Age 2

10 Quick sleepy-time tricks for kids

Kristin Chessman — Mon, 19 Sep 2011 07:47:00 -0700

You’re completely and utterly exhausted, but what’s a sleep-deprived mom to do when your little one simply won’t go to bed? Finding the right bedtime routine can be an exasperating game of trial and error. Learn some quick tips and tricks to help both you and your child achieve a good night’s sleep.

How to explain to your kids why parents fight

Michelle Maffei — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 09:35:00 -0700

When kids witness their parents butting heads or engaging in a yelling match, they may be confused, scared or even worried that the family is headed for divorce. From explaining the difference between having a disagreement and an argument, to letting them know that it doesn't mean you don't love each other, here's how to explain to your kids why parents fight.

How to host a play date that is easy and fun

Molly Cerreta Smith — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 07:08:00 -0700

When it comes to hosting a play date, it's important to stick to a few rules. First, keep it simple, and secondly, have fun! Aside from that, moms may be wracking their brains with what to do, what to serve and how to entertain your own kids as well as several others for a few hours. Follow these simple tricks and everyone will be begging for another play date at your house!

Keeping your babysitter happy

Jen Klein — Sun, 11 Sep 2011 07:07:00 -0700

If you've found a good sitter that your kids like and who is dependable, you've got a good thing going. Sometimes finding the good sitter is the easy thing - it's keeping the sitter that can be a challenge. Especially when you are hoping to build a long-term relationship, a healthy base relationship is essential.

Family activities your toddler will love

Sarah W. Caron — Tue, 30 Aug 2011 12:43:00 -0700

Part of being a family is doing things together… and when those things are fun for everyone, it’s even better. These family activities are perfect for everyone, including the toddlers.

Differences between potty training and poopy training

Michelle Maffei — Mon, 22 Aug 2011 09:00:00 -0700

The potty training journey is something all youngsters embark upon, but for many kiddos, toilet training is a two-part endeavor. While some master the art of potty, conquering number two is a separate challenge. From the ideal time to begin to potty train to the difference between controlling urine versus bowels, discover the differences between potty training and poopy training.

Why weaning sucks

Michelle Maffei — Wed, 17 Aug 2011 06:48:00 -0700

Breastfeeding is a beautiful bonding time between you and your baby, but like all good things, it must eventually come to an end. Although you get your body back and the freedom to eat and drink what you want when you stop breastfeeding, the experience of weaning isn't all good. From depression to irritated vagina syndrome, discover the side effects of weaning from breastfeeding.

5 Best potty training bribes

Michelle Maffei — Tue, 16 Aug 2011 08:02:00 -0700

Most parents will tell you that using incentives to potty train your tot makes the undertaking more successful, regardless of what you think about bribing your babe. So, what are the most common bribes parents are using to get their youngster to go on the potty? From stickers to sweets to ultimate rewards, find out tips on the best potty training bribes directly from the parents who use them.

Bring back the jungle gyms

Sarah W. Caron — Fri, 12 Aug 2011 07:13:00 -0700

A new study says that the move toward safer play equipment for kids could be stunting their emotional growth. What do parents think?

Stress-free parenting: Tips to end biting

Michele Borba, EdD — Wed, 20 Jul 2011 14:30:00 -0700

Do you have a biter on your hands? Sure, there are lots of reasons why he might be using this behavior.. but regardless of why your kid bites, your job is to stop it before it becomes a habit. Here are a few tips to help you.

5 Fast ways to stop a tantrum

Kim Grundy — Tue, 19 Jul 2011 04:59:00 -0700

A temper tantrum is a child’s way of handling a frustrating situation by acting out, screaming, crying yelling and oftentimes throwing themselves on the floor. Yes, it’s very dramatic and most toddlers will give an Oscar-worthy performance if they think it can get them what they want. Follow our expert and real parent advice on 5 fast ways to stop a tantrum in its tracks!

Negotiate with toddlers? Are you crazy?

Jen Klein — Thu, 14 Jul 2011 09:02:00 -0700

Toddlers are not known for being rational creatures. With their bodies and minds developing rapidly on so many fronts, logic as we think about it is just not there. Angry that the color orange exists could be reason enough for an all-out tantrum! As such, you may have heard the admonition, “Don’t negotiate with a toddler!” Compromise is non-existent and understanding “Sweetie, I’ll make you a deal…,” won’t come for several more years.

Aromatherapy for kids

Tiernan McKay — Thu, 14 Jul 2011 07:34:00 -0700

If you are dedicated to green living, you've probably heard of essential oils, but have you tapped into their potential? Essential oils have aroma-therapeutic properties than can benefit kids in many ways.

4 Things to expect while raising two toddlers

Elizabeth Lyons — Tue, 12 Jul 2011 08:13:00 -0700

Got toddlers? Then you know that these little people, while only 2 or 3 years old, are thoroughly convinced they rule the roost. That's the bad news. The good news -- you're not alone! There are many common challenges parents encounter while raising multiple toddlers. A little mental preparation goes a long way toward long-term sanity. Here’s what to expect.

Top travel toys for kids

Kim Grundy — Tue, 12 Jul 2011 07:34:00 -0700

Travel toys are a must when traveling with kids. Whether you are traveling by car, airplane, train or boat, check out our pick of the best travel toys for kids of all ages.

4 Summer activities to beat the heat

Laura Willard — Sun, 03 Jul 2011 20:27:00 -0700

Summer has officially arrived! Along with it in many parts of the country, so has the heat. For moms of toddlers and preschoolers, summer can mean long days cooped up inside your air-conditioned home. And we all know that confined kids lead to crazy moms. Try a few of our unconventional ways to beat the heat this summer with your little ones.

Fun letter learning games

Kori Ellis — Mon, 20 Jun 2011 08:49:00 -0700

Before your child learns to read, they need to know all their letters. Help your wee one learn their alphabet with these letter learning games!

Why moms of toddlers need mommy friends

Sarah W. Caron — Sat, 18 Jun 2011 06:07:00 -0700

It’s been a rough few weeks in my household. We’ve hit the dreaded terrible-twos... Or as actuality may have it, the terrible-threes, since my son is right around the corner from his third birthday.

Teach your child the letters

Whitney Coy — Thu, 16 Jun 2011 08:13:00 -0700

Learning letters is your child’s first step toward reading. Don’t wait until she starts school -- start now. Work with your child to help her learn letters, and she’ll have a leg up when she gets into the classroom.

How can you tell if your child needs glasses?

Tiernan McKay — Fri, 10 Jun 2011 07:48:00 -0700

Fortunately, the majority of children do not have vision problems, but how do you know if your child falls into the smaller percentage of kids who do? When kids are toddler-age and younger it can be hard to get feedback on their eyesight. These steps will help parents ensure their kids are seeing as well as they possibly can.