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  Toddlerhood Is No Joke , But It's Also a Beautiful Mess... If you’ve ever tried to negotiate with a toddler over which socks to wear, you know that parenting during this stage is not for the faint of heart. I remember one morning when my two-year-old burst into tears because the toast was “too crunchy.” It’s moments like these that remind us that toddlers live in a world where emotions run high, independence is budding, and logic… well, logic isn’t exactly the priority. But as challenging as this season can be, it’s also magical. It’s the time when your child’s personality truly begins to shine, when first words evolve into funny phrases, and when small hands reach out for reassurance. Let’s walk through practical , real-world parenting tips for toddlers that not only help you manage the chaos but also foster connection, development, and resilience. 1. Understand the Toddler Brain: Connection First, Correction Later.. Before you jump into any parenting “strategy,” it helps to und...

When I first became a parent, I thought love and good intentions would be enough. But as my child grew older, and stronger-willed,I realized parenting is a full-time learning curve. I craved a simple framework that would guide me without overwhelming me. That’s when I stumbled across the 7 C’s of parenting, and honestly, it felt like a lifeline. Developed by Dr. Kenneth Ginsburg, a pediatrician and human development expert, the 7 C’s are a practical, heart-centered approach to raising resilient, emotionally healthy kids. Let’s dive into what they are and how you can use them to build both character and confidence in your child, one day at a time. 1. Connection: The Foundation of Everything. Imagine your child coming home from school, tears in their eyes, and choosing to run into your arms. That’s connection. Children thrive when they feel secure, seen, and supported. According to experts, strong emotional bonds with caregivers promote better mental health and behavior outcomes. How to...

Lying . It’s one of those words that makes every parent pause. You catch your child saying something untrue, about who spilled the juice, whether homework is done, or how the cookie mysteriously disappeared, and you wonder: Why did they lie? Have I done something wrong? Is this just a phase or something more? Take a deep breath . If your child has lied, you’re not alone. In fact, it’s a normal (and even expected) part of childhood development. That doesn’t mean we excuse it, but understanding the why behind lying can help us respond with compassion and guidance instead of fear or frustration. The First Lie: A Familiar Moment. I remember when my daughter, Amara, told her first real lie. She was four and had drawn all over the hallway wall with a crayon. When I asked who did it, she said, “It was Teddy.” Teddy was her favorite stuffed bear. At first, I wanted to laugh. But then came the concern, was she trying to manipulate? Avoid trouble? Was she becoming dishonest? Later, I learned tha...

Have you ever found yourself stuck in a never-ending cycle of repeating the same directions day after day? “Brush your teeth.” “Put on your socks.” “No, it’s not playtime, it’s time for school!” If you’re nodding (or sighing), I see you. You’re not alone. As a mom to two kids under seven, I used to feel like a broken record. Mornings were chaotic, evenings were full of resistance, and transitions in between were a guessing game. Everything changed when I stumbled upon a simple, life-altering tool: visual schedules . At first, it sounded too good to be true ,  could a few pictures and a routine really make that much difference? Spoiler alert: yes, it can. And if you’ve ever dealt with tantrums over routine changes or endless questions like “What are we doing next?”, this blog post is for you. * Let’s talk about why visual schedules help kids feel emotionally safe and how you can create one that actually works (without needing a laminator or an art degree). Why Visual Schedules Work ...

When my friend Amanda first received her son's autism diagnosis at age three, she was devastated, not just by the news, but by the doubts that followed. Like many moms, she asked herself, “Did I cause this somehow? Was it something I did, or didn’t do?” She confided in me one evening, “I used to work a lot when he was a baby… maybe I wasn’t emotionally present enough.” This heartache is something many parents face when navigating an autism diagnosis. But the truth is, autism is not caused by parenting. So what causes autism in children if not parenting? That’s the question we’re exploring today, with empathy, honesty, and evidence. The Truth Every Parent Needs To Know.. Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorder. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental condition that affects how a child communicates, interacts socially, and behaves. It's called a “spectrum” because it shows up differently in every child. One child might be nonverbal and struggle with routines, while anoth...

Parenting vs Raising – Emotional bond between parent and child   I Used to Think I Was a “Good” Parent... My 5-year-old son spilled milk for the third time that week. I snapped: “Seriously, again?!” He looked at me ,  eyes wide, not with defiance but confusion. I saw it right then: I was raising a child, not parenting one. I was managing him, not guiding him. That moment stayed with me. It made me ask a tough question: What’s the difference between parenting and just raising a child? Busy mom juggling kid and work I ticked all the boxes : ✅Kids? Fed. ✅Homework? Done. ✅Clothes? Clean enough.  I used to think I was a good mom just because I ticked all the boxes: my kids were fed, dressed, in school, and had a roof over their heads. That was enough, right? But one evening, something changed. Related Post : which-parenting style is the best. Raising a Child : The Basic Checklist.. Let’s be real, raising is about keeping kids alive and functional: ✅Meals? Check. ✅School runs? ...

As a parent, there’s nothing quite like the feeling of being needed and loved by your child. But what happens when that affection shifts, and your toddler starts preferring one parent over the other? It can feel like a punch to the gut,  especially when it’s not you they’re reaching for. If you’ve ever found yourself feeling left out or hurt by your child’s sudden preference, know that you’re not alone. This behavior is common, especially during toddlerhood, and is often a temporary phase in your child’s emotional development. Understanding why it happens and how to navigate it together as a couple can strengthen your bond and help you both weather this tricky phase with patience, teamwork, and a bit of humor. Why toddlers sometimes prefer one parent over the other... It's’s an experience many parents face: your toddler seems to want the other parent more than you. The first time it happens, it can be tough. You may feel hurt, confused, or even rejected when your child pushes you ...