Even when we know how we should respond to a tantrum, it can be incredibly hard in the heat of the moment not to react in ways that make things worse. Tantrums are loud, emotional, and often inconvenient — and they tend to hit right when we’re already overwhelmed. Taking time to think about […]
Raise your hand if you’ve got a Velcro baby; a stage Ten clinger who doesn’t let you out of their sights. It feels like you can’t do anything on your own with out having an audience; you’re not even safe going to the bathroom alone. While it can feel nice to be wanted, it can […]
Why do babies and toddlers bite, pinch, and pull hair? If your little one has ever bitten, pinched, or grabbed a handful of hair — you’re not alone. This behavior is actually very common and usually part of normal development. Babies explore the world with their mouths and hands. Around 6–12 months, they […]
It doesn’t seem to matter who you are or where you are in the world, all babies love and respond to ‘Baby Talk’. “Baby talk,” is a style called infant-directed speech or Parentese, uses a higher pitch, slower tempo, and exaggerated tones. This style is a powerful tool for language development: it grabs babies’ […]
What feels simple to adults can be challenging for children, which is why building decision-making skills early on is so important. It often starts with small choices, like picking a red or orange sippy cup, and gradually grows into life-shaping decisions. Teaching kids to make their own choices is one of the most valuable skills […]
We’re all guilty of it regardless of knowing that spending too much time on our phones can affect our mental health and our relationships. But we continue to do it; we’re all looking for a way to decompress and zone out for a few minutes from the challenges at work, raising kids and family […]
Social–emotional wellness—often called infant mental health by early childhood professionals—is all about how young children learn to experience and manage emotions, build secure relationships, and explore their world with confidence. Babies understand the world through the relationships they build with the adults who care for them. These connections provide love, comfort, protection, and encouragement, and […]
Our Friends at the Sparkler app chatted with Kirsten Carlone, the lead care coordinator at 211 Child Development. Kirsten’s primary role at 211 Child Development is following up with families who use Sparkler. She also provides outreach and training for families and programs across Connecticut. Why is screening important for families, and […]
From Thanksgiving to New Year’s, holiday traditions and big expectations can feel exciting and overwhelming. For many kids, especially those with sensory sensitivities, ADHD, anxiety, or autism, the change in routine can make celebrations stressful. A few small adjustments can make a big difference. Parents of children with behavioral or sensory challenges often […]
Have you ever been minding your own business only to be interrupted by your child wanting to play? What am I saying? Of course you have, you’re a parent. Taking it a step further, have you ever been asked to play with your child only to have your brain stop working? As if you […]
