Infants Can Tell the Difference Between Leaders and Bullies

A study found that infants are able to distinguish between leaders and bullies. The results of this study build upon prior research that indicates that infants can represent power asymmetries and expect them to both endure over time and extend across situations. The researchers in the study were from the University of Illinois, Champaign. They examined whether 21-month-old infants could distinguish between two different bases of social power. To do this, the researchers analyzed the eye-gazing behavior of the infants. This is a standard approach for measuring expectations in children too young to verbally explain their thinking to adults. The … Continue reading →

How to Stop Your Toddler from Making a Mess

Toddlers are excellent at making messes. They leave toys scattered everywhere and want to get into things that they shouldn’t. This can be extremely frustrating for exhausted parents who cannot keep up with the disaster control that their toddler requires. Here is how to stop your toddler from making a mess. Reduce the Amount of Toys Chances are, your toddler has way more toys than they can actually play with. Keep their favorites accessible, and consider storing away some of the rest. Put excess toys in plastic tubs with lids and store them in the garage, a shed, or a … Continue reading →

Tips for Getting Toddlers to Eat Veggies

Toddlers can be very fussy at times, especially when it comes to food. This can pose a problem for parents who want their picky toddlers to eat healthy vegetables. Here are some tips for getting toddlers to eat veggies. An interesting study was published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. The study found that toddlers make decisions on what foods to eat, and what foods to avoid, based on social cues. In other words, if everyone else is avoiding the veggies – your toddler will do the same. On the other hand, if your toddler sees that … Continue reading →

Nibble + Squeak Welcomes Toddlers

Many families consider dining out to be a relaxing treat. The experience might not be so easy for parents of toddlers. There is reason to be concerned that your toddler might throw a loud tantrum that causes other people in the restaurant to complain. Fortunately, there is a dining club that is actively welcoming toddlers (and their families). Nibble + Squeak describes itself as: a unique dining club for “parents with pipsqueaks”. It hosts food events for babies and toddlers and their caretakers (parents, grandparents, and more) at its restaurants. Right now, there is a Nibble + Squeak dining club … Continue reading →

Ways to Prevent a Toddler Tantrum Before it Happens

Toddlers are known for having the ability to change their mood – from happy to extremely upset – within seconds. This can be very stressful for parents, especially if the “meltdown” happens in public. Fortunately, there are some things parents can do to prevent a toddler tantrum before it happens. Watch for Warning Signs Pay close attention to your toddler’s body language. Has he suddenly become extra grumpy, or more whiny than usual? Is she playing, but taking lots of breaks to lie down on the floor? Has your toddler started throwing their books, toys or food? These are some … Continue reading →

Parenting VS the Internet Mob

Parenting isn’t always easy. Sure, there are moments of absolute bliss. There are also days when a parent is exhausted, a child is especially cranky, and the whole thing turns into a big scene. It can be frustrating and embarrassing when this happens. Even worse, there is the potential that a stranger will take a photo or video of the “meltdown”, or write about it on social media. Chances are, you probably had at least one temper-tantrum in public when you were a toddler or young child. It’s part of being a toddler. Your mom was probably embarrassed by your … Continue reading →

DIY Toddler Toys from Everyday Objects

Toddlers have an abundance of curiosity, a short attention span (when compared to adults), and an innate ability to uninhibitedly express themselves whenever the need strikes. One might say that toddlers excel at living in the moment. The good news is that this means you can make some DIY toddler toys out of everyday household objects that will attract and amuse your toddler. Obviously, parents will need to monitor their toddlers as they play with these “DIY” toys (just as they would if the toddler was playing with regular toys). Many parents have noticed this little “quirk” that toddlers have. … Continue reading →

Christmas Safety Tips for Parents of Toddlers

Everyone wants to have their holiday vacation be a pleasant one. Ideally, everyone in your family should be warm, safe, and happy. One way to help ensure a merry Christmas is to follow some of these holiday safety tips. These are geared for new parents and for parents who have small children. Toddlers will grab trees. Many parents make use of a playpen from time to time. Some parents use the playpen as an easy place for their toddler to take a nap. Others put their toddler safely into the playpen so they can quickly run to the bathroom or … Continue reading →

Toddlers and the Flu Vaccine

Every parent, who has children under the age of five, quickly discovers that little kids are “germ spreaders.” One cannot be too surprised by this revelation. Toddlers, for example, tend to put things into their mouths, to pick their noses, and to strongly resists all parental attempts to wash their little faces and hands. As such, it is recommended that toddlers receive the flu vaccine. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that the LAIV (live attenuated influenza vaccine) be given to children ages 2 through 8 years old. In addition, they recommend that kids between age 2 … Continue reading →

Things to Consider About Toddlers and Tablets

Do you let your toddler play with your tablet? It is easy to see why toddlers are attracted to them. They make sounds, and have colors, and stuff moves around when you poke at it. Some have started to wonder if the combination of toddlers and tablets is a good idea. How much screen time is too much? There are both positives and negatives to allowing your toddler to play with your iPad (or other tablet). That’s exactly what makes it so difficult for parents. If there were only good results, or only negative results, the choice would be simple! … Continue reading →