More than any other time, Christmas may foster an “I Want” attitude in your children. While  sharing their wishes with family, friends, and Santa, you may worry your child’s endless list borders on greed.  Many families hope to encourage gratitude and giving each holiday season–fostering the old adage “it is more blessed to give than…

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If you have kids at home, you’ve more likely than not had your fair share of picky eater battles. From “that looks gross” to “I don’t like that,” it can be hard to encourage your picky eater to branch out and try new foods. That’s why we’ve put together a list of some tips and…

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Sensory activities are activities that stimulate one or more of the five senses: touch, sight, sound, smell, and taste. Such activities introduce children to new textures, tastes, smells, and more, allowing children to observe and experiment new things in a safe, familiar environment. We’ve put together a list of some of the best sensory activities…

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Parents often worry these days that they are not raising grateful kids. Thanksgiving is an excellent chance to reinforce thankfulness for all we’ve been given and enjoy in our homes and communities. Here are three simple suggestions to help your home cultivate more thankfulness this Thanksgiving. Thanks Around the Table Most families honor the holiday…

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If parenting a toddler, you’ve likely been on the receiving end of more advice than you need for curing the “terrible twos”. If you’re parenting a toddler, you also know the “terrible twos” don’t start–or stop–at age two. The toddler years, generally considered to be the time between ages one and five, can be some…

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It’s no secret that iPads provide a means to fabulous educational tools for children, and kids typically love the visual, auditory, and hands-on stimulation they provide. So why not use yours to keep the learning going all summer with these fun iPad apps that suit toddler temperaments–and long car rides? Endless Alphabet This hands-on app allows…

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For introverted parents who appreciate quiet and reflection, having an extroverted child who talks a lot and craves personal interaction can be exhausting. However, by understanding certain extrovert characteristics, you can make parenting decisions that foster both of your personalities and enhance your relationship. Take a Time Out It is an introvert’s natural tendency to…

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(If you have an extroverted child, check out our parenting tips for extroverted kids!) You’re headed into the family reunion, but your child refuses to leave your side. Nor will he speak to distant cousins or great aunts. Over and over, you hear the refrain, “Aww, he’s a shy one.” Though no one means it…

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Children’s minds are fertile grounds of imagination. They readily accept make-believe worlds and have no room in their minds for the impossible. But the restrictions of today’s busy world can sometimes mean our children’s imaginations are not given the time they need to grow and develop. Reading aloud with your child is a wonderful way…

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Kindergarten readiness can vary widely from child to child. Some kids enter kindergarten reading fluently and solving simple math problems. Other children enter with basic phonic and counting skills. These young children are maturing at different rates, and kindergarten becomes a level playing field as all children need this year to build basic academic and interpersonal…

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