Providing an environment of safe, educational exploration for our babies is one of the big important tasks we all focus on as we become parents. Naturally, we all know that kids love toys – but the options are completely overwhelming! And to be honest, not all toys are created equal in terms of developmental appropriateness and educational value. Many of the toys stocked on retailers shelves appear over-packed with “learning opportunities” – think flashing lights, loud songs – but aren’t actually providing what children need in their natural developmental phases.

Babies don’t need many toys, especially in their first year of life. They learn so much through exploring their environment when literally anything can be a toy! Breaking down a baby’s first year into their developmental leaps, here are some suggestions for the best developmental toys for babies in each phase. Continue reading →

Picture this: You’re in the kitchen, scrambling to get some sort of dinner on the table. One thing has piled on top of another, and it’s been a hectic day. While you wait for the pasta to cook, you look out the window and see your husband playing catch with your child. For a moment, the stress dissipates and your heart feels full.

A child playing catch with their Dad seems to be a symbol of bonding between a child and his or her father. I’m pretty sure most dads want their children to be somewhat athletic if they’re into sports themselves. So spending time throwing and catching the ball is a common pastime, but teaching a toddler how to throw and catch a ball is no small feat. It can take a long time to perfect the activity and can be frustrating for both parent and child. Don’t give up! Developing hand eye coordination begins when your child is merely an infant and develops past toddlerhood. It is an important skill. Here are three significant tactics to consider when working on toddler hand coordination. Continue reading →

In my years prior to graduate school, I had the privilege of working under some amazing educators. They adhered to a Reggio Emilia model of early childhood education. This philosophy emphasizes discovery and investigation through student led projects and within a community of learners. This is when I truly gained an appreciation for the importance of sensory stimulation as a way of challenging the neural development of a child while also encouraging them to exhibit and explore their creativity! While every child may not have the ability to attend a Reggio preschool, you can do this at home! Creating sensory bins for toddlers is a great way to incorporate these opportunities into your child’s play. Your toddler will be challenged to explore their senses and be encouraged to develop their creative and critical thinking skills. Continue reading →

As SmartMoms, we have the tendency to see our kids in a pretty biased light. They’re our babies, after all! While the bus boy at your favorite restaurant shakes his head at your little dumpling’s meltdown, you feel a mixture of embarrassment, frustration, and deep love for the little monster.

Figuring out whether you’ve got a typical kid or child with a behavior problem can be tricky when you’re a mom because 1. You don’t view them objectively and 2. There are legitimate ages and stages for things. You can’t expect a 1 ½ year old to be a master at obedience when the truth is, they’re not even sure if they have a belly button or not yet. So, how do you know if your child has a behavior problem? Continue reading →

Summer’s here! You’ve probably got a list of all the supplies to make your summer with your little one memorable. Swim diapers, sunscreen, sun hat, and sandals. Summer is a great time for your baby to explore and learn. Your little one is developing their senses through experiences like swimming, playing in the grass, and eating watermelon! Here are some ways to ensure your summer is safe, stimulating, and a sensory experience your baby is certain to enjoy! Continue reading →

While I was pregnant with my daughter, my 21-month old son started going to a toddler program at a local Montessori school. Children in the toddler community, who started attending as early as 15 months of age, did not wear diapers in class. Parents were encouraged to continue their child’s “toilet learning” outside of school. It took some work to prepare our home environment for my son and develop patience with new routines, but I was determined to start potty training in 3 days. However, my son was out of diapers during the day by the time he was two and completely potty trained several months later. Having him start potty training in 3 days meant he was out of diapers by the time my daughter was born and one less kid in diapers to worry about! Within two years, my daughter was out of diapers too using the same method. Continue reading →

When a child suffers from anxiety and fears we as parents suffer too. It can be heartbreaking to see your little one cry over issues that we, as adults, know are completely irrational. But you might wonder how to help children who have irrational fears? Things such as separation anxiety, fear of the dark, and the like are common for toddlers. However, knowing how to handle the issues by talking to your child appropriately can help ease their worries and help them overcome their fears. Continue reading →