Trust me when I say, it’s not just your toddler. Tantrums, hitting, biting, and screaming — while not our favorite parts of parenting — are actually normal parts of toddlerhood. Whether your little one is deep in the “terrible twos” or testing boundaries as a “threenager,” these behaviors are common. The good news? You can […]
This blog is from our partners at Sparkler. For more information about Sparkler click HERE Sparkler chatted with Jordan Dospil, who is a Senior Content Specialist at the National Center for Families Learning (NCFL), where she creates curricula for the early childhood space. She has a background as an early childhood educator. Sparkler worked […]
Just when you thought potty struggles were over, a new challenger arrives: Bedwetting. *cue battle music* Bedwetting can happen for a number of reasons and is relatively common even for school aged children. Some of the reasons can include: -sleep deeply and find it hard to wake in the night -make larger than […]
What Makes a Habit a Habit? A habit is a behavior that children repeat frequently, often without even realizing it. Many children’s habits involve touching or playing with parts of their faces or bodies. Sometimes children know they’re doing these things, while other times they do them automatically. Common Habits in Children […]
Any parent or caregiver of a toddler knows these years are packed with unpredictable moments—tantrums, screaming, hitting, biting, gagging, and a host of other baffling behaviors. One minute you’re holding your breath, the next you’re laughing in disbelief. But what’s really going on in your toddler’s mind when they stuff peas in their ears, […]
Rethinking the “Perfect” Family The idea of the “perfect family”—two parents, a working father, and a stay-at-home mother—belongs to the past. What may have worked for our grandparents is no longer realistic or even possible for many families today. Modern families take many forms, including single parents, stepfamilies, foster care, same-sex parents, and […]
Understanding that being a highly sensitive child is not a mental health or medical condition but rather a personality trait is essential. Although there is no formal test to diagnose high sensitivity, parents and caregivers can often recognize it through certain behaviors and characteristics. Emotional sensitivity, often referred to as being “highly sensitive,” […]
Parents often struggle to distinguish between normal variations in behavior and actual behavioral problems. In truth, the line between what is considered normal and abnormal behavior is often blurred—more a matter of degree and expectations than a clear-cut difference. This is partly because “normal” behavior depends on a child’s developmental stage, which can vary widely […]
Strong families provide children with a safe and supportive environment where they can be themselves and discover who they are. Feeling secure and loved gives children the confidence to explore, take risks, and learn new things. With the reassurance of family support, they’re better equipped to handle challenges and bounce back from setbacks. […]
How you communicate shapes your child’s relationships with others. As a parent, you model verbal, nonverbal, and listening skills every day—through your words, tone, and actions. How Kids Learn to Communicate Children learn by watching and listening. A simple “Good job!” or a nod teaches them how to express themselves. […]
