Tummy time is a natural part of development for infants. And it is absolutely vital infants get tummy time during the day when they are awake and supervised. Most of the research suggests that you can start tummy time as early as 2-3 weeks old, even if it’s for only 30 seconds at a time. Most doctors suggest infants experience… Read More
How to Engage and Empower Your Kids
Pretty much everyone I talk to has had enough with the pandemic. Parents are overwhelmed, discouraged, and burnt out and kids are disengaged, unmotivated, and feeling a loss of connection with the world. Depression and suicide rates are on the rise and children are feeling a greater sense of helplessness, hopelessness, and worthlessness the more they are isolated and a prisoner in their… Read More
Top 10 Play Tools Every Parent and Therapist Should Own
It’s National Play Therapy Week and as a nationally recognized Registered Play Therapist and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, I want to bring awareness to play this week as it is vitally important for a child’s growth, cognitive and emotional development, and overall mental wellbeing! And now, with the big role the pandemic has played with children’s mental health, play… Read More
The Benefits of Books and the Value of Vooks
For those who know me well, it is no surprise that I truly value education. As a current university professor teaching Master’s and Doctoral level students and a previous high school teacher and K-12 credentialed substitute teacher, learning is key to my life. And now, I have the privilege and honor to educate my own children. I was their… Read More
The Importance of Drowning Prevention and Survival Swim Classes
DO YOU KNOW THAT DROWNING IS THE LEADING CAUSE OF NON ACCIDENTAL CHILDHOOD DEATH FOR CHILDREN 1-4 AND A CHILD CAN SINK TO THE BOTTOM OF A POOL IN 2 1/2 SECONDS? According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 77% of deaths involve children younger than 5, and on average, there are approximately 356 drowning deaths a… Read More
Top 12 Childproofing Products to Keep Your Children Safe
As you know, I have been a BIG fan of Toddleroo by North States products for years. I have exclusively used their baby gates and play yards since my son was less than a year old. (I linked previous blogs below) As a mom, there is nothing more important than my children’s safety. And Toddleroo is a brand I love… Read More
Top 12 Multicultural Toys, Games, and Play Tools to Promote Diversity
As a nationally recognized play therapist, I know play is a proven learning tool and used a critical way to teach children. And as an educator, I love providing parents resources that can be used in a way children respond to most in a language they understand. Puppets, for example, are an excellent way to teach children about racism, and… Read More
Benefits of a Secure Attachment: Top 5 Activities To Do With Your Children to a Build Positive Relationship
Since we are all at home indefinitely right now, this is the time to connect with our children more than ever. This is the time they need us and want to be close to us. Use this time with them wisely and grow a deeper connection with them and a stronger, more secure attachment with them! Attachment starts as early… Read More
Separation Anxiety: Top 10 Solutions and Resources for School Success
Now that school has started, your child may have some anxious energy. Some nerves are expected from young children at any age, but if your child becomes preoccupied with an intensive fear of not being with you or their primary caregiver and has physiological distress symptoms like headaches, stomachaches, excessive crying, defiance, or even panic attacks and or nightmares, they… Read More
Let’s Talk About: Playing in New York City with Melissa & Doug
This post is created in partnership with Melissa & Doug. All opinions are my own. Giveaway information at the end of the blog. The Power of Play was taken to a whole new level in New York earlier this month with Melissa & Doug. I was honored to be invited as one of their special guests to help facilitate a roundtable conversation… Read More