Being a mom has made me really tired, and really happy.
Even miracles take a little time. Alright mama, the time is approaching. The moment when you will stand with all mothers who have come before you and face the challenge that you have been training for all along—potty training ;). Lucky for you, you're a boss. And we're here to tell you that it is totally doable, and (gasp) maybe even be fun! You've (totally) got this. XO, TeamMotherly P.S. For a potty that does triple duty (pun absolutely intended), and works with your stylish home, we love the Ubbi 3-in-1 Potty.
Mistakes are proof that you're trying. As your little bean becomes more and more independent, life just gets so fun—especially when you can learn to embrace it (which isn't always easy). But giving your kiddo some more control as she feeds, dresses and entertains herself will thrill her. And ultimately, make things a little easier for you! XO, TeamMotherly P.S. Bento box style lunches are an awesome way to present kids with healthy options while giving them a sense of control over what they eat! We love the PlanetBox version.
Go ahead. Believe in everything. The world is a fascinating place to a toddler. They want to (and do) get their hands on everything so they can explore and learn as much as possible. And the really cool part is that we get to be their guides through it all. So throw your hair into a top-knot, and dive into the adventure with them. XO, TeamMotherly P.S. What could be more fun than exploring how butterflies grow ?? Check out Insect Lore's Butterfly Kit!
If you think my hands are full, you should see my heart. Watching your little one's creativity spark is one of the greatest joys of motherhood. From drawing to building towers, toddlers are fascinated by making things—and we totally encourage you to get your art on right along with them. XO, TeamMotherlyP.S. For a creativity-inspiring toy that never goes out of style, we love Melissa & Doug's Wooden Block Set.
Her intuition is her superpower. It can be really stressful when your child isn't hitting their milestones on cue. The good news is that there is so much you can do (and so many people who can help) should your little one need a little extra guidance. So hang in there, mama. Your kiddo is so lucky (and happy) to have you. XO, TeamMotherly P.S. To promote speech development, play games that allow lots of opportunity for words and sounds, like the Fisher-Price Little People Animal Friends Farm.
I think you're awesome. Your kid is amazing—obviously, the apple doesn't fall far from the tree . Shouting their awesomeness from the rooftop is actually really good for them! When you are intentional with your praise, you can help foster confidence and joy—and keep that good stuff coming. XO, TeamMotherly P.S. Your child's not the only one who deserve an award. Go ahead, mama. Treat yourself to a month or 6 of Birchbox .
If you are a mom, you are a superhero, period. Your toddler wants to be with you ALL. THE. TIME. (Anyone else have little fingers sneaking under the door frame when they're in the bathroom?) While it's sweet, it's also stressful, especially when you need to work (or have a much needed date night). Understanding the WHY can help you make small but meaningful changes that really help. XO, TeamMotherly P.S. Have your heard Daniel Tiger's Grown Ups Come Back song? Adorable.
If you stumble, make it part of the dance. Every second of motherhood feels like a mystery—you never know what your toddler is going to do (or say) next (hello, stories at the top of their lungs in the grocery store). But the truth is, toddlers THRIVE under routine. And with a little adjustment, you can too! XO, TeamMotherly
“I'm only going to say this once"—me, daily x 9. Watching your child develop their little (or ginormous) personality is so exciting, but let's be real—it can be utterly exhausting too. Sometimes it seems like it's a "mother knows best" vs. "toddler wants EVERYTHING" battle all the time. But take heart, mama. Your little fighter is growing up to be a strong adult, because of you. XO, TeamMotherly P.S. If our strong willed child article resonates with you, you might love Raising Your Spirited Child by Sheedy Kurcinka.
Just breathe. Toddlers' emotions escalate from zero to sixty before we even realize they are upset. And it can be hard not to join them on their emotional rollercoaster (thank you very much, sleep deprivation). Remember that it's okay for you BOTH to feel those feelings! And there are some fun things to do when you're ready to let the feelings go.XO, TeamMotherlyP.S. Blow bubbles for stress relief without stressing the spills with Little Kids No Spill Big Bubble Bucket.