Let’s Play!
Parenting can be a whirlwind. Make time to play together each day.
Parenting is a whirlwind and can feel overwhelming at times. A great way to slow down and just enjoy one another is to make time to play together each day. Even ten minutes of uninterrupted together time can make a big difference.
Start by getting rid of distractions. Try leaving your devices in another room. Promise yourself that you will not answer the phone, text, or check emails for the next ten minutes.
Let your child know, “For the next ten minutes, you and I will have fun together. I’m all yours!” Then try any one of these ideas to spark your play adventure:
- Present an empty cereal box and ask, “What can we turn this into?”
- Bring out some fun clothes and suggest, “Let’s both put on the silliest outfit we can find.” You might even set a timer to make it a race.
- Gather your child’s stuffed animals and pretend to give each one a bath or put each one to bed, singing a lullaby each time.
- Lay out a blanket inside or outside and have a quick picnic, pretend it’s a boat, pretend you’re at the beach, or pretend it’s a flying carpet.
- With toy cars and a piece of cardboard, work together to make a ramp. Zoom the cars around!
Go To Sleep, Elmo!
Handling a middle-of-the-night monster moment.
Monster Meltdown
Meltdowns happen… but they are somewhat predictable! As you try to handle them, curiosity and patience go a long way.
Cookie Monster’s Beach Day
When children are in the hospital, their imagination can become a valuable tool in soothing themselves.
Milestones: Your Baby’s First Year
All children grow and develop at their own pace; use this chart to guide your expectations and observations so you can talk to your child’s pediatrician about questions or concerns.
Milestones: Your 18-Month Old
All children grow and develop at their own pace; use this chart to guide your expectations and observations so you can talk to your child’s pediatrician about questions or concerns.
Milestones: Your Two-Year-Old
All children grow and develop at their own pace; use this chart to guide your expectations and observations so you can talk to your child’s pediatrician about questions or concerns.
Milestones: Your One-Year-Old
All children grow and develop at their own pace; use this chart to guide your expectations and observations so you can talk to your child’s pediatrician about questions or concerns.
