Training parents about all things preschool and kids aged 18 months–5 years
I pay a lot of attention to baby names. I can’t help it—I’m a Jennifer from the ’70s. It’s like my mom took ten minutes between fondue parties and waiting in line for gas to decide, “I think I’ll name her the next name I hear shouted across this K-Mart.” In all honesty, my mom named me…
Naming your baby is a big decision – after all, she’ll be stuck with whatever you choose for the rest of her life! Emma, Madison, Jaden, Noah, Maria, and Jacob are names that have been trending for the past 10 years and will probably continue to hang around a little longer. Most recently, there has been…
If there’s one thing kids cut into, it’s your previous DINK (Double Income No Kids) fun budget. No one denies that children and their requisite gear are expensive. Taking advantage of generous donations of gently used kid goods is one way to curb the cash flow, but buyer (or accepter) beware–not all hand-me-downs are created…
I have a confession: I have way too many containers. You know that entire section in Target devoted to storage units? And all those adorable canvas totes that come in every nursery color scheme imaginable? And every baby shower gift you ever got that came shrink-wrapped in a culturally accepted gender-specific designer basket? I have them…
I blame pediatricians. From the moment they start assigning your precious progeny Their Almighty Percentile for height and weight, they begin encouraging us to compare our children to others. Comparing myself to others is second nature. “That mom looks better at carpool than I do on date night.” “That mom does CrossFit and cooks three organic meals a…
So, get this–parents are allowed to use the smart devices, too! I know, right? If you’re able to wrestle your iPhone or iPad from the kids for five minutes, check out some of our picks for apps that solve common parenting problems: Problem 1: Every so often, your kid actually does a chore, and you…
Why should big kids get all the fun? Here are some great smart device apps for the younger crowd that are fun to play and also reinforce what kids are learning in preschool. All are available through iTunes. Pre-Reading Endless Alphabet ($6.99, ages 5 and under) and AlphaTots Alphabet ($2.99, ages 5 and under) provide…
Without shame, I must confess I am a huge Disney fan. Anytime I’ve watched the Main Street parade, I’ve cried uncontrollably. I can’t tell you exactly why, but it happens every time. I took my niece to see the new Disney live action Cinderella. It was spectacular. From the imaginative set design to the costuming that…
Toys are a crucial part of every child’s development. Play doesn’t just have to be fun – it can also be a wonderful and productive time for learning. Here are my top 10 picks for toys with a purpose. Melissa and Doug Deluxe Wooden Stringing Beads (ages 2-4) “These beads will help develop a child…
