Whether on the news or in conversations with your friends, you’ve likely heard references to screen time. Screen time is time spent in front of electronic screens (televisions, tablets, smartphones, etc.). There is a lot of discussion regarding screen time in general and kids’ screen time in particular because of concerns regarding how it … [Read more...] about Should We Be Concerned About Young Kids’ Screen Time?
health and safety
Managing the Stress of Motherhood
Last week I noted a number of stressors that moms encounter regularly. I also noted that it is perfectly normal for moms to feel stress because challenging tasks, including parenting, increase the demands put on our bodies and minds (stress is our physiological and psychological response to these demands). We’re not at our best as … [Read more...] about Managing the Stress of Motherhood
The Best Baby Toys for Developmentally Appropriate Play
One of my most popular printables is a guide to developmentally appropriate play for babies (you can see the original version here and an updated one here). This guide describes what types of activities foster a baby’s development at ages birth-1 month, 2-3 months, 4-6 months, and so on. This guide describes many activities and mentions … [Read more...] about The Best Baby Toys for Developmentally Appropriate Play
Why Are Moms So Stressed Out?
Every mom I know feels stressed out. Like me, these moms love their kids and are so grateful to be moms, but they’re stressed. Researchers have found that adults who are parents often derive more purpose and meaning in life than adults who aren’t parents; however, they’ve also found that stress from a number of common stressors often … [Read more...] about Why Are Moms So Stressed Out?
High Fiber Foods that Kids (and Adults) Actually Like
As I noted last week, kids are at risk for developing constipation if they don’t have sufficient fiber intake. This is also true for adults. Not surprisingly, there are a number of additional benefits associated with consuming the right amount of fiber (source): Heart and circulatory health. Soluble fiber lowers total blood cholesterol … [Read more...] about High Fiber Foods that Kids (and Adults) Actually Like
Play Guide for Baby’s First Year
As I noted last month, I’m going through some of my old posts and making updates to them. One of my favorite posts from about four years ago is about developmentally appropriate play for babies. Everything in that post is still relevant, but I’ve never been particularly fond of the appearance of the printable guide I shared there. When I … [Read more...] about Play Guide for Baby’s First Year
Alleviating Constipation in Children
When I first began writing this blog, I wouldn’t have believed you if you would have told me that I’d someday be writing about the topic of constipation. However, here I am, writing a post on kids’ bowel habits. Motherhood sure makes you talk about a number of topics that once seemed inappropriate to discuss with strangers! I’d be … [Read more...] about Alleviating Constipation in Children
7 Healthy Canned Foods
When I do our grocery shopping, I try to make sure I get lots of healthy foods and skip over most of the unhealthy ones. I get fresh produce, lean meats, healthy grains, etc., but I avoid most processed foods that come packaged in things like cans and bottles. This is a useful approach in general, but it means I may skip over a number … [Read more...] about 7 Healthy Canned Foods
