Most children become interested in learning to use the toilet on their own. A potty on the floor that the child can use herself helps her to get started. Give her lots of praise for trying and for every success. Don’t scold for accidents. Praise efforts to use the toilet. Most children will stop dirtying before they stop wetting their diapers. Most will be able to stay dry during the day before they can stay dry at night. Many children cannot stay dry at night until they are

Giving your child a new sibling could be the best gift they ever receive. As adults, many of us consider our brothers and sisters to be our best friends and our fiercest protectors. Being raised together means sharing in so many experiences and having endless memories in common. There is no denying the sibling relationship is unique and special. But what happens when that new baby brother or sister first shows up at the house? Your young child probably isn’t quite able to gra

When a child is under 3 years of age, hearing is tested by observing your child’s response to sound and her ability to learn new words. When children turn three, they can usually learn how to take hearing screening tests. If your child has a hearing test, be patient. He may not understand what to do in order to cooperate fully. Infants and toddlers frequently have colds that can lead to ear infections. If ear infections are not detected and treated, the toddler may have heari

Active toddlers need 3 meals and 3 snacks every day. For more information on feeding your child healthful food, read Health and Nutrition Information for Preschoolers. https://www.choosemyplate.gov/node/5815 He should also be drinking plenty of low-sugar liquids —like water, 100% juice, or non-fat (skim) or low-fat (1%) milk. If you are still serving your toddler whole milk, now is the time to start switching to non-fat (skim) or low-fat (1%) milk. It offers the same nutritio

"The only thing better than reading about this full day of play is having one in real life." -Kirkus Reviews What makes a good story? One little girl thinks it's a princess with magic powers that can (ta-da!) overcome any obstacle. Her friend thinks it's (dun dun duh!) a host of dragons, pirates, and volcanos that cause total chaos. But as each of their stories intertwine and interact, these two young storytellers soon learn that a good story needs both destruction and triump

When you are with your child, say his name to him in songs and stories, using his last name, too. Make up games where he tells his name. Show him how much you enjoy it when he names himself in photos.

To create the giant rainbow, I used seven cans of shaving cream.  I bought mine at the dollar store so it cost me less than $10. I then dyed the shaving cream using food coloring and liquid watercolors.  The orange and blue were dyed with liquid watercolors as they happen to be the only two colors I have on hand.  I am buying them one at a time with the 40% coupon from Michaels, so it's taking me awhile!  Don't judge...haha.  Anyway, I found that the shaving cream that was co

Jacqueline Woodson is the 2018-2019 National Ambassador for Young People's Literature A #1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER! National Book Award winner Jacqueline Woodson and two-time Pura Belpré Illustrator Award winner Rafael López have teamed up to create a poignant, yet heartening book about finding courage to connect, even when you feel scared and alone. There will be times when you walk into a room and no one there is quite like you. There are many reasons to feel different. M

Thumb sucking is one way a young child comforts herself. If you suddenly stop your child from sucking her thumb or fingers, she may have trouble calming herself. Thumb sucking usually disappears on its own, especially if the child is not pressured to give it up. Sometimes parents pull thumbs and fingers out of their young children’s mouths because they are worried about dental problems. There is little chance of a problem until the child’s permanent teeth erupt at 5 or 6 year

Toddlers need regular bedtimes and special bedtime routines —like teeth cleaning, stories, and hugs. Parents need regular bedtimes for their children, so that they can have some time to relax. Bedtime is not always sleep time. By following a routine, you can help your toddler learn to go to bed and be quiet at set times. Don’t worry if she does not always go to sleep as soon as she goes to bed. Sometimes toddlers need some time to wind down and relax before they get sleepy. T