A couple of days ago I started reading a very helpful parenting book. While this book has not helped me to solve any of my current toddler parenting dilemmas just yet, it has helped me to begin approaching them in a slightly different way. Before I launch into my description of the book and why I am enjoying it, I will offer up my favorite piece of parenting advice. That advice is to take what is useful and discard the rest. There is no one perfect parenting solution that will work for all families, so it is up to you … Continue reading →

Lately it seems as though my days have been marked by many little incidents where I have become frustrated with my toddler’s behavior. It seems as though I snip and scold and nag him all day long and I do not like it. While I would like to encourage good behavior, I think that I am going about it all wrong. It is time for a new approach, one that is less about constant attempts at discipline and more about finding the joy that I know parenting can be. I think that I have figured out what is missing from … Continue reading →

Summer is here, and if you are looking for a fresh and fun idea for something to do with your toddler, why not visit a pick – your – own farm or orchard. The selection of fruits or vegetables that are available will, of course, depend upon where you live. Right now in Vermont, strawberries are ripe for the picking, as are some raspberries. Blueberries are almost ready too. There’s nothing like watching your toddler gleefully enjoy a bounty of berries as you try to fill a container without him eating them all. Berries are fun to find among the … Continue reading →

A part of me thinks that as parents, we really have way too many make believe creatures. In fact, it exhausts me a little bit. The Easter Bunny, Santa Clause, The Tooth Fairy, etc. all have a part in most everyone’s childhood. But, a small part of me feels bad telling those little lies to my kids. But, then I get over it, and hide those eggs, or fill those stockings. But, I heard of a new fairy a while back while talking to another mama friend. The pacifier fairy. She told me that is how she finally got her … Continue reading →

You may have heard the term “planning for success” in reference to going out places with your toddler. You may even do your best to plan successful outings for your family by thinking of the needs of your toddler. Often, our plans include other people who either are older adults (like grandparents) who have not had young children around for quite some time and may not remember how they operate or friends or family members who do not have children and therefore do not know how important it is to think about the needs of your toddler when planning an … Continue reading →

Lately I have been thinking a lot about whether or not to wean my nursing toddler. Since the arrival of his baby brother, I find myself becoming annoyed with him when he asks to nurse. When this happens, I question his motivation – is he doing it to compete for my attention? Is he trying to control me? Does he genuinely need to nurse or is he just saying it to see what I will do? These questions and more run through my mind as I angrily tell him to just hurry up and do it, and to stop as … Continue reading →

Many parents read parenting books to gain awareness and find advice on how to raise their toddlers. There are a wide variety of parenting books out there, and it is important to remember that not all of them will contain information that is helpful or a good fit for your family. Parenting is such a highly personal thing, in fact I would venture to say that how a family decides to raise their children is one of the most deeply personal choices that they will ever make. It’s not a one time thing, either. Parenting choices are made on a … Continue reading →

Hi, my name is Sara and I am thrilled to have this opportunity to share my experiences as the mom of a toddler with you. My son’s name is Dylan, and he is just over twenty seven months old. We live in Vermont and in about a month, our family will be expanding by one as we welcome another baby boy. Since this blog is all about toddlers and every toddler is unique, I think that I’ll tell you a little bit about Dylan so that you will know who is shaping my toddler mom experience. Like any toddler, he … Continue reading →

The first week we parked and I walked with Jessie to the gym to wait for her class to be dismissed to her room. I continued to walk her to the gym and everything was fine until we came back after Labor Day. The long weekend threw her off and she was back in tantrum mode. The teachers in the gym watching over the children had to intervene and take the crying Jessie from me. Again, she was fine when I picked her up. We had another change in the school experience. The school decided that all children need to … Continue reading →

All our parents visited during the last three weeks of July. Having so much extended family around is exhausting. I wish we lived closer to all our families so everyone could see everyone more. In the meantime, visits are infrequent and packed full of activity. One of my favorite moms’ group events, Manicures and Munchies, was not long after all the parents had departed. I wanted to go, but didn’t buy my ticket fast enough. I wanted Chris to be well rested first. By the time I went to buy, the event was sold out. I was disappointed, but it … Continue reading →