Search Results for: blog making the transition to a toddler bed

Life With Toddler And Baby – It Gets Easier

It has been about three and a half months since Dylan’s little brother Blake was born. In some ways it feels like it was just yesterday, but in other ways it feels like it has been much longer than three and a half months. Perhaps that is because things have gotten much easier with time. Life with a baby and a toddler is never exactly easy, but when I compare what our days feel like right now to what they felt like when Blake was just a few weeks old there is a huge difference. It is only natural to … Continue reading →

Preschool Primer Part 3 – Making The Choice

Yesterday, I described some of the types of preschool curricula that parents may encounter when they are going through the process of choosing a preschool for their toddler. Curriculum is important because it gives you an idea of what your child will be doing all day and whether there is a comfortable balance between free, creative play and structured activity. Of course, choosing a preschool is about more than just the curriculum. Today I will discuss the other factors that are a part of the preschool choosing process. Basic items like cost, location, transportation, and pick up/drop off times as … Continue reading →

What Triggers Toddler Anger?

There is no wrath like that of an angry toddler! From kicking and screaming, to crying and biting, there is not a parent on the planet that does not dread the anger of a little one who is about to lose it. Chances are that you already know some of the anger triggers. My toddler might go into a melt down if a toy is suddenly taken away, or in today’s case, when the stroller broke and we had to cancel our trip to the park. Knowing what these triggers are can do a lot to help you understand them … Continue reading →

Two Tricks to Organizing Your Toddler’s Room

Do you remember the time when you first set up your child’s nursery? I bet the crib bedding was just right, the matching rug was centered, the cute toys waited on shelves, and the room emitted a sense of peace. Well fast forward a couple of years later, and you now find the room in complete chaos, with toys scattered all over the floor, a jumble of stuffed animals and books on the bed, and learning toys that force you to “learn” how to find all of the missing pieces. At least, that is how it went down in my … Continue reading →

More Ways to Get a Toddler to Eat

We have all heard about hiding good foods into standard fare, such as extra vegetables in pasta sauce (one of my least favorite ways of getting a child to eat, since it involves trickery rather than changing habits), but what are some other ways of getting that picky toddler to love new and healthy food? Here are some of the methods that have worked for my family and/or the families of some of my close mom friends. The Clean Your Plate Club, Updated When I was a child, I was told that if I finished everything on my plate that … Continue reading →

Why Your Toddler Hits

Whether your toddler regularly hits you or other children, the behavior can be quiet disconcerting. You may feel as though other parents see your child as a problem child. But the reality is that hitting is not an unusual behavior for many toddlers. And sometimes the usual discipline methods, such as time outs may not seem to work. When a toddler hits, it is important to be consistent about the behavior not being acceptable. At the same time, it can be helpful when you understand some of the motivation behind the hitting behavior. He may be curious about other people … Continue reading →

Board Games for Toddlers and Preschoolers

By the age of two, most children are ready to play simple board games. Here are some of the ones I recommend for toddlers and preschoolers. Yesterday, after a long day running around the house (my oldest son said it was exhausting work), and a quick dinner, I decided to settle things down for my own kids and one of their friends who spent the day with us. I suggested that we bring out a board game. “What’s a board game?” the little girl asked. In all of her six years of age, she had never played, let alone heard, … Continue reading →

Is Your Toddler Clingy? It Could Be the Holidays

If you feel as though your toddler is attached at the hip, or maybe your leg, it could be the holiday season. Here is what may be causing the clinging and some ways for you both to cope. The holiday season is a wonderful time, but it can easily leave a toddler overwhelmed. The schedule could be overturned, leaving normal nap times, meal times and bedtimes all askew. There may be holiday traveling and visiting that can upset a toddler’s routine. And chances are that all of those family members that you haven’t seen in a while are new strangers … Continue reading →

Getting a Toddler to Eat

It used to seem as though I spent hours pleading with my toddlers to eat. Toddlers can be a picky bunch, at once dependent and yet wanting to assert their independence. They understand that eating is one of the few things you can’t actually make them do, and they often take advantage of this fact. But still they have to eat. When you are at your wits end, try one of these tricks to get your toddler to eat. Try the food in a different form. Finger foods are a real favorite most toddlers. That is one of the reasons … Continue reading →

Baby Blog Week in Review: July 28th Through August 3rd

Safety and summer fun have been two themes occurring in the Baby Blog for last week. From tougher toy standards and new information about you baby and second-hand smoke, to fun in the baby pool and enjoyment through volunteering, you’ll find a variety of information and opinion. Some of it might even be controversial. Add your comment! Here, now, is the week in review. July 28th Baby Blog Week in Review: July 21st Through July 27th What types of activities do you like to do with your baby? Is it playing on the floor, reading or taking walks? How about … Continue reading →