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!
May your coffee be stronger than your toddler. Picky eating and toddlerhood usually come in hand-in-hand, and it can be down right stressful. But don't worry—there are ways to make mealtime easy and dare we say it, fun. Hint: playing with your food is not only allowed, it's encouraged . XO, TeamMotherly P.S. Our hearts BEET for Sun Basket meal delivery service. Check them out for 3 FREE meals!
Love is in the air, and it smells like coffee. You know what, mama? Sometimes it's just really hard. You try and you try, and yet for seemingly no reason, your toddler has (yet another) melt down. We just want to let you know that you are doing an AMAZING job, and your efforts are not in vain. You've got this. XO, TeamMotherlyP.S. To help make things more ok, Blue Bottle Coffee pairs chocolate AND coffee together for you and we love them for it.
There is beauty in simplicity. Having a toddler means 3 things—love, noise and STUFF. It's easy for our homes to become quickly overrun by toys, stuffed animals and Legos on the floor (#ouch). Ever have the urge to just bundle it up and donate it all? You might actually be on to something... aren't you clever! XO, TeamMotherly
Find me where the wild things are. Your toddler's pearly white are adorable... until they're locked on your arm flesh. Naughty behaviors like biting and hitting can be tough to deal with. Remember that this is a phase, and with some loving firmness from you, your tot will be on his way to a biting free existence. XO, TeamMotherly P.S. For teaching your little one what his teeth are meant for, check out Teeth are Not For Biting by Elizabeth Verdick.
Don't ever lose your sense of wonder. To a child, the most "ordinary" things are magical—an ant walking on the sidewalk, the first snowfall of the season, a bird flying in the sky—and if you think about, it IS all pretty amazing. Take some time to join them as they marvel at these little miracles. And pretty soon, you'll believe in the magic too. XO, TeamMotherly P.S. Magnatiles inspire hours of creative play for kids and parents!
Let's all go back to bed. You've spent all day taking care of your toddler. It's been fun, but let's be honest—mama needs a break. Perfecting your bedtime routine is so important. It'll help settle your tot in for the rest they need, and help YOU settle into the couch for your necessary Netflix and Chill time. XO, TeamMotherly P.S. Couch time is made so much better by comfy leggings. Check out our faves!
Toddler=sunshine mixed with a little hurricane. Anyone else feel like their houseplants are sometimes better listeners than their toddlers? Those moments can be so, so hard. We hear you mama (even if you kiddo doesn't seem to). We promise that you're getting through to them. Just keep on' keepin' on. You've got this. XO, TeamMotherly
“Playing dress up starts at age 5 and never truly ends"—Kate Spade. When it comes to raising independent kids, scientists have learned that it's all about attachment. So go ahead and give them that extra cuddling and doting when they need it. You're setting them up for success, and making your mama soul happy while you're at it. XO, TeamMotherly P.S. Speaking of cuddling, wrap you and your toddler up in love and softness in this gorgeous sweater from Ingrid + Isabel.
