Toddler toys that are embellished with flashing lights and blasting sounds abound in toy stores. Like most toddlers, my daughter is drawn to these. However, despite her initial interest, they don’t hold her attention for very long. She favors battery-free toys that are simple and versatile. I love these toys, too, because they allow her … [Read more...] about The Best Low-Tech Toddler Toys
Raising an Inheritance
Why Today is So Important for Your Kids
So much of motherhood is about just surviving today. I can have patience today when my toddler throws a fit. I can manage to get the kitchen mopped today. We can make it through the grocery store without incident today. At the same time, so much of motherhood is about looking forward. When will my child reach the next developmental milestone? … [Read more...] about Why Today is So Important for Your Kids
Dos and Don’ts of Toddler Bedtime Routines
We’ve always tried to follow a loose bedtime routine with our daughter. This routine will soon take on new importance as we transition her to a “big girl bed” to free up the crib for the baby we will welcome this summer. All toddlers, not just those undergoing transitions, benefit from bedtime routines. The predictability of routines … [Read more...] about Dos and Don’ts of Toddler Bedtime Routines
Inessential Baby Items That Are Worth The Splurge
When I wrote about inessential baby items a few weeks ago, I intentionally limited the number of items I mentioned. The main reason for this is that the post would have been really, really long if I would have been inclusive. Another reason is that there are a number of inessential baby items that I think are worth the splurge. Though I … [Read more...] about Inessential Baby Items That Are Worth The Splurge
7 Ways Stay-at-Home Moms Can Connect with One Another
When I first became a stay-at-home mom, I was surprised at how lonely I felt. I was never alone because I had a little baby with me all of the time, but the only adult I had daily contact with was my husband. As time has passed and we’ve moved to a new community, I’ve discovered a number of ways that stay-at-home moms can connect with … [Read more...] about 7 Ways Stay-at-Home Moms Can Connect with One Another
Baby “Essentials” You May Want to Skip
When you look at baby supply checklists, it is easy to see why people say that babies are so expensive. You’re sure to break the bank if you purchase all of these purported essentials! The good news is that not all of these must-haves are essential. Many are convenient to have, but you’ll do just fine without them. Others are just plain … [Read more...] about Baby “Essentials” You May Want to Skip
When Public Restrooms Have No Changing Table
I’m not sure that I ever paid attention to whether or not there were changing tables in restrooms until I became a mom. Now I definitely notice! While we were driving across several states for Thanksgiving this last year, we encountered numerous restaurants and gas stations that did not have changing tables. Each time this happened I … [Read more...] about When Public Restrooms Have No Changing Table
How to Get Toddlers to Enjoy Vegetables
By the time most children enter toddlerhood, they’ve tasted enough flavors to realize that some foods taste a lot better than others! This, combined with their inability to sit still for long periods of time, often turns toddlers into picky eaters. Vegetables are frequently the first foods toddlers reject. These are so important for … [Read more...] about How to Get Toddlers to Enjoy Vegetables