One of my fondest memories as a child is jumping on my parents’ bed with my sister. We didn’t do it once—we did it any chance we could! Of course in those days there were no trampolines and, honestly, I think jumping on the bed is WAY MORE fun! Have you ever wondered WHY children want to jump in the first place? Well if your kidlets are anything like me and my sister we jumped because it was fun! We imagined we were flying like Tinker Bell or riding on a flying dragon. In other words, it … [Read more...]
Father TIME
My mission of promoting, supporting and advocating for play all stem from my core value of insuring the health and wellness of young children. It’s in that same context, insuring a child’s health and wellness, I bring up the topic of fathers. As a mother, and now grandmother, I know…and society reinforces…the critical role I played in raising my children. My contributions are acknowledged by every level of society. This is not the case for fathers; to the detriment of their … [Read more...]
Guest Post by Dr. Alisha H Wilkes DNP, CNM, ARNP
As a new Grandma (or Farmor if I'm connecting to my Norwegian roots) AND with another grandbaby on the way, I'm especially concerned about the health and well-being of new mothers. Pregnancy and giving birth, though a natural and normal condition and experience, IS exceptionally taxing. I'm so thankful to Dr. Alisha Wilkes of Three Moons Widwifery for this important guest post. Make sure to share it with all new mothers, mothers-to-be and the grandparents that love them! Yours in Play! Teacher … [Read more...]
Feed Me I’m Yours: Part 1 Breastfeeding Baby
Nature's created a readily available means to nourish your baby: They're your breasts. As organic this or that is touted and held up as superior, I'm distressed to see something truly organic viewed with so much anxiety or out-and-out hostility. Mothers have always breastfed babies The expression "Necessity is the mother of invention" fits into the breastfeeding vs baby formula stand-off. Baby formula was created in the late 1800s to address a need. Before that, wet nurses breastfed newborn … [Read more...]
Important Early Childhood Milestones
At every age, there are important early childhood milestones to help monitor your child's development. Healthy growth and development is more than just physical. How he or she plays, learns, speaks, and acts are important clues about your child’s development. The information below comes from the Centers for Disease Prevention and Control.* Talk with your pediatrician if your child doesn't: At two months old: Respond to loud sounds Watch things as they move Smile at people Bring hands to … [Read more...]