Jean Piaget said: “Play is the work of childhood”.  Fred Rogers said: “Play gives children a chance to practice what they are learning”.  Albert Einstein said: “Play is the highest form of research”. Play is so incredibly important to the development of a child.  Play in any form, is indeed research.  Whether it is structured play, like a specific activity, or the space to allow a child to be creative and play independently without any guidelines, all types of play are necessary!  If you have followed our Toddler Tasks Thursday’s (T3) you would know that play is something I believe...

Dear Millie, I blinked… and you are 3.  I know that I will blink again and you’ll be in school.  I’ll blink and you will think I’m not the “bestest” anymore.  I know that I will blink and you’ll be playing sports or dancing or finding an activity that you love.  I know that I will blink and you’ll be driving.  I know that I will blink and you will be graduating high school… but for now, you are 3. We all learn by watching.  I know that you will learn by watching me, your Daddy, and the whole village...

“Vulnerability is not winning or losing; It’s having the courage to show up and be seen when we have no control over the outcome.  Vulnerability is not weakness; it’s our greatest measure of courage.” Brené Brown I have been quiet.  I’d like to say that it was a logistical thing… Finishing a Master’s program, raising a toddler, living through a pandemic, etc.  However, that would be a lie.  When I initially started the blog, it was because I thoroughly enjoyed writing.  I enjoyed the connection that it gave me to others.  I quickly realized that sharing and being open gave...

Today I want to talk to you about a new Toddler Task on the blog, involving pom poms.  You know those little annoying craft pom poms?  Think cotton ball on color and pizazz steroids…  Picturing it?  Great!  Well, it turns out that those lovely little colorful pom poms aren’t just for crafts, but also can be used for a plethora of activities that your Toddler is sure to love.  Not only will they enjoy it, but the developmental benefits are fantastic too!  Which, is a win-win for us when it comes to Toddler Tasks. *** DISCLAIMER *** Playing is AWESOME,...

Toddler Task Thursday is BACK!  Today I want to talk to you about the benefits for toddlers of playing with stickers.  Such a simple, small activity is packed with some BIG developmental benefits.  The best part about using and playing with stickers is that Millie LOVES stickers right now (and so do most toddlers)!  Since she enjoys playing with them, decorating, etc. so much, I thought I would spend some time looking into how this type of activity is important developmentally and some different ideas and ways to incorporate stickers into play.  *** DISCLAIMER *** Sticker play is AWESOME, but...

Unpopular opinion… Don’t make a New Year’s Resolution. Okay, okay, I know… but hear me out on this one okay? There’s absolutely nothing wrong with wanting to improve, wanting to be a better version of yourself, or wanting to crush a new goal.  These are all great aspirations, but they can all happen any day, at any moment.  There is no need to wait until a new calendar year is upon us to decide that you’d like to make a change.  If resolutions work for you and you look forward to knocking it out of the park every year, YOU...

Autumn. Fall is my absolute favorite season.  I love the freshness of the crisp, cooler air.  I love watching the leaves paint a masterpiece against the blue sky.  As sad as I am to watch the leaves fall, I am always reminded of the beauty and importance of every season and simply… how beautiful it can be to let things go.  As the change happens and I know winter is approaching, I savor this current season.  I do all the “fall things”, get my fill of fall flavors, but a thought crossed my mind… Why is it SO easy for...

“Fight for the things that you care about, but do it in a way that will lead others to join you.” – Ruth Bader Ginsburg It has taken me a little time to process the passing of the Notorious RBG.  Ruth Bader Ginsburg was a trailblazer, despite achieving status of her own, never ceasing to fight for the rights and progress for others.  While thinking of all that she fought for and accomplished, I kept coming back to all of the opportunities in my life I have been fortunate to have, that other women before me couldn’t… specifically my Grandmother....

Frying an egg.  According to Google sources, it takes 4 minutes to fry an egg.  Yesterday morning, Millie wanted an egg for breakfast.  She loves being involved in the kitchen and wants to “help” whenever something is happening.  So, naturally I pulled her learning stool over to the counter near the oven.  Not long into our 4-minute endeavor, Millie was growing impatient.  At 2, the understanding of time and the concept of patience aren’t exactly mastered. I was frustrated too.  We have fried an egg together so many times and she does know this process, so why today was she...