Why Do Kids Whine? “But Mo-o-om, I don’t want to!” We’ve all had days when that’s the general reaction when you ask your child to do something. And those days are certainly difficult for everyone involved. Parents are left frustrated, and kids aren’t really enjoying the all-day whining, either. So, what’s a parent to do? …
Congratulations! You have received the amazing news that you are expecting a baby! It is such an exciting time for parents, full of wonder and speculation about who this little person will be. It is also a time of many questions, as you navigate this new world of parenting. One thing that most parents find …
The channel of communication between a child and parent forms a benchmark for all future communications in a kid’s life. This is why it’s crucial to develop a healthy communication channel with your child at an early age. A great back and forth with your child plays a major role in deepening and strengthening the …
Children tend to get on our bad side now and again. I used to find myself shouting at the top of my lungs as a way to express my anger. They would storm off to their safe space and lock themselves shut. Had I not realized the repercussions of my tone, I wouldn’t be enjoying …
Some days, pregnancy feels like it’s never going to end and other days, it seemingly flies by. If you’re like me, you become focused on preparing for the baby and savoring those final weeks and months before a newborn keeps you up all night. Often, those memorable details of your pregnancy get lost in the …
Being a mom is the best job in the world. It’s cliche, but if you’re a mom, you know it’s true. It sure doesn’t pay the bills, unless of course the gas company accepts hugs and kisses. The best jobs for stay at home moms are those that allow you to be a mom first, …
Children need to have a healthy relationship with their food. Even if it means that occasionally, they get to play with it! If you have a picky eater in your home, look through this list with them and see if any of these fun food activities for kids catch their eye. #1 Ice Cream In …
Toddlers have an attention span of around 2 minutes per year of their age. At times, it can feel like we’ve exhausted all options to keep our toddlers busy. We’ve looked a bit deeper, and there are plenty of fun options worth a try. Consider your child’s personality and decide if art, active, outdoor, or …
Children get bored easily, and keeping them entertained can be hard work. Great games for kids can spike up a birthday party with friends. In a family setting, they can also create special moments and fantastic memories for years to come. Regardless of your child’s age, you should find the perfect games that your little …
For most parents, discipline can be tricky. We love our children more than anything and want to satisfy all their dreams and wishes. However, we also need to establish rules and teach our children about responsibility, respect, and good behavior. Discipline, however, doesn’t necessarily mean punishment. It’s an educational tool to share proper skills and …
I’m a decade away from sending my oldest child off to college, but college costs are already on my mind. With college tuition costs at a public 4-year institution exceeding $10,000 a year, sending your child off to college comes with a hefty fee. In my case, I have to multiply those costs by three, …
On average, 2.9 out of every 1000 Americans divorce yearly. While it can be difficult for parents, children are the ones who generally suffer the most. They often don’t quite understand the situation and can face challenges processing emotions. It’s also a moment that they’ll likely never forget. The following advice and recommendations on how …
In the U.S., approximately 32.6 twins are born for every 1,000 births. Do you have twins in your family and are wondering whether you may have inherited this trait as well? Well, the answer isn’t definite. Twins can occur from various biological processes, which may or may not be hereditary. We’ve outlined the different scenarios …
Life as a new parent is filled with happiness as you admire your new addition. It also might be the most challenging task you’ve ever faced. A study by the ZERO TO THREE foundation revealed that 91% of new parents describe parenting as their greatest joy, along with 73% viewing it as their biggest challenge. …
It is an honor to be invited to a baby shower! But often we can let the pressure of not knowing how much to spend on a baby shower gift, steal our joy of attending. Before you stress about what to give the expectant momma, grab your phone and take a peek at her baby …
A baby shower isn’t hard to plan. But it also isn’t hard to forget a few things here and there simply because there’s so much to do! If you find yourself panicking over how to plan a baby shower, what to do, and when to do it, this step by step checklist should help set …
How to Plan a Baby Shower: Step by Step Checklist Read More »
Is your newborn not sleeping? I know it doesn’t make you feel any better, but I do know what that’s like. It’s perhaps one of the worst parts of parenting. Learning how to take care of a baby when you’re sleep deprived makes it so difficult to enjoy what should be a bundle of joy. …
The traffic is noisy, the video games are over-stimulating, and the snacks are full of sugar and preservatives…is it any wonder that our kids are struggling to pay attention, self-regulate, and feel secure? Family routines can help to create boundaries within your home, which in turn provide security and structure for children to feel safe. …
How To Establish a Family Routine and Why They Work Read More »
Are you considering taking the leap from working full time to staying at home? Are you already a stay at home parent and thinking about adding a part time or full time job to the mix? Either way, working at home with kids isn’t for the faint of heart. I don’t want to scare you …
Being a parent and watching your child in all of their developmental stages is a great experience. However, both parenthood and childhood are not always easy. Seeing your child suffering can be heartbreaking, and you probably want to do everything you can to make them feel better. If you find your child doesn’t have any …
Everyone has told lies. You, your parents, your partner, your school teacher. So is it any wonder that children lie, too? The first time I heard my son lie, I was astonished. I couldn’t believe my ears! Whether it’s intentional or not, children lie for many different reasons. But when do these lies become problematic, …
Why Do Children Lie And What Should You Do About It? Read More »
Every child is an individual when it comes to physical and mental development. That includes learning how to express oneself by using oral speech. You might compare your child’s development with others of the same age, wondering if your toddler has a speech delay. Don’t stress out if you feel that your toddler is behind …
What You Need to Know About Speech Delay in Toddlers Read More »
As parents, we tend to be overproud of our children, mainly because they’re our children. Subconsciously we’re proud of ourselves, of what we have created. After all, we’re witnessing the fruits of our labor. It’s in our nature that we instinctively believe that our child is the cutest, smartest, most charming kid in the world. …
The Importance of Praise and Encouragement for Toddlers Read More »
As parents, we just want what’s best for our kids. Raising children today is harder than it’s ever been, and so preparing them for the big wide world is vital. As my little ones grow into bigger ones, I’ve put emotional intelligence at the forefront of skills that they learn. Ensuring your kids are emotionally …
Being a parent is great—though sometimes it can be demanding and challenging. In our busy day-to-day lives, juggling all kinds of tasks and activities, family time can quickly fade from the spotlight. Something that really helped to unite our household was holding frequent family meetings. I want to show how coming together with your family …
Stepping outside of your home can seem strangely scary after having a baby. How can you possibly consider packing every necessary item your baby may need into a small bag? Don’t panic! I’m here to help. I felt the exact same way with my first, but my diaper bag became my parenting Bible! I’ll go …
Getting ready for kindergarten can seem daunting, and will have you faced with a variety of different feelings and emotions. It’s an important time for your child—a new stage of life as they grow and learn. I’ve been through it once with my son, and I’m about to go through it again with my daughter. …
Congratulations! Your precious baby has finally arrived, and you can hold your little bundle of joy in your arms. Being at home with your newborn and getting used to each other can be a bit intimidating in the beginning. But rest assured, you will find your way naturally. After a while, you’ll understand your baby’s …
There’s always that one toddler that throws a tantrum over what they want to eat. Whether you’re in public or at home, they love to scream about their food. Sometimes there’s no stopping them—I’ve been through it countless times. But what do you feed a picky toddler, and how do you get them to eat …
We all love those spring and summer days, where we can spend most of the day outside. Not only does it give the feeling of freedom being outside of four walls, being in the sun provides us with necessary vitamin D. Throughout the year, children spend a lot more time outdoors than adults. Though it’s …
I used to be a sunrise champion in my pre-kids days. Me and my girls loved to hang out until the earliest rays of sunlight were visible again. If I’d have to choose what I miss the most, it would be those nights and the ease and spontaneity of it. Nowadays, things are different. Sometimes …
Playgrounds make for the best entertainment on sunny days. My kids always tire themselves out climbing, sliding, running, and swinging—it’s all games, fun, and laughter. Unfortunately, as accidents are always waiting for a place to happen, playgrounds seem to happily apply for that job. If, like me, an unexpected visit to the emergency room isn’t …
We all wish that sometimes our kids would sit down, be quiet, and relax. But most of the time, they are away in their own world thinking of fairies and pirates wondering who is going to win the epic battle. When they start to fidget at the table or not relax before bedtime, you just …
A clogged milk duct prevents the flow of breast milk and can be a common breastfeeding problem among new moms. It can cause swelling and can be painful if it develops. But what causes it, and how do we prevent it from occurring? Let’s find out more, plus the best treatments to try when they …
Everything You Need To Know About Clogged Milk Ducts Read More »
Structure is always an important part of our child’s life as it engrains patterns and routines. This could be in the form of playdates, soccer practice, or piano lessons. Sometimes though, we overlook the most fundamental skill that our children need—free play. They need time to be by themselves and learn how to let their …
There’s always that wonder if your toddler is eating healthy enough and getting all the nutrients they need to grow. Are they eating enough vegetables? Have you given them too much junk food in the past week? Every parent goes through this, especially if your toddler is a picky eater. We’ve come up with some …
There comes a time when you can no longer keep the pile of stuffed animals in your child’s room. It may be because they have more sewn-on patches than original fabric, or it may be that your child has simply grown apart from the toys. Either way, you need to find a way to get …
As parents, there’s nothing better than spending quality time with our kids. But every now and then, mom and dad need their own special time to enjoy conversation and rekindle their romance. If you’re not comfortable leaving your children with a babysitter or just couldn’t get one for your upcoming date night, it’s easy to …
The post below is a guest post written by Tim Wenger at Live Lingua. You have a young child and naturally, you want to give them the best opportunities to succeed in life. As society becomes more global and connected (you’re reading this article online, after all), getting ahead increasingly means instilling a global mindset …
5 Tips For Helping Your Child Learn A New Language Read More »
When baby is on the way, it’s normal to feel a sense of panic and excitement all at once. One of the most pressing things on your mind is probably breastfeeding. After reading about the many benefits of breastfeeding, I spent the weeks before my first baby was born, scrolling through article after article about …
The one thing every new parent looks forward to is the day where their baby sleeps through the whole night. Realistically though, it’s not as easy as it sounds and does take some effort to get them to settle. Want to go a night without having to wake up for a feed (or five)? Here …
Vacations… They’re meant to be oh-so-relaxing, yet flying with your baby can prove to be quite the opposite. After our first family holiday went terribly, I planned a little more in advance for the next one. Now I’m able to share with you everything you need to know about flying with a baby. From before …
Everything You Need to Know About Flying With a Baby Read More »
All moms, dads, babysitters, and even midwives have been there. Baby simply will not take a bottle―and you’ve tried everything! I’m here to tell you that it’s not over just yet. Before you give up, get to know a few of the tips and tricks below that worked for me and my little ones. They …
It’s that time of year again when the first drops of snow start to settle, and you’re getting out your heavier coats. The schools are closing earlier, and you’ve got to find more ways to entertain your little ones. Don’t panic! We’ve come up with a few ideas for fun winter/snow activities for your kids …
There comes a time in our child’s life when we have to separate them from their beloved binky. It’s a tough ordeal, and one very few parents want to come face to face with. There are many tactics available to get your baby to stop using a pacifier. Some are a lot easier than others—I …
First and foremost, please remember that no family situation is “perfect”. You and your family will develop, or maybe already have, your own style and your own routines. My husband and I struggled for a long time after having our eldest son. And adding our youngest daughter to the mix? It was hell for us …
Leaving your children in the care of someone else is hard enough as it is, especially when you’re a new parent. Finding a babysitter who’s available when you need them and is not only reliable and trustworthy but also affordable, can be pretty difficult. We’ve outlined the procedure to find a babysitter to guarantee a …
Let’s face it; we’ve all been there. Whether they are newborns or nine months old, sometimes we’re unable to work out how to calm a crying baby. Babies cry for a variety of reasons, and it’s our job as parents to try and soothe them. Working out what they need and how to quieten them …
Finding a suitable name for our precious baby-to-be was an exhilarating process. We would be giving our child something to carry for the rest of their life and knew most people consider their name part of their identity later in life. Whether you’re thinking of honoring loved ones who passed away, finding a name that …
When trying to choose the best option for your family, it’s essential to take into account a variety of factors. Lots of moms want to make sure that their little one is getting the best possible experience during their daily schedule. However, not many know the difference between daycare and preschool. When I first started …
What Is the Difference Between Daycare and Preschool? Read More »
As parents, the most important thing to us is our children’s health and happiness. These two things are intrinsically tied to each other. Ever since the first moment I held my babies, I’ve been thinking about how to raise a happy child in the best way. There are numerous factors that contribute to their overall …
There are a lot of factors that contribute to your children not being able to get along in the beginning. It can be overwhelming and frustrating, but many of these are resolvable and controllable. It also depends on the age of your children and the gap between them. Firstborn children sense that there will be important significant …
We’ve all been there. You’re in a deep sleep and suddenly, you find your child walking into your room and trying to crawl into bed next to you. Though you love them to bits, it can be annoying and it’s also concerning behavior as you want them to get used to sleeping on their own …
Are you seeing a lot of new changes in your baby’s behavior? Do they seem super hungry and ravenous? You finally got the feeding schedule down and all of a sudden your baby wants to eat all the time. These are signs of a growth spurt. I’ve been there and know how scary it can …
Being a mom, I’ve experienced firsthand that preparing your child for school can be difficult. Math skills specifically are emphasized when it comes to higher education later on and are essential for everyday life. Some kids enjoy playing and learning with numbers, while for others it’s a chore. We’ve been looking into fun activities to …
Pets are like our children. We feed them, potty-train them, buy them toys, and give them all the love and attention they want. So what happens when a little human is on the way? Chances are that they’ll notice something is changing, and perhaps you’re a bit paranoid about how they’ll react. We’re going to …
One of the more frightening aspects of being a parent is ensuring your child’s safety. We all need to have the talk about strangers at some point, and you might think that soon isn’t soon enough. However, what you say to them and how receptive they are about it will depend on their age. We’re …
When you have a toddler running around the house, there is potential for a multitude of accidents. It can’t always be avoided—they’re curious little humans, keen to explore their surroundings. But you can take safety measures to prevent accidents or be prepared for when it does happen. Some accidents are more common than you think. …
Adding another chubby-cheeked human to your family can be very exciting, but when is the right time? Many factors will influence this decision, including finances, age, and lifestyle. For me, another baby was always a matter of when not if. I’ve realized that you’ll never be 100 percent ready, and that’s okay. No one can ever be completely prepared …
There’s such a massive push for mothers to bond with their babies, and maybe that comes from centuries of evolutionary instincts. But what about dad? Where does he come into play? As important as it is for moms to bond with their babies, dads need that time too. The issue with this, though, is that …
Congratulations! You’ve just given birth, and now you have no idea what you’re doing. Sure, you may have a good support system from your family, but what if they haven’t had children in the past five years? It can be hard, finding someone to relate to as a parent, especially when it’s your first go-around. …
Breastfeeding is recommended as the first choice of feeding by the World Health Organization and many other pediatric bodies all over the world. It is one of the best starts in life you can give your newborn. But what if you have problems with an oversupply of milk? Are your breasts hard, painful, and leaking …
Everything You Need To Know About Hyperlactation Read More »
The scariest part of parenting is seeing your child in distress, especially when they’re choking. Choking is one of the most common causes of death in infants. When children are that young, they use their hands and mouth to explore. Their curiosity inevitably leads to any and every object ending up in their mouth. So, what are …
Babies and toddlers learn skills and reach milestones at different ages. This also includes language. A baby can merrily burble “mama” or “dada”—maybe even both—before the age of one year. If they don’t, there’s no need to worry just yet. To recognize if there is a problem in the language learning department, you first have …
Losing a loved one is tough, especially when you’re just starting to learn about the world around you. It’s also tricky, as a parent, figuring out how to talk to your preschooler about death in a way they can understand. Unfortunately, this is something many parents have to go through at some point. As hard …
I didn’t know what to expect when the time came to leave my toddler in the care of someone new. I was given lots of well-meant advice on how to deal with separation anxiety in a toddler, should it occur, but I really was not prepared. No parent wants to leave their baby or toddler …
When you first realize you’re going to be a mom for the first time, everything is exciting. At your first scan, there’s nothing more amazing than hearing the heartbeat. As your due date approaches, you will have to make some decisions—one important one is whether to breastfeed or not. Throughout your pregnancy, you will have …
Have your kids started begging for a dog or cat? It seems like at some point, all kids eventually end up asking for a pet of some sort. Yes, they’re a major responsibility, but have you ever thought about why pets are good for kids? Bringing a pet into your home may be a lot …
Picture this: you’re sitting in your college lecture hall, and it’s filled to max capacity. You just bombed your midterm exam and you’re feeling pretty low. Next thing you know, your mom comes bursting through the doors and goes after your professor in an embarrassingly loud manner. Sounds mortifying, right? Although my example was a …
Everything You Need To Know About Helicopter Parenting Read More »
Moving into a new home can be quite an adjustment for kids, especially if they’re leaving behind friends. It’s normal for children to have big emotions during this time. To help your kids through it, you need to be prepared to deal with those feelings. For young children, they may not know how to deal …
Constipation, colic, and gas are three prevalent issues faced by babies. Infant massage is an effective way of not only relieving these symptoms but also helping your little one relax too. There’s a ton of benefits that come with infant massage, and as it turns out, it’s quite easy to do yourself. From discomfort relief …
Everything You Need To Know About Massaging Infants Read More »
Whether you’re entering the workforce, ending your maternity leave, or you need a minute to yourself, quality childcare is a must. After all, you aren’t going to want to trust just anybody with your child. There’s so much that goes into deciding where to send your little one. What type of childcare interests you? Do …
We’ve all heard the saying, “if your first child was easy, your second will be terrible,” as well as “middle-child syndrome.” But how true are these, exactly? As it turns out, they’re pretty accurate. The birth order of your children impacts personality traits more than you may realize. The more you think about it, the …
It’s finally happened. Your baby isn’t a baby anymore, and they’re the official preschool age. Do you enroll them in preschool or opt-out of schooling until they reach kindergarten? This is a question that many parents face during this time. So what are the benefits of preschool? While it may not seem like a big …
Summer days can get pretty steamy, and the rising temperatures mean more time spent poolside or at the beach. Water games are a great way to cool off during a heatwave, but there are some cases where you need to be careful. Drowning is the leading cause of death in children between the ages of one and …
Have you ever had a constipated baby? If so, you know how distressing it can be to watch them suffer through their discomfort. Fortunately, there are some steps you can take to help relieve a constipated baby. In this article, we’ll talk a little about why your baby might be constipated. We’ll also go over …
Being a mom is hard work. Whether you stay at home or work outside of the house, your days are full of responsibilities. There are some unique challenges that come along with being a stay at home mom, though. You need to know what you can do to avoid burnout as a stay at home …
If you have a preschooler, you know navigating social experiences for your child can be challenging. Following a few easy guidelines, you can put together the kind of preschool play dates your little one has been dreaming about. Here’s what you need to know about how to plan a preschool play date. Network Networking for …
Reading is a lifelong skill. Though it’s an important one your child will work on at school, there are some things you can do to help. Getting your child off to a great (and early!) start can positively shape the rest of their life. In this article, we’ll look at a few ways you can …
If you’re like me, you probably only heard people talking about foremilk and hindmilk after you had a baby. There is a ton of information online about these ‘kinds’ of milk, that you may end up more confused than helped. In this article, we will be comparing foremilk vs. hindmilk, particularly as they relate to …
You’ve spent months focusing on how your baby’s been growing. You’ve been waiting for their arrival and the moment you can hold them in your arms. Now that they’re here, you’ll start thinking about all the new things to come. Before long, you may find yourself wondering when do babies start walking? In this article, …
Are you bringing home a new bundle of joy? If you are, you know it won’t be long before they’re mobile and on the go. You may be wondering when your little one will learn to crawl. In this article, we’ll take a good look at when you should expect your little one to achieve …
Everything You Need To Know About Babies And Crawling Read More »
If your family structure is changing, you may be navigating the creation of a child custody agreement. You might be wondering what the different types of custody agreements look like. In this article, we’ll look at some of the most popular types of custody and visitation schedules to help you establish yours. 50/50 Custody Agreements Many …
Children are naturally born to please. During toddlerhood, your child will probably ask to help you frequently. As daunting as this can be for you as a parent, you must remember that they want to feel a sense of accomplishment. Allowing them to help you will help them achieve that. Instilling good cleaning habits while …
Are you thinking about getting a pool for the backyard? If you have young children, it may be time for them to start swimming lessons. Making sure they’re properly trained in swim and water safety is important for pool play. But what about your infant or toddler? Learning to swim is certainly a child’s rite …
When Is The Best Time To Start Swimming Lessons? Read More »
Are you co-parenting with a parent but no longer share a home? Parenting is more complicated than ever when you add in those new logistics. Juggling your child’s needs with yours and your co-parent can be complicated. We’ve pulled together some of the things you’ll want to consider while putting together your parenting schedule. Your …
If you’re a new mom, things are changing at lightning speed. You’ve been sharing your body for nearly a year with another person you’ve helped create from scratch. Once you bring your child home, you may want to be comfortable in some of your pre-pregnancy clothes—and your own skin. You might even wonder if it’s …
Does your child suffer from night terrors? They aren’t alone. Up to six percent of young children experience them. We’ll give you the information you need to know to help your child navigate their night terrors. What Are Night Terrors? Here’s the deal with night terrors—they aren’t “just a bad dream.” A night terror is …
When you have a child, it’s only a matter of time before you’re navigating toddler temper tantrums. The good news is you aren’t alone. The not so good news is that you need to learn how to deal with your child when it’s happening. Don’t worry—we’ve got you covered. Do All Toddlers Have Temper Tantrums? …
You’ve spent the last 40 weeks avoiding caffeine. Now that your baby’s actually here, you’re probably getting less sleep than you need—and still trying to limit your caffeine intake. Trying to juggle your need for caffeine and your breastfed baby’s wellbeing? Here’s what you need to know about breastfeeding and caffeine. Will Caffeine Consumption Impact Your …
Everything You Need To Know About Breastfeeding And Caffeine Read More »
If you have kids in your home, you probably have a to-do list that’s a mile long. The good news is that there are many benefits of kids chores. So go ahead and delegate some of those chores—your kids may thank you for it later. We’ll go through them here and then offer some examples …
When you have a baby, there’s no way to avoid it. You’re going to be dealing with baby poop. If you aren’t sure what’s in store for you or where to begin, we’re here to help you figure it all out. Here’s the scoop on infant poop. What’s With All The Talk About Poop? You …
Has the time come to consider weaning your baby and introducing some solid foods? If you’re like many parents out there, you’ll want to try pureed baby food. You may even consider learning how to puree your own baby food. If you’ve been on the fence about giving it a try, you’ll want to read this article. …
Watching your toddler grow and learn can be an amazing experience. All parents want to see their children achieve to their fullest capabilities. Helping your toddler develop gross motor skills can be a great way to do just that. If you’ve been looking for information on what they are and how to help your toddler …
How To Help Your Toddler Develop Gross Motor Skills Read More »
One of the most difficult parts of parenthood is navigating discipline. You want to begin teaching boundaries and set your child up to make wise decisions in the future. Don’t wait until your child is older to start these important teaching moments. Here’s what you need to know about how to discipline a toddler. Tips For …
If you have children, you’re probably worried about their safety when it comes to water. Have a pool of your own, visit lakes or oceans, or just want your child to know how to swim? Swim safety for babies and toddlers is incredibly important. Have you ever wondered about the best way to teach babies …
When I was a new first-time mom, I worried about my milk production constantly. I wondered how much water I needed to drink and what foods increased breast milk quality and quantity. If you’re in the same position I was in, I want to help put your mind at ease. There are foods you can eat that will help …
Babies come with a lot of joy—and often with a lot of mess, too. If you’ve been dealing with spit up, we’ve written this article for you. Determining why your baby is spitting up can help you navigate the issue more easily. In this article, we’ll take a look at some things that may be …
Music can be an exceptional tool for helping your child’s development. There are many benefits of music for babies. In fact, the Brain and Creativity Institute, located in California, has actually determined that music during childhood can accelerate brain development. It’s not all about brain development and academic achievement, though. Music has a host of great …
What Are the Benefits of Music for Babies and Toddlers? Read More »
Nothing could have prepared me for the extreme exhaustion that accompanied being a new parent. I was so tired that I could barely function. There wasn’t enough caffeine in the world to keep me going and I knew the sleepless nights had to end. When I first heard about the Ferber method, it just sounded …
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Copyright text 2020 by Smart Parent Advice.