Motherly
Changes ⏰—26-month-old
Be kind. You never know how often a mom got up last night. Life changes every day when you have a toddler. One of the huge changes is where they sleep. Knowing if it's time, when and how to transition him from his crib to his bed doesn't come naturally, but your love for him does. So don't sweat the changes, mama. You've got this. XO, TeamMotherly P.S. First nights in a big kid bed are made way easier by bed bumpers, to keep your little one in place.
Your toddler will change the world —31-month-old
No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted. Peace on earth begins at birth and grows at home with you. Your little one is learning all the aspects of becoming a good human being from you, and before you know it, she'll be out there make the world a better place. Look at you, raising a change-maker.XO, TeamMotherly
Happy birthday, baby —3 years old!
Cupcakes are muffins that believed in miracles.
Be right back –32-month-old
Keep calm and toddler on. Spending time away from your child (because you need to go to work, or need to get a massage) can be hard, especially when they voice their (loud) displeasure. But we promise, they will be ok. You are absolutely allowed—and encouraged—to do what you need to do for YOU. Your kiddo will be happier for it, we promise.XO, TeamMotherlyP.S. For staying organized through all the things we do when we're out and about, we adore Dagne Dover totes.
Hello, old friend ✋—25-month-old
Life doesn't come with a manual. It comes with a mother. Remember teething? It's baaaaaaa—aacccck. Those 2-year molars are coming in with force. But, you are now a PRO! And just like last time, you'll super-mama your babe through this rough time, and before you both know it, you'll be back to your normal routine—only with more teeth! XO, TeamMotherly P.S. Teething toys are definitely still a thing for toddlers. Check out the Innobaby Fruit Teether.
From whining to winning —28-month-old
My full name is “mom mom mom mom mom mom". I whine, you whine, we all whine... but it will be fine! While it can seem like YOUR kid is the ONLY one whining at Target, rest assured that whining is actually biological—everyone does it. And, there are ways to approach whining that actually work (without driving you crazy in the process). XO, TeamMotherly P.S. To unwind from the whining we love Kiehl's Foam-Relaxing Bath.
Thank you —3 years old!
“What is mom but the sunshine of our days." —Robert Brault. Children are inherently good. Sure, they may have trouble sharing, and getting a "thank you" is sometimes impossible. But their hearts really are pure and kind. What an amazing opportunity it is for us to foster and encourage what already exists within them! And on this latest journey around the sun, it's fun to look back at the magic you've created. Look at you, making the world better, one toddler a time. Happy Birthday, sweet one. XO, TeamMotherly P.S. For a book that teaches kids to be kind to others, you'll both love Have You Filled a Bucket Today? by Carol McCloud.
Best buds —30-month-old
“We love with a love that is more than love." —Edgar Allen Poe. If your family is growing (yay!), one of your 17,000 thoughts might be about where to have your little ones sleep. Turns out that when siblings spend time together, the whole family benefits! So deciding to bunk your tots together may be one thing on your list you can go ahead and ✔️. XO, TeamMotherly P.S. In the market for a toddler bed? We are swooning over this one from Pottery Barn Kids.
Inspire joy —35-month-old
Time spent playing with children is never wasted. We do not remember days, we remember moments—and the moments we remember are usually the silly, spontaneous, slightly messy ones where fun just happens without being created. So take the pressure off of yourself to create joy for your children... joy happens, mama. Enjoy it.XO, TeamMotherlyP.S. For saving the photos of the silliest, messiest moments we love Chatbooks!
Pacify your worries —30-month-old
When you think about quitting, think about why you started. Pacifiers are such a life saver when we first introduce them—but weaning them can be another a story. Figuring out the ifs, whens and hows is a tough one. But like all the mothering things you do, you'll do it respectfully and lovingly (and on your terms), so your toddler will be a-okay—no worries. XO, TeamMotherly P.S. Try swapping out the binky for a new bedtime love, like the Fisher-Price Soothe & Glow Seahorse.
An apple a day —29-month-old
Your kids don't want a perfect mom, they want a happy one. If it was up to her, your toddler would live on Goldfish, cookies and the occasional handful of dirt. Lucky for her, she has you. It's not always easy, but you are doing an awesome job of helping her make healthy choices... even when they include a little dirt. XO, Diana + TeamMotherly P.S. Thermos Funtainers inspire kids to stay hydrated.
Trust —31-month-old
You're kinda sorta kinda always on my mind. One of the things that makes motherhood such a challenge is that life continues to happen (and require your attention) while you parent. Learning what and how to prioritize is tricky. Trust your intuition, mama—it will guide you well. XO, TeamMotherly P.S. Journaling can often help calm our racing brains, especially at the end of the day (and especially when the journal is really pretty).
Rockin’ + rollin’ —29-month-old
“You're the one who can fill the world with sunshine."—Snow White. Fact—dance parties and musical jam sessions are good for your toddler's brain (and your mood). So unleash your best air guitar, make a microphone out of a wooden spoon , and let the music flow. XO, TeamMotherly P.S. Melissa & Doug's Band in a Box will keep your aspiring musician busy for hours.
Why why whyyyyy❓—30-month-old
Mom was not my first name, but it's my favorite. Your little explorer has questions about EVERYTHING, and as far as they're concerned, you have ALL the answers—#momgenious. Embrace their curiosity—you may just find yourself re-rediscovering the world right along with them. XO, TeamMotherly P.S. Never hurts to have some Starbucks coffee in the house to fuel your question-answering power ☕️.
Tiny human, HUGE feelings —25-month-old
Grow through what you go through. If you ever wonder how such a little person can have such big (and loud) feelings, you are not alone. It's so hard, but also so normal. Instead of thinking to yourself "she's giving me a hard time," try "she's having a hard time"—the little switch can help you bring your stress level down a bit. Hang in there, mama. You've got this. XO, TeamMotherly P.S. For the really hard moments, check out Motherly's bundle of Mama Meditations.
Please + thank you ✔️—28-month-old
My mini me is awesome. Those little eyes are ALWAYS on you ?—1. You are gorgeous, and 2. You are her biggest role model. As your little human watches you be a good human, she is learning so much about how to become an awesome member of society. Pretty powerful stuff, mama. P.S. Try play that requires lots of "pleases" and "thank yous," like a tea party with Green Toys Tea Set.
Your love is —31-month-old
I'm just winging it. Motherhood, eyeliner, everything. Let's face we it—moms today are under a lot of pressure. Whether inflicted by social media or ourselves, we spend so much time trying to be "perfect." But here's the thing—to your child, you already are. All he wants is your attention and love, and you're already an expert at that. XO, TeamMotherly P.S. I Love You Stinky Face by Lisa McCourt gives us all the feels about all the ways we love our littles.
A little bit louder now —26-month-old
There is a time and place for wine. Now, and in my hand. We've all been told to ignore the tantrums, that they are just a cry for attention. But what if it's more than that? What is it's not actually about attention, but connection? Sometimes a hug is just what is needed... for your toddler and for you. (And sometimes mama just needs a glass of wine and time to unwind with her friends. That helps, too.)XO, TeamMotherly P.S. In My Heart: A Book of Feelings by Jo Witek is awesome for helping little ones connect with and identify their emotions.