I have a significant extended family. Big. To accommodate family gatherings, homes have been remodeled AND furniture is taken out so everyone has room to roam.  One of the guaranteed highlights is seeing and visiting with the children.  We all love to dote on the youngest and newest to our family.   As much [...]

  Sometimes when infants start to roll over, diaper changes become . . . quicker.  It can also be said that they become more challenging.  When infants learn to roll over, and especially after they learn to crawl, they can be eager to do so every moment that they are able to.  In my experience, [...]

  Last week, we went on a hike with a few friends. While we were getting ready to start our walk, a couple of children played nearby, greeting each other and chatting. A friend offhandedly mentioned that her son ” . . .  is an observer”  after he declined an invitation to play with a [...]

Today, Greysen and I left the park side-by-side in conversation.     What’s to take note of, you ask? Leaving anywhere enjoyable can be of the utmost disappointment to Greysen.   A couple of months ago as I relayed to Greysen one morning that we would be leaving the park, she gave me a passionate [...]

I am incapable of not having an opinion when it comes to toys or child-related equipment. From gadgets meant to help feeding infants to balls, I have my favorites and NOT-so-favorites.   One of the main aspects of my former job was to justify every purchase we made for the children. When it came to [...]

Infant/toddler center-based care is an uncommon occurrence. I worked for many years in a group care setting with children ages three months to three years. This age range was, and is, uncommon because the state (California) discourages it.  It was only through a loophole and a signed physician’s note that we were able to care [...]

The moniker “plastic egg” gives no indication of the value of this hand held open-ended treasure.   Before they become known as candy capsules to my toddler and infant, these marvelous plastic egg-shaped containers are simply open-ended play things.   Instead of holiday-themed play, we reveled in using these small containers as just that – [...]

  Be careful.   If there was such a list, “be careful” would have to be in the “Top Ten Phrases Parents Tell their Toddlers,” and I’m not exempt from uttering those words on occasion. Reminding Greysen to be careful as she bends forward into the tub, feet dangling just off the ground, comes to [...]

Trying to make the best decisions for my children most often means following my gut. When that instinct, however, contradicts the pediatricians’ recommendations – and it regularly does – I worry. Am I making the right decision?   I am never more confident in going against this grain than when it comes to respecting my [...]

My daughter did not “crawl” or “sit” by conventional definitions. She was very adept at pulling herself forward – and quickly – while keeping her torso on the ground. She kneels instead of sits, and from this position, moving forward is the next step. Greysen’s ways are not better than others’, but they are hers. [...]