Grandmas have always been special to me. I remember when I was young going to grandma's. It was always a fantastic time, made even more so since I had cousins around! Fast forward a few decades. Oh alright, many many decades! If you’re like me, the prospect of having your own grandchildren visit has you walking on clouds of anticipation, especially if they’re visiting from out of town. I firmly believe in supporting my (adult) children in whatever career path they’ve chosen. Even if that … [Read more...]
Words Matter
Words matter to all of us—what’s said and the way they’re said, but that’s especially true for the youngest among us. For children 0-3 years old, words are vital to their development. Their brains are growing and developing more during this time than any other, producing 700 new neural connections every second! Because their brains develop and grow so rapidly early in life, any experience—whether positive and negative—can have a huge impact on them. Parents can support their infants’ brain … [Read more...]
Mother Nature Knows Best
Mother Nature is a wondrous thing. Mother Nature, mothers and their children are nothing short of miraculous. I’ve been reminded of it recently with the birth of my first grandbaby just 3 months ago and now awaiting the birth of my second grandbaby in about 1 ½ months! I recently read a Scientific American article on changes that happen in a woman’s brain when she’s pregnant. It’s plain to see a woman’s body undergoes massive changes as it hosts her growing baby…some women’s bodies get a … [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...]
Your Baby: Supporting Their Development through PLAY
Let’s just get it out there—this child before you: What a miracle!! Yes, it can be exhausting with interrupted sleep and your non-stop concern over whether or not you’re doing things ‘right’. So let me reassure you right here and now—RELAX! If all you do is give your newborn child your time and attention (ie, bond with your child), meet their needs in terms of feeding, diaper-changing, sleep and necessary immunizations you’re doing great! Giving birth is a gigantic effort! Moms need to … [Read more...]