Everything Childhood - Motherly
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Child

Your mini-me is growing into their own and they have the personality, milestones under their belt and emotional intelligence to prove it. Here we’ll detail everything your child—and you, Mama—need to thrive during this exciting time in your lives.

Sleep training mom leaning down to kiss her baby before nap time

The unseen labor of baby sleep training

Getting a baby to sleep is not just about a schedule or a method. It is a marathon of decisions, logistics, emotions, and middle-of-the-night math that rarely gets noticed

Mom snuggling on couch with tired toddler who seems to be fighting sleep

9 signs your child may need more sleep (and what to do)

Here are clear signs your child is running low on sleep, plus simple ways to begin tonight to improve.

Mom vacuuming in living room area

Don’t be afraid to vacuum during naptime—it promotes sleep resilience

Nap time does not need to sound like a recording studio. Predictable household noise can actually help babies and toddlers learn sleep resilience.

Reset Child Sleep Patterns

Signs your child’s sleep patterns need a gentle reset (6 to watch for)

Six clear signs your child’s sleep routine needs a gentle reset, plus small, doable tweaks to bring nights and mornings back into balance.

genetic picky eating

New study reveals genetic picky eating is real–here’s what actually helps

Some kids' brains are literally wired to process food differently, and they need specific support, not just more time.

Bags of raw shrimp

Radioactive shrimp recall expands—check your freezer if you shop at Walmart, Kroger, or other major chains

The only shrimp that tested positive for radioactive contamination never made it onto store shelves, but the FDA and Walmart are moving quickly to recall select products as a preventive step.

emotional maturity - Motherly

What does emotional maturity in children actually look like? A psychologist explains, age by age

It’s not about perfect behavior. According to psychotherapist Dr. Lindsay Gibson, emotional maturity is the unseen foundation under everything that matters — and it starts earlier than you think.

aap recess guidelines - Motherly

Recess isn’t a reward. It’s a requirement. Here’s what the new AAP recess guidelines mean for your kid.

The AAP just made it official — here's what that means for your kid, and what to do if their school isn't getting it right.

sunscreen with pump and handle on a colorful beach blanket

The sunscreen I buy in bulk that works for my entire family

It glides on like a lightweight lotion and doesn't leave a white cast.

boy laying on bed holding a Moonbuddy device

This screen-free handheld device helps my son self-regulate

Watching him turn to his Moonbuddy in moments when he’s feeling frustrated, upset, or burned out at the end of a school day is incredibly gratifying.

kids with teddy bear friends collections

The kids’ brand 2 million moms are quietly obsessing over

Arshiner’s Teddy Bear & Friends Collection isn’t just another round of kids’ clothes—it’s soft, durable, and playful enough to keep up with real childhood chaos. With styles dropping Sept. 15 on Amazon, this might be the rare collection both parents and kids agree on.

American Girl plush doll

American Girl just gave us plush versions of our childhood obsessions (and my inner Molly McIntire stan is living)

Each doll is $65 and comes with a board book. Your inner child is not included but will probably show up uninvited anyway.

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emotional maturity - Motherly

What does emotional maturity in children actually look like? A psychologist explains, age by age

It’s not about perfect behavior. According to psychotherapist Dr. Lindsay Gibson, emotional maturity is the unseen foundation under everything that matters — and it starts earlier than you think.

aap recess guidelines - Motherly

Recess isn’t a reward. It’s a requirement. Here’s what the new AAP recess guidelines mean for your kid.

The AAP just made it official — here's what that means for your kid, and what to do if their school isn't getting it right.

sunscreen with pump and handle on a colorful beach blanket

The sunscreen I buy in bulk that works for my entire family

It glides on like a lightweight lotion and doesn't leave a white cast.

autism acceptance - Motherly

My son was denied access at school—now the system that protects him is being gutted

No parent wants to file a civil rights complaint. We simply want our children to learn, grow, and belong.

three kids watching a tablet together and laughing

This customizable flowchart helps my kids manage their own screen time

It’s the most thoughtful, collaborative, and well-organized approach we’ve ever tried.

boy laying on bed holding a Moonbuddy device

This screen-free handheld device helps my son self-regulate

Watching him turn to his Moonbuddy in moments when he’s feeling frustrated, upset, or burned out at the end of a school day is incredibly gratifying.

Boy playing Nintendo Switch on a bed

How my family’s 6-month digital detox taught me to embrace screens without shame

Learning to view screens as morally neutral tools, changed my life.

retro toys - Motherly

The best retro toys making a comeback (that actually hold up)

Stripped of nostalgia goggles and the haze of high-fructose corn syrup, a surprising number hold up.

Brother and sister sitting next to each other reading books and talking about it

10 ways to help your child grow into a kind, respectful human

Raising a considerate kid is not a personality lottery. It is a series of everyday choices, modeled moments, and small skills you can teach on repeat.

mom hugging crying toddler

Mom turns 3-year-old’s tantrum into a valuable lesson on emotional regulation 

Meltdowns are as inevitable as sleepless nights, but practicing co-regulation skills can help you get through them.

camping with kids featured - Motherly

7 must-dos for a safe, fun family camping trip

Every parent wants the magic: sticky s’mores smiles, starry skies, kids who fall asleep the second they hit their sleeping bags. These seven must-dos help you get there safely with far fewer “oops” moments.

Baby standing in living room and surrounded by toys on the floor

6 winter activities that keep babies and toddlers (and yourself) engaged indoors

Short days, chilly temps, and energetic littles can be a tricky combo. These research-informed, low-prep ideas keep tiny hands busy, brains growing, and you feeling calm and connected.

Parents talking to child who looks like she is having existential crisis

10 ideas for answering your child’s big questions

Big questions show your child trusts you. Here are simple, age-flexible ways to respond with honesty, calm, and connection while building critical thinking skills.

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