Honesty is such a beautiful trait to have, and it’s one of the most important values that I want to instill in my children. And yet we are at the age where my husband and I are beginning to deal with our kids lying. We want to encourage our kids to always tell the truth, and to always come to us with anything, but we also need to know how to deal with lying. Here is what we’ve come up with to answer the question: Why does my child lie? (And how can I help?) Continue reading
Category: Toddler & Child (Page 2 of 6)
This category contains all articles related to the parenting of your toddler and child, with a focus on gentle attachment parenting.
Being an attachment parent (AP) doesn’t stop once your child turns one year old! In fact, in many ways it becomes even more essential to parent gently and positively. Your toddler will start to go through tantrums, nightmares and night terrors, as well as potentially weaning. They learn to walk (hence the term “toddler”) and are better able to communicate.
Working with your toddler and child is fundamental if you want to achieve the best results: namely, a child who is learning, safe, healthy, and emotionally intelligent.
A significant part of Real Simple Mama is helping parents with their toddler and child, after that child is out of the baby stage. Parents need to consciously make decisions related to discipline and limits, safety and well-being of their growing child.
Have unanswered questions? Not sure what to do? Real Simple Mama wants to help! Contact me or follow me on Twitter and Facebook, where I frequently give my free suggestions for how to help you – and your child – have an easier time together.
Every kid goes through some sort of crazy developmental phase around two to three years old. It’s hellish for everyone involved: parents, caregivers, siblings, and the toddler themselves. We’ve all heard of it and we all dread it, the terrible twos. I’m going through this now with my second child and I have lots of suggestions for you. So buckle up (and maybe pour yourself a strong drink), and let’s talk. Continue reading
Happy fifth birthday to my son! He is such a special human being, a calm considerate gift from God. This year is also significant because my baby, my oldest child, my firstborn, is going to kindergarten in the fall. It’s a strange phase that we’re in, because in some ways my son is so obviously a big boy. But in other ways, he reminds me that he is still so little. And as his mother, I’m going through all of these “firsts” for the first time, too. I hope that you enjoy a letter to my son on his fifth birthday. Continue reading
Autism is a very real condition which affects so many families that you’ve probably heard of it at least once. It’s life changing and eye opening. But not enough people really understand it, or know what it’s like to have a loved one with autism.
I interviewed my friend Brienne who has a son with autism. I wanted to know what their daily life is like, what it was like to get that diagnosis, and what a mom has to say about life with autism. My hope is that we can reach more people so that they understand that having autism does not make you less capable, less lovable, less worthy of love and respect. People with autism are people too, and they deserve to be loved and respected like everyone else! So have hope and be kind, always. Continue reading
A hot topic on the internet lately has been the debate of if children should help with chores. I realized with a resounding HELL YES that my kids help with things around the house all the time – as they should! We have a practical, matter-of-fact, real life approach to how kids can help with chores. And now I pass on our system to you. Here’s my opinion – and my advice – on why and how kids can help with chores. Continue reading
Being sick is no fun! What’s even worse is when it’s your child who doesn’t feel well. From daycare to playgroup to vacation, we have had our fair share of colds and coughs. And we’ve ended up trying every over-the-counter medication and remedy there is! So here I am to help you and your kid feel better as I go through the best cough remedies for kids. Continue reading
Let’s play outside! The weather here is beautiful, and the kids and I are itching to be in the sunshine. Here is a straight-to-the-point review of the best outdoor toys – the ones that we have and love! And watch for a demo video at the end that gives you a tour of our backyard and the toys in this review! Continue reading
So you’re stuck at home with kids. It sounds like the plot of a horror movie. Maybe the kids are sick. Maybe you’re sick. Maybe the car croaked. Maybe you have to wait all day for a delivery or a service. Maybe you’re broke. Whatever the reason is, you’re stuck at home… with kids. But it doesn’t have to be a miserable nightmare! I’ve put together an extensive list of fun things to do together. So until you’re out of home quarantine, rest easy. I’ve got you taken care of. Continue reading
Shopping with your kids can be fun! No, I’m serious! I actually love taking my kids to the grocery store: they’re generally calm, cooperative, and eager to learn all about healthy choices. I’ve lined up all of my best hacks and strategies to help you have fun when you take your kids to the store, too! Continue reading
I thought it appropriate to publish an article about some family fun as we begin our spring break. One of our favorite places to go to together is the San Antonio Zoo! Our zoo here is fantastic! It is just big enough to feel thorough without getting too draining, and they have done an incredible job in regards to kid-friendly activities and attractions. We love our zoo! But I know a lot of people feel that attending a zoo is feeding the caged-animal-cruelty-and-abuse monster. I did some research and took a hell of a lot of photos, and I am here to say: zoos are wonderful, and I will continue to take my kids to the zoo on a regular basis. My support equals education and protection for wildlife, and an immeasurable experience for my children. Here’s why you should take your kids to the zoo. Continue reading