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I’ll do it myself —33-month-old

Put on your positive pants.Independence is a glorious thing—though that's hard to remember when you're already 10 minutes late for daycare and you toddler INSISTS on putting her own shoes on... poorly. But hang tough, mama. Fostering independence now will set you both up for an exciting and more joyful future. XO, TeamMotherlyP.S. Pretend play is a great way to encourage their independence, and all kids love pretending in play kitchens!

Why I Travel The World With My Kid

This mama decided to take her family on the adventure of a lifetime.

I’m not letting ticks ruin our summer

At a certain point of my tick-research, I think I have become so pissed at these ticks that I just decided to started living.

How my strong-willed child is changing me—for the better

They say that parenting is all about picking your battles, but most days I feel as though the battles are picking me.

Raising kids away from family is hard, but you can do it

By growing our family away from extended family (and their help), we’ve learned that there is nothing more valuable than creating a strong network of friends who are like family.

My 3-year-old does these 7 tasks for himself—because they empower him

And because it’s teaching him self-sufficiency and responsibility. (Plus, it’s helpful to mama!) 

Raising kids with a dog: He is teaching our family selflessness and patience

They are making memories with our pup and learning some pretty great character traits along the way.

My child, when I see a mess—you see a masterpiece

I see a mess. You see a masterpiece. I see trash. You see independence.

Why I’m raising my child wild

You can't teach the fun of “getting down and dirty." It must be experienced.

Dinner, bath, bedtime: I WILL SURVIVE

Some days, the clock strikes 4:00, and I’m not sure where I’m going to get the energy to make it to my bedtime.

5 ways to make playtime good for your child’s brain, too

Some of the best brain-boosting activities are more old-fashioned than Pinterest-worthy—and we’re good with that!

Back-to-School 2017: Toddler + kid backpacks to send them off in style

Shopping for a back-to-school bag? Motherly’s got your back.

You’ll never be 3 again…

Your fourth birthday is coming and we will celebrate another year—but I will mourn the passing of the days, too.

Bye, phone—hello, sweetie: How limited tech use builds connections that matter

For something that can connect people, technology can also lead to disconnect in relationships.

The Best Bedtime Baby Books

No, "Goodnight, Moon" isn't in there.

When a bad day makes you feel like a bad mom

Hang in there, my friend.

The toy capsule collection: The only 5 toys kids need to inspire imagination

Play more with less.

How To Keep Baby Safe in the Summer

8 tips to avoid overheating, bug bites and other summer-related ailments.

What do I need for baby #2, dear friends and family? Your help.

Visitors—I need you to bring me coffee and let me shower. ☕?

11 creative gift ideas for children—that aren’t toys

After much thought and deliberation, I had to find a polite way to put a stop to all the toys and—believe it or not—our family and friends thought it was the best idea ever.