding glass doors, despite me telling him "no" sternly, face and all. In fact, he seemed to want to see my reaction, repeating the banging—and even think it funny when I once again reminded him that we don't bang on the doors. He was starting to get into a lot of things he shouldn't, despite constant reminders. I tried telling or showing him what he couldn't do, but I couldn't seem to find … [Read more...]
How to Establish a Solid 2 Year Old Bedtime
Struggling with 2 year old bedtime battles? Learn what time your child should go to sleep, sample schedules to try, and how to avoid bedtime transition troubles right here. The two-year mark seems to come with its own bedtime challenge. You might have a "good sleeper"—even since infancy—but when at two years old, well... things changed. For one thing, it now takes her an hour to sleep, and that's with you staying in her room until she finally does. Perhaps she demands to sleep in your bed instead of hers. Or maybe she's in bed, but plays and keeps herself up until 10pm. It doesn't … [Read more...]
Need Outdoor Activities to Do with Your 1 Year Old? Start Here.
Want to take your toddler outside but out of ideas? Check out these outdoor activities for 1 year olds! From places to go, to sensory activities at home, you’ll find your perfect idea right here. Our park boasts huge, grassy lawns, tons of trees, and little knick knacks my then-1 year old loved to play with. In fact, one of his favorite games was "Let's find all the baby pine cones" which he'd collect and gather at one of the bases of the trees. And each time we'd go back to the park, we'd still find his stash exactly where it was. Even when my little ones were really little—as in, … [Read more...]
How to Get Toddlers to Listen Without Yelling
Frustrated when your child only responds to yelling? Learn how to get toddlers to listen without yelling and discover effective parenting tips to discipline. "No." "Don't jump on the couch." "You can't have another snack." "Stop hitting your brother." I don't know how many times I've looked at my kids and asked them not to do something... only for them to do exactly what I had just told them not to do. If I ask them to stop banging a pencil on the table, they'll look me in the eye while they continue pounding away. If I tell them to stay near me as we walk along a busy street, … [Read more...]