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
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...]
Want the Best Transition Sippy Cup? Start with These Options
Want to transition your baby from bottle to sippy, or from sippy to a regular cup? Check out these options for the best transition sippy cup. From messes to your baby's outright rejection, it's not always easy to transition him into using a sippy cup. Maybe the one you tried keeps spilling, or he still prefers his bottle over the cup. Perhaps the one you have makes the liquid come out too fast, or he pushes the spout out of his mouth. It doesn't help when you're so over using bottles (and cleaning the zillion bottle parts). Or maybe you're looking for the best transition sippy cup to … [Read more...]
8 Tips for Your Child’s First Haircut at a Salon
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...]
10 Ways to Encourage Fine Motor Skills for 5 Year Olds
Fine motor skills activities for 5-6 year olds are important as kids enter kindergarten. Encourage hand dexterity—even with an active child—with these fun activities! If you're like most parents, how your child holds a pencil may not be top of mind. But once she enters kindergarten, you suddenly notice how well the other kids hold theirs in comparison. You also realize that she can't write her name well, much less cut with scissors (and forget about pulling a zipper). Come to think of it, you don't even know what her dominant hand is yet. Or perhaps it's the opposite: you're well … [Read more...]
What to Do When Your Child Doesn’t Like What Other Kids Typically Do
It can feel worrisome when you see your child not interested in things other kids seem to love. Here's what to do when your child doesn't like what other kids typically do. My family got together at my mom's house for a little swim party. "Perfect!" I thought. "This will be a great opportunity for the kiddo to splash around in the pool." With his swim shorts and sunscreen packed and ready, we headed to my mom's. Except when we arrived, he took one look at the pool and belted, "No—don't want to swim!" I wasn't too surprised. He had been fighting a few of his baths, crying if even a few … [Read more...]
4 Things You Shouldn’t Say about Other People’s Children
Some comments can drive parents crazy. See if you're guilty of saying these 4 things you shouldn't say about other people's children. As parents, we get a ton of comments from others—whether loved ones or strangers—about our kids. Some are about how they look, or the way they behave, or even assumptions about their personalities. We get unsolicited, unhelpful advice, or "jokes" that aren't funny at all. Sure, some of these we can shrug away, especially if you're walking on eggshells around certain people. But other times, comments like these left unchecked can leave an impression not … [Read more...]
Is Your Baby Starting to Be Mobile? How to Baby Proof Your Home
Is your baby now mobile? Practice safety tips and learn how to baby proof your home. These five items will keep your children safe in your house as they explore their surroundings. This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Regalo International. All opinions are 100% mine. It's the stage we all come across. The baby who once could only flail her arms and legs is now using them to crawl. Bath times are getting more boisterous (not to mention slippery!). And one minute she's laying on the blanket, the next she's across the room. I had been looking forward to the mobile stage, even … [Read more...]