Many parents go through a phase where their child clearly prefers one parent over the other. One parent may feel rejected, while the other becomes the overwhelmed “default.” It can be frustrating and even a little hurtful. But here’s the important thing to remember: this behavior is very normal, and it’s not about love […]
Developmental milestones are the skills most children reach by certain ages; like sitting independently around 9 months, saying first words around 12 months, or taking first steps between 12 and 14 months. These milestones give us helpful guideposts for how children typically grow in areas like communication, movement, problem-solving, and social skills. While every […]
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 […]
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 […]
