It’s not easy to be a great mom. Some of us didn’t have the best examples to follow growing up. And it’s not a skill taught in school. You either have to educate yourself or learn on the job. Even though there are many parenting styles, successful moms share many of the same attributes that give their kids the best chance for success and happiness. Most moms naturally have a few of these attributes but must develop some of the others. I have spent some time studying other great moms … [Read more...] about 11 Special Traits Seen in Great Moms
How to Better Communicate With Your Toddler
What is he saying? Why is he crying? What does he need? I have asked myself these questions many times when dealing with my toddler. Sometimes I would even get frantic trying to figure out what he was trying to say. I could tell he was trying to communicate with me, but I struggled with understanding him. After taking some time to really patient attention to what was going on, I got better at communicating with my toddler. Now, I want to share what I have learned to help you … [Read more...] about How to Better Communicate With Your Toddler
How to Prevent Terrible Twos from Being Terrible
When I had my first son I always anticipate what everyone called the terrible twos. My little guy was super sweet and loving. Shortly after his second birthday the tantrums and the screaming started. At that point, I knew I was in the terrible twos territory. The "Terrible Twos" is really an unfortunate term. It tends to set new parents, in particular, up to be apprehensive about their two-year-old. It also causes parents to worry unnecessarily when "Terrible Twos" behavior manifests … [Read more...] about How to Prevent Terrible Twos from Being Terrible
5 Ways to Spend Quality Time with Your Kids
Being a busy mom with young kids can be lots of fun and challenging. Especially when you are trying to find time to spend with your little ones. After a long day at work and taking care of the house, you find that there isn't much time left to spend with your kids. So how do you balance and spend quality time with your kids? Great question! I got a few mom friends to help me answer that question and share how they spend quality time with their kids. Val | Thoughtful Neighbor Every … [Read more...] about 5 Ways to Spend Quality Time with Your Kids
How to Make Bath Time Fun for Your Toddler
My oldest son lives for bath time. His face lights up with joy whenever I mention getting in the tub. And I am sure that he would happily spend a large portion of his life there if you would allow it. But my youngest son, however, could not stand taking a bath. I would have to bring him in screaming to the tub. And I didn't get a moment's peace until the bath is over. It baffled me. Why was one kid in love with the water and the other one hated it? The fact is that many toddlers are … [Read more...] about How to Make Bath Time Fun for Your Toddler
How to Increase Your Family Harmony
I always envisioned my house to be filled with happy kids running around having a good time. And I am chatting with my husband who thinks I am amazing at everything. My house looks like something from a movie with perfect family harmony. The reality is my kids are usually running around, but end up in tears because someone was playing too rough or they forgot to use their brakes. My husband doesn't actually think I am amazing at everything. And my house does not look like a movie. We … [Read more...] about How to Increase Your Family Harmony
How to Get Started Teaching Your Toddler Manners
Your toddler is growing up and learning a lot! They are perfecting walking amongst other other motor skills. Your toddler is also undergoing emotional development and making strides in verbal communication. During this time of language development, teaching your little one manners is the opportune time. By making "please" and "thank you" some of the first words they learn, you are paving the way for manners to become a good habit. And habits formed and reinforced this at this stage … [Read more...] about How to Get Started Teaching Your Toddler Manners
How To Cope With Your Toddler’s Night Terrors
One night I woke up to my toddler screaming. I went in his room to find him sitting in his bed with his eyes wide open and a startled look on his face. I pick him up and he is not wet and seems to be nothing hurting. While he is still screaming, I look around the room to see if there is anything that could have caused him to get so upset. But I find nothing. The only thing I could think of was a bad dream that scared him pretty bad. I later learned that my son had a night … [Read more...] about How To Cope With Your Toddler’s Night Terrors
6 Things You Need to Know to Get Your Picky Eater to Try New Foods
I know I was excited when I first started introducing solid foods to my oldest son, 5. There were bananas and potatoes that I was excited to serve him. But I quickly found out the foods that he liked and didn't like. Soon I found that 5 was like many toddlers. He had developed an aversion to new foods or only want to eat one certain food at every meal. Many moms notice that this happens around the infamous "terrible twos." Like most moms, I feared that 5 was not getting proper … [Read more...] about 6 Things You Need to Know to Get Your Picky Eater to Try New Foods
The Truth About Separation Anxiety and How to Deal with it
When I had my first child I was excited about bringing him home. I loved him immediately and wanted to keep this little newborn safe and comfortable. My maternity leave was only 6 weeks and I didn't realize how quickly the time would past. The first morning I left for work, my little baby was as peaceful as he could be, but I felt terrible about leaving him home with my husband. Even though that is his father, I felt like I should have been home with him. So got in the car and cried all … [Read more...] about The Truth About Separation Anxiety and How to Deal with it