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...]

Struggling when your toddler doesn't want daddy? Learn the best ways to help him cope with separation anxiety and take to both parents. "What am I—chopped liver?" my husband joked. Although he's a hands-on dad and invested in our kids, our then-toddler preferred me over him. Even after being away at work, my husband couldn't convince our son to so much as pay him any attention. He'd start playing games, but our toddler would refuse. And diaper changes? I was the "lucky" one who had to do them all. We have to hand it to our partners for being patient when our kids strongly prefer us … [Read more...]