Posts by Dr. Holly Ruhl, Author at Motherly
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Dr. Holly Ruhl

Holly Ruhl, PhD is a Developmental Psychologist with a background in research and teaching. Her areas of expertise are promoting healthy attachment relationships between parents and children, as well as fostering healthy eating behaviors. She writes at The Freethinking Mama.

partners embracing with a pregnancy test in hand after noticing early signs of pregnancy
Getting Pregnant

16 very early pregnancy symptoms—before a positive test

Here's what happens first.

Updated Nov. 03, 2023
Getting Pregnant, Women's Health
woman holding ultrasound pictures
Second Trimester

It’s science: 5 ways to awaken baby’s senses in the womb

Simple ways to excite baby’s senses (and promote sensory development) before baby is even born.

Updated Aug. 07, 2024
Second Trimester, Health & Wellness, It's Science, Life, Pregnancy
Child

Mama’s little helper:How to promote helping behavior in your toddler

Want your child to help out more with everyday tasks? It's all in the timing.

Updated Nov. 30, 2022
Child, Child Milestones, Parenting
Getting Pregnant

What’s the one must-have for a good birthplan? Flexibility

From epidurals to unlikely labor coaches, one mama shares everything you want to know about making a birth plan.

Updated Jan. 13, 2023
Getting Pregnant, Pregnancy
Baby

Not sure about cloth diapers? 4 reasons to consider a switch

Here's why so many moms swear by cloth diapers.

Updated Oct. 14, 2021
Baby, Parenting
Pregnancy

12 indulgences that make pregnancy totally worth it

This whole pregnancy thing might not be so bad, after all.

Updated Nov. 10, 2022
Pregnancy
Food

3 strategies to create veggie lovers out of picky toddlers

Research suggests that toddlers’ unhealthy eating habits start earlier than expected. Here’s what you need to know.

Updated Oct. 12, 2021
Food, Life
Parenting

11 tips to survive a road trip with a toddler

11 essentials to let the good times roll on your family's next long-distance voyage.

Updated Jan. 13, 2023
Parenting, Toddler
Parenting

So your tot is stubborn, outspoken, and assertive? Aren’t you lucky!

The wild child traits that frustrate you now may be the very ones you come to love as your child matures.

Updated Oct. 12, 2021
Parenting, Toddler, Toddler Learn & Play
Parenting

5 reasons having siblings share a room can promote family harmony

#3. Bedtime buddies! There’s nothing like waking up from a bad dream and knowing someone you love is nearby.

Updated Oct. 12, 2021
Parenting
mom holding infant in a pool
Safety

What parents need to know about ‘dry drowning’ & infant water safety

2. Designate an official “water watcher.”

Updated Jun. 27, 2022
Safety, Baby Health
Parenting

5 DIY activities to discover the world with your curious tot

Super easy activities to promote cognitive development. We could call them “lazy,” but we prefer “energy efficient.”

Updated Mar. 23, 2023
Parenting, Toddler, Toddler Learn & Play
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