Whether a toddler is talking or not talking, or how little, are subjects of great concern for many parents. Above all, our members say, don’t lose hope — there are things you can do to help. Here are three that are key.
If you have a little one who isn't quite ready for pumpkin carving this Halloween, these no-carve Jack O' Lanterns are just the thing. From finger-painted pumpkins to bedazzled and unique mustache designs, these colorful gourds are super fun to make, too!
There have been a rash of headlines in the last year about parents who've disciplined their kids publicly. But as a recent incident shows, public shaming can backfire, bringing the weight of public opinion down hard on the parent instead.
Few tots like to sit still, look into the camera, and flash a winning smile on cue. So what’s the best way to capture a memorable image, possibly even one that's holiday card worthy? Here, moms provide 7 tips for beautiful baby photos.
Getting a baby and preschooler to share a room is relatively simple, say moms who have already walked down that path. Here they offer three tips for helping siblings sleep soundly together in the same room.
Aching to introduce your little one to the pool, lake or ocean, but don't know if it's too soon? Most tots can and should start swimming lessons after the six-month mark. Here, members share three tips on getting your child used to the water.
Many parents wonder whether their child needs Early Intervention Services. To help answer that and other common questions about EI, here's a primer on what they're for, who's eligible, how they're structured, and why they're so important.
Not a fan of constantly cleaning up the bathroom after your son's target practice? Good news! Here are 6 reasons to teach potty training boys to sit rather than stand.
When you're the parent of a toddler it can feel like you move from one sleep problem to the next, and fear of the dark is often part of it. Here are five fun suggestions for banishing their fears, once and for all.
Many moms get stuck in the rut of making a separate, guaranteed-to-be-eaten dinner for their toddler and a “grown up” meal for the rest of the family. Here are six tips for creating meals that'll be approved by toddlers, adults, and everyone in between
Try as you might, separation anxiety is not something you can talk your child out of. The solution comes over time and through her own experience of safety. Still, there are ways you can help speed that process along. Here are six of them.
At first I was disappointed that my daughter hated flashcards, but as it turns out, this is more normal than not. If your little one hates the flashcard drill too, here are ten ways to make learning letters into a game that stimulates all senses.
When your child complains about going to school it may seem like she's just being stubborn, but for many kids school anxiety is a very real issue. So how can you tell the difference between everyday complaints and a serious problem — and what can you do?
For years, my family has started every day together, with coffee (for the grown-ups) and milk (for the kids) — snuggled together in bed! Here's how this tradition got started, and why I hope it will continue.
Road trips are hard enough without restless kids in the back-seat! Whether you're a road-trip rookie or you just need some fresh ideas on keeping kids happy in the car, here are some tips that will help everyone enjoy the trip more.
The getting-ready-for-school morning routine I use with my twins is simple and works for all ages. My kids love this routine so much so that they even follow it on weekends! Here's the cute downloadable chart we use to track our progress.
It's common to feel at a loss when your toddler gets angry, frustrated, or intensely sad. Here, moms offer three ways to help your child through the emotional ups and downs of toddlerhood.
Is it normal for toddlers to still wake mom up for some comfort in the middle of the night? Here are tips for frustrated moms on how to encourage sounder sleep.
Entering daycare or preschool for the first time can be a tough transition for kids who have spent their early years in a stay-at-home environment. Here, moms share advice on how to help a little one adjust.
From a mad scientist theme to a "Peace Love and FUN-do" party, these 15 unique birthday party themes from bloggers in the Circle of Moms network will rev your engines for your child's next party!
With a new season and school year on the horizon, now is a great time to sort through your children's closets. Here are ten great organizing tips that will help you get your little ones dressed when you've only got a few minutes to get out the door.
Do your kids forget to say thank you? Crawl around under the table in restaurants? Here, moms share 8 parenting "lapses" that raise their hackles. Many of us are — at least occasionally — guilty as charged. What do you think, are these ever forgivable?
I am a "been there done that mom" (which sounds so much better than "older mom") and I have learned so many things I wish I had known back when I was a new mom. Here are eight that are indispensable.
It might be unimaginable to think your toddler could already be showing signs of violent behavior, but what if your toddler repeatedly hits you? Here moms share three ways to put an end to it.
From battles over teeth brushing to showdowns over holding your hand in the parking lot, everyday routines can become mighty power struggles between you and your child. Here are six great products that make these daily tasks easier.
Have you ever wondered what would happen if you put your kids in charge of the grocery shopping? This short video, which follows a little girl around a grocery store as she fills up her cart, will surprise and delight you!
Most of us were yelled at as kids, so we assume that yelling is what we’re supposed to do when correcting our own kid’s behavior. But yelling at a child produces fear and resentment, not cooperation. Here's how to change your response to misbehavior.
Making the decision to put your child in daycare is never easy, but knowing what to look for in a daycare can make a tough situation a little bit easier. Here’s a checklist of factors to consider, and why.
Skip the traditional goodie bags for your child's next birthday party -- we've rounded up 15 fresh party favor ideas that your young guests will love, from a special mix CD to cool take-home crafts. Plus, there's a sweet gift for mom in there too!
Splish splash, time for a bath! Even kids who love bath time can get bored with the routine, but these seven new toys — including a trick for turning bath water into "jello" and back again — will make them eager to jump in!
Whether you and your kids are hitting the beach or playing in the backyard, sunscreen is a must. Here we've rounded up three non-greasy, broad-spectrum sunscreens, including an easy-on spray that's perfect for kids.
One way to determine if your child should start preschool this fall is the acronym P.I.E.C.E.S.: Potty-training, Independence, Expressiveness, Concentration, Endurance and Separation. Read on to find out if your child is really ready.
Your kids really need to burn off some energy but it's too hot to play outside. Don't despair! Here are ten fun ways to keep them active, fit, and happy — indoors.
There's no need to spend a fortune on toys for your kids. We've rounded up great recommendations from moms on the low-cost toys their children return to again and again. Happy shopping!
Does bad weather have your kids singing the cabin fever blues? Here are dozens of great ways to keep them entertained indoors. Our not-to-miss favorite? #46: Frozen toys.
Do you ever wonder why, despite the fact that you've told your child the house rules, he still isn’t cooperating? Kids need the rules broken down into age appropriate steps so that there are no questions. Here are some examples that will help you do this
Thinking about camping with your kids this summer? Rest assured, toddlers can be great outdoor adventurers, say moms who are veteran family campers. Here they offer 5 tips for surviving in the great outdoors with your little ones.
Now that I'm on my eleventh toddler, Apollo, I've learned a few things about how to help a toddler play independently and stay focused! Here's what I know about toddler toys — which ones to buy, how to organize them, and how often to rotate them.
Perfect for water games, messy projects, and sports, a local park or your own backyard are ideal settings for kids' summer birthday parties. There's no worry about how you'll fit all those kids in your home, and clean-up is much easier!
I'm not new to this whole motherhood gig. But a heart defect and g-tube weren't exactly what I was planning for my fourteenth child. It's a whole new world for me, but it's also probably the best thing that has happened to my son in his short life.
You want toys that will open up your toddler's imagination and help her learn about the world. But mostly, you want toddler toys that will actually keep your tot busy and occupied for more than five minutes! Here, moms share the best toys for toddlers.
All three of my girls have a precocious love for expensive creams and make-up. Right on cue at around eighteen months they each began foraging in the cupboards. And they're in cahoots: they get me busy and then BOOM!, sneak upstairs to start pillaging.
Days with toddlers can be very long, so I try to keep mine busy, happy, and out of trouble. Here are five great toddler activities, each one an easy way to entertain your curious kid using stuff you probably already have around the house.
Taking your toddler to the barber does not have to be shear torture — although it can feel that way! When you feel like pulling your own hair out because your little one won’t hold still for a haircut, try these five tips instead.
You could spend the next 18+ years eating at home and getting take-out, but at some point you'll long to sit down to a good family meal that you didn't have to make or serve yourself. Here, members share five tips for dining out — without the whining.
Our delightful son decided that he would do #1 but when it came to #2 nothing worked. Then, one day I had an idea. Hang onto your potty seats — I created a poop jar for M.
It's never fun to discipline your kids. But when you parent up (and do it skillfully) kids really do learn the lessons you try so hard to teach them. Here's how I found out.
Theme parks, the zoo, even grocery stores can be scary when you have a toddler, and even the most vigilant parents will admit to at least a couple frightening moments when their little one tried to wander off. Here's what you can you do to keep yours safe.
