Navigating Potty Training and Daycare Requirements By Amber Jayne You’ve been dreaming of no more diapers; you are envisioning your little one running happily to the bathroom on his or her own. Yet the thought of potty training seems daunting and overwhelming. Where to start, when, and how are always some of the questions that come up. But now you may face a timeline and some added pressure of getting your little potty trained because your preschool or daycare requires it. Don’t worry take a deep breath and know that so many before you were in your shoes now. The goal is to potty train your ..read more

Sensory Bin Expert Reveals Outdoor Spaces Perfect for Children with Sensory Needs Summer is right around the corner, and with it comes the joy of being outdoors again. For parents and caregivers of children with sensory needs, this comes with finding spaces that your child can safely enjoy while nurturing and growing their sensory experiences.  To help parents, we reached out to Jennifer Stalley, founder of Meemzy Magic, who shares all the places you need to visit to aid in your child’s development. Whether it be the gentle sway of a swing or some lesser-known sensory-friendly outdoor ..read more

By Beth Rush It’s easy to get frustrated when your toddler throws a temper tantrum in public. Parenting for first-timers can be overwhelming. Yes, there are templates, advice, and suggestions from the pros on how to discipline a toddler — but some challenging situations can cause you to lose your patience and snap. However, parenting can also be rewarding. With proper discipline strategies, you'll forget the stress and enjoy your children's toddlerhood instead. Learn everything there is to know about taming a temperamental toddler. Why Toddlers Exhibit Temperamental Behavior Toddlers' tem ..read more

This spring, we are doing things a little bit differently with the gear and gift guides. We are in the middle of a brand redesign, so we have combined our guides to bring you our latest finds in gear and gifts for Mom, Dad, and Baby. Pick and choose your combos for convenience, fun, and shock value... Check out the gear we found for you! Love By Emi This adorable soother from Love by Emi is great for little ones to snuggle with. What makes this lovey different is the relaxing sounds it provides. This white noise plushie is made from soft fleece material that is BPA-free and allergy-free. F ..read more

Choosing the right daycare or preschool for your child is a significant decision that requires careful consideration. While reviewing credentials and policies is important, sometimes subtle cues can provide valuable insight into the quality of care provided. By engaging your senses—sight, smell, sound, and feel—you can better assess whether a daycare center is the right fit for your child. Let's explore how each sense can help you recognize red flags in daycare centers. Sense of Sight: The first impression of a daycare center often comes from what you see. Take a moment to observe the over ..read more

By Dr Gina Gómez de la Cuesta, Clinical Psychologist and Co-Founder of Play Included Play is fundamental to children’s learning and development. Playful experiences help develop children’s brains, and from the age of three, children can regulate their feelings, take turns, and problem-solve. Many parents are already aware of the importance of free play (unstructured playful activities) for children but are less familiar with guided play. By encouraging, coaching, and guiding children during playtime, adults can help children develop important skills more quickly. What skills does play dev ..read more

How to be your child’s advocate in the doctor’s office: navigating the healthcare maze for children with rare diseases By Lesley Holmes  As a mother of two, including a daughter diagnosed with tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC)–a genetic disorder that causes tumors to form throughout the body's organs–I've witnessed the challenges of securing adequate care for children with rare diseases. Advocating for the health of our children, whether they have a rare disease or not, is crucial to impacting their development and health outcomes. Until there are more pediatricians and physician ..read more

Financial independence looks different depending on your age and stage in life. While becoming a parent can put a wrench in finances at any age, we decided to share with you some basic financial suggestions by age to help you plan better in the long run. Dr. Cathy Duffy, Ed.D., CMA. Cathy, a Financial Planner at Baystate Financial has graciously shared this checklist with us. Financial Independence Checklist In your 20’s Savings/Retirement Planning Open checking and savings accounts if you haven’t already done so. Learn to make a budget and use it. Start an emergency fund aiming to ..read more

Dandelion Strengths: What Can Toddlers & Preschoolers Learn? By Dr. Joanne Foster “Weeds are flowers, too, once you get to know them.” ~ A. A. Milne Dandelions are weeds, but they look like sunny yellow flowers. When you or your toddler or preschooler sees dandelions spattered across a lawn or a single golden-hued dandelion flower poking up through a pavement crack, stop and seize the moment. What can be learned? Ways in Which Learning Can Take Root “What is a weed? A plant whose virtues have never been discovered.” ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson Dandelions teach children about GROWTH What ..read more

Dandelion Strengths: What Can Children Learn? By Dr. Joanne Foster “Weeds are flowers, too, once you get to know them.” ~ A. A. Milne Dandelions are weeds, but they look like sunny yellow flowers. When you or your child see dandelions spattered across a lawn or a single golden-hued dandelion flower poking up through a pavement crack, stop and seize the moment. What can be learned? Ways in Which Learning Can Take Root “What is a weed? A plant whose virtues have never been discovered.” ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson Dandelions teach children about GROWTH What do dandelions—or flowers—need to thri ..read more