I was recently out to dinner with my husband, Michael. This is something we try to do about twice a month, just to take a break and have some “couple time.” One of the things he likes to tease me about is that if I see a young child while we are out past about 9:30 p.m., I instantly look at my … Read More
Does white noise put babies to sleep?
Hands up if this sounds familiar… Your fussy baby finally falls asleep for her afternoon nap and you sit down for a much-needed moment to yourself only to hear a car with a broken muffler roaring down the street. Just like that, Sleeping Beauty is wide awake and mad…NOT a good combination. Or maybe you live in the country and … Read More
Keeping Your Toddler in Bed
Do you have trouble keeping your toddler in bed? You know the story, at 8:15, your toddler comes out to ask for a drink of water. At 8:30, she needs another hug. At 9:15, she can’t find her favorite stuffed animal. Sounds familiar? If so, you’ll want to check out this video: And if you’re looking for a step-by-step system … Read More
The Truth About Toddlers
It’s been a while now since I had toddlers in the house – five years, in fact, since my youngest was two. However, it is the one time in my children’s lives that I remember the most vividly. In some ways it was the best of times; in some ways it was the worst of times. (Those of you with toddlers in … Read More
Tall Tales: What to Do When Your Child Lies
My friend Shannon’s six-year-old daughter Kyla is constantly telling lies. If Shannon asks her if she ate an extra cookie from the jar, Kyla will say her pet unicorn ate it. If Shannon asks her why she didn’t put her shoes on, Kyla will say it’s because there was a monster sitting in the hallway. If Shannon asks who broke … Read More
Weathering the Storm: How to Parent in Tough Times
Parenting can be trying at the best of times. Every day can feel like running a marathon, with chasing toddlers, scraping dried yogurt off the carpet, changing diapers, driving to pre-school/ballet/soccer, making endless meals and refereeing sibling arguments. Family life with young children is full, busy and challenging, to say the least. So what happens when you add a difficult … Read More
Parents’ Guide to Surviving Daylight Savings Time
Tonight is daylight savings time — a bi-annual tradition where everyone’s sleep gets screwed up for no good reason. It’s inconvenient, sure, but it’s also downright dangerous. Did you know that there’s an 8% increase in traffic accidents the day after daylight savings time? In other words, it’s not an exaggeration to say that this outdated tradition is endangering people’s … Read More
Surviving the Spooky Sugar Rush: Bedtime Tips for Halloween
For most kids, Halloween is one of their favorite days of the year. Handfuls of free candy, dressing up with their friends, telling scary stories…what could be more fun? But for parents who have recently established a strict bedtime routine, a night of treats and excitement makes them dread the reactions of their little creatures when it’s time to say goodnight. … Read More
Baby Sleep Dilemma: What Would YOU Do?
So I’m out at the park with my kids the other day. My kids are off running around, and I grab a seat at the end of a bench, where two women with their babies are sitting. The one mother is talking to the other about how her baby won’t sleep at night. She’s saying how she puts her baby … Read More
Rock-A-Bye Baby: When It’s A Bad Idea…
Parents, hands up if this sounds familiar… It’s the middle of the night. You’re in a dark living room and you’re rocking your baby in your arms. You’re exhausted, but you’re also terrified to put him down for fear that the second his sweet little head touches the pillow, his eyes will fly open and you’ll have to start all … Read More