Toddler Learn & Play

No craft supplies, no prep, no problem: 10 screen-free activities toddlers actually love

These are the 10 activities I actually used, repeatedly, during years of daily childcare.

Child-led play: Why experts say stepping back actually helps your kid learn more

When we constantly steer playtime, we may actually be getting in the way of the very skills we’re trying to build.

In the messy middle of potty training: 7 scripts that lower the pressure

Seven calm potty training scripts that reduce pressure, prevent power struggles, and keep kids confident during the messy middle.

A toddler’s calm “not right now” is giving parents the relief they didn’t know they needed

There is no meltdown. No explanation. No hesitation. Just a clear decision followed by rest.

Why your child’s play is serious work

Play looks simple, but it is the engine of childhood learning. Here is how to protect it, fuel it, and feel good about doing less so your child can do more.

The ‘90s kids’ show experiment that left one toddler calmer—and moms rethinking screen time

When a toddler watched a ‘90s show and simply walked back to play, one mom realized something bigger was happening.

Giving in to your toddler’s “let me do it” phase teaches independence

The tiny voice insists, “I do it,” they are practicing agency, problem-solving, and resilience. Say yes more often when you can.

9 unique home activities to let your kid do once in awhile

Kids love real work. These nine once-in-a-while activities invite joyful mess, big feelings and real pride while you still keep the day moving.

Mom records her 2-year-old reading big words—and the internet can’t believe what he says next

A 2-year-old is reading words most kids won’t see for years—“construction,” “Jupiter,” “excavator”—and parents everywhere can’t stop watching.

Parents say curiosity matters—then tell kids “be careful” 27 times daily, according to research

It's clear we're walking a tightrope between fostering exploration and avoiding a trip to the ER.

When a dad turned Llama Llama Red Pajama into a rap, he accidentally did something amazing for his baby’s brain

This North Carolina dad turned bedtime into a full-on rap concert

The 5 baby signs every parent should teach at mealtime, according to a speech expert

Mealtime is secretly one of the best times to help your little one learn to communicate.

Polar-opposite twins meet a puddle and parents can’t stop laughing

We all come into the world with innate differences in how we process the environment. For twins, those contrasts can feel especially stark.

An age-by-age guide to getting kids in the kitchen without losing your mind

As a mom of two, I get it. Letting your kid “help”…

This 7-year-old’s drawing of her ‘best friend’ stunned her brother—what parents should know about imaginary friends

Her 7-year-old’s spooky drawing went viral—but imaginary friends are totally normal, say experts

Fun kitchen science experiments for kids (that might not end in disaster)

Let me be transparent–I’m not going to pretend these kitchen experiments won’t…

Is your toddler’s behavior normal or cause for concern? Here’s how to tell

Devon Kuntzman, parenting expert and author of Transforming Toddlerhood helps us parse it out.

Indoor princesses unite—this little girl’s viral camping review has parents everywhere rolling

“It’s dirty here. I want to go home.”

What healthy daycare adjustment actually looks like, according to a licensed specialist

We spoke with Michaela LeRoy, Education and Development Specialist at Haven to understand what parents should really be looking for.

Tiny British toddler speaks with American accent after watching Ms Rachel

or Bea, hours of Ms Rachel’s bright, clear pronunciation meant her first words came out with an American twang.