All Things Parenting: What You Need To Be the Best Parent You Can Be

All Things Parenting.

Parenting is amazing and challenging. You never know what your kids are going to throw at you, but I think we can all agree we want to be the best parents we can be.

These posts will help you do just that.

What's In This Post?

Summer Parenting Tips
Just for Mom
Sleep Tips for Babies and Kids
Feeding Babies, Toddlers, and Preschoolers
Positive Parenting
Play and Learn
Safety Tips
Preschooler Tips
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Summer Parenting Tips

Summer parenting can be different than the rest of the year. You have new safety concerns, like sunscreen and pool safety. You want to be ready for fun. And the schedule changes a bit. These tips will help you maximize summer fun.

Everything You Need To Know About Kids and Hydration

Dehydration can be hard to spot in little ones, and they aren't always good at telling us they need a drink. Learn the warning signs and get tips to help keep your kids hydrated this summer.

Everything You Need to Know About SPF and Kids

We know sunscreen is good. But what does SPF even mean? What level should you use? And how much? Learn what you need to know about sunscreen and kids.

Six Tips for Putting Kids to Bed When It's Still Light Out

Long summer days are great for family fun, but not always so great for getting kids to bed on time. These tips will help you get your kids to sleep on time, despite it still being light out.

7 Summer Car Staples You Need to be Ready for Anything

In summer I like to say yes. Yes, let's run through that sprinkler. Yes, let's stop for a quick splash pad. Yes, let's buy lemonade from that stand. How do you say yes with little ones? You plan ahead. Here is how to stock your car to be ready for summer fun.

Science by the Pool: Easy Summer STEM Activities

The pool is the perfect place for summer, and it is the perfect place to explore STEM. Get easy and fun STEM activities that make the pool your summer lab.

Just for Mom

Being a mom is the best, but we all also know it can be the hardest thing in the world. You aren't alone if you are feeling overwhelmed. These posts will help.

I didn't want to mom today

There are days when I just don't want to do it anymore. I don't want to make another meal or change another diaper. It's all just too much. On one of those days I learned it's okay to take care of me too.

Today I needed a village

I like to do everything on my own, no asking for help. But I have to remind myself that it is okay to ask for help sometimes. Here is a time when I needed my village.

I don't have to. I get to.

One simple phrase can turn my overwhelmed thinking into an attitude of gratitude. You can have this powerful yet simple motto to use as well.

Why Joining a Mom's Club Was One of the Best Decisions I've Made

It's hard to make mom friends! But it's harder to be a mom without them. Here are some good reasons to reach out and join a mom's club to find support in parenting.

How A Block Schedule Will Make You a Better Mom

How do I do it all as a mom? Honestly, I don't. But I have found a way to maximize efficiency and minimize stress. Block scheduling will make your life easier too.

Sleep Tips for Babies and Kids

I love sleep. And when the kids aren't sleeping, no one in the family is happy. Get the tips you need to help your kids with all their sleep problems. From no cry sleep training to the crib to bed transition to how to handle rest time, these posts will help your whole family rest.

No Cry Sleep Training: How To Gently and Effectively Teach Your Baby To Sleep

Teaching your baby to sleep doesn't mean you have to let your child cry it out. You can sleep train without tears. We did with all three of our children (including our twins!). Here's how.

Bedtime Routines- the 4 core parts you need for success

Bedtime routines don't need to be complicated. And they certainly shouldn't take very long. Here are the core parts you need to build a solid bedtime routine that works for babies through elementary school.

Pacifiers: Are You Ruining Your Baby?

Pacifiers can be an amazing tool to help your baby settle and go to sleep. But will they cause trouble down the road? Are you creating a dependency? Get the pros and cons of pacifier use.

Keep the Crib: How To Keep Your Toddler From Escaping

A big sleep fear of mine? My kids learning how to climb out of the crib. It happened, but that didn't mean we switched to a toddler bed. Learn how to keep your toddler in their crib after they've learned to escape.

Transitions: Moving from a crib to a toddler bed

Moving from a crib to a bed is exciting! It means a change to bedtime and a need for your child to understand to stay put. Learn how we made the switch.

Transitions: Turning the Morning Nap Into Independent Playtime

Dropping the morning nap is a wonderful opportunity to add in independent playtime! Learn how to make a seamless transition away from two naps a day and introduce this skill building time.

Helping Your Child to Conquer Their Nightmares (Guest Post)

No one likes nightmares, but there are actionable steps you can take t help your child work through them.

Rest Time for Preschoolers: Why It Is So Important

Preschoolers often don't need nap time. But they do still need to recharge during the day. Learn why rest time is so important and how to make it work for your family.

How To Transition Your Little One From Nap Time to Rest Time

We know rest time is important, but how do you make that switch away from nap time? Get real tips that will make dropping nap time easy.

Big Rest Time Benefits for Kids (and the whole family!)

Rest time isn't just good for your children, it's good for the whole family? Get everything you need to know about rest time from when to start to how to enforce it.

7 Reasons I Want My Kids Awake After Bedtime

Kids don't always fall asleep right away at bedtime. Good. That special time between lights out and falling asleep is important. Here are 7 reasons I like my kids to be awake after bedtime.

Feeding Babies, Toddlers, and Preschoolers

All mother's worry if their children are eating enough. It starts with breastfeeding and ends with, well, I'm not sure it does end. Here are posts that will help with breastfeeding, picky eating, and more.

29 Must Read Breastfeeding Posts

Breastfeeding isn't always as natural as it seems like it should be. This resource has tips, advice, and real life stories from moms who have breastfed, bottle fed, and gone through all the breastfeeding issues there are.

The Ultimate Resource Guide for Breastfeeding Twins

Photo Credit: team-cartwright.com

Twin moms: It is possible to breastfeed twins! This resource guide is what you need to nurse your twins.

Scheduling Doesn't Diminish Milk Supply: Busting this Myth.

We love schedules in our house. And that means yes, I breastfed my kids on a schedule. No, it did not hurt my supply. Scheduling does not automatically mean your milk supply will go down.

What Twins Can Teach Us About Breastfeeding Attitudes

Breast vs. Formula. That debate is tough and full of emotions. But having twins opened up my eyes to new arguments. The treatment of twins proves that the whole debate is just stupid.

Shut Up About My Picky Eater

I have a picky eater. Actually I have 3 picky eaters of various degrees. The thing is, they are my picky eaters, not yours. So shut it. Learn why you need to leave the moms of picky eaters alone and what you can do that actually helps.

The Real Way to Help End Picky Eating - Team Cartwright

Photo Credit: team-cartwright.com

We have been working on picky eating for some time. We tried it all, punishments, rewards, begging. Finally I found a method that worked for our family. Learn how it can work for yours too.

Positive Parenting

I believe in parenting with intention and with respect for my children. Kid's are real people with real feelings. It is our job as parents to teach them how to handle their emotions, how to make good choices, and how to be good people.

6 Simple Words: Our good behavior mantra for all situations

Looking for a simple way to remind your children of the rules? Maybe something that is just 6 words? This simple mantra covers all areas of behavior and gets your children actively involved in making good choices.

How a Simple Morning Meeting Creates a Successful Day

Want to stop behavior problems before they start? Try starting each day with a morning meeting. It doesn't take long, but it let's your reach your child's heart first thing every day.

Ask and Tell: Giving our kids the power to make good decisions

Lecturing little ones doesn't work. Teach your children to take ownership of their behavior by using the ask and tell method.

Intentional Parenting: How our beliefs and goals shape our parenting decisions

There are so many choices to make when you parent. How do you ever decide what to do? Taking the time to look at your goals and beliefs will help you be intentional in your parenting.

How To Teach Your Little One To Be Kind

It's good to tell kids to be kind, but what does that really mean? Here are concrete ways to teach your child about kindness/

Why Every Child Needs To Hear 'Because I said so.'

Because I said so is annoying to kids, but it is actually full of life lessons. Here are real reasons why it is good for kids to here 'Because I said so.'

Big feelings: Talking through tantrums with your child

Our little people have big feelings! And it is up to us as parents to teach them to navigate those feelings. Here is how to help calm tantrums without punishments.

5 ways to help your child with a move emotionally

Moving homes is a big deal, and it can stir up a lot of confusing emotions for children! Here are easy ways to help your child deal with the big transition of moving.

Preparing Children in Times of Crisis

As much as we hate it, bad things happen in life. It is up to parents to prepare our children in a crisis. Here's how.

How to Use the Wonder Weeks Without the Stress

The Wonder Weeks can be an amazing tools. But seeing all those stormy period can be stressful! Here is how to utilize the information without getting overwhelmed.

6 Positives to Potty Training Late

Potty training can be hard, but there is no need to feel pressured into potty training young! Here are big benefits to waiting to potty train.

Forgive yourself, Mama. Screen time can be just a season.

We know too much screen time isn't best for kids, but sometimes it happens. Forgive yourself, it's just temporary.

Play and Learn

Play is the work of childhood, and children learn best when they play.

5 Reasons Play is So Important for Preschoolers

Why do we can if kids play or not? Play really does matter. Here are 5 big reasons why.

How To Do Learning Time With Older Children

As kids get older we all get busier. It can be hard to fit in learning time. Here are actionable tips to make it happen.

Super Simple Homemade Toys for Babies and Toddlers

You don't need to spend money to have fun with your kids! Here are simple toys you can make from recycled materials at home.

Activities your preschooler or toddler and baby can enjoy together

Balancing time with a baby and a toddler can be a challenge, but there are actually a lot of things you can do with both of them! Here are easy activities to do with your baby and toddler.

Preschool Tooth Brushing Activities

Some kids just do not like brushing their teeth. These simple activities will help your little ones understand and even enjoy tooth brushing!

How To Teach Your Kids About the World Without Leaving Home

Kids need to learn about the world, but not everyone can afford to travel or even wants to. So here are easy ways to bring the world to your children.

Netflix and Chill: Using Television as a Learning Activity

There are seasons in life when you just need to turn to tv. Don't worry, you can make that an interactive educational activity!

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Safety Tips

Tips and advice on how to keep our children safe.

How To Teach Your Child to Call 911 in the Cell Phone Age

Do you have a landline? We don't. That makes learning to call 911 a little more complicated. Here is how to teach your child to call for emergency services in a cell phone world.

5 Tips to Keep Baby Warm and Safe in a Car Seat

Safety comes first for car seats, but babies can get cold in the winter! Here are easy ways to keep your child warm but still safe.

BFBN Week: Teaching stranger danger to 2 year olds

Kids need to learn stranger danger, but how exactly do you teach toddlers about it without scaring them? Here are ways you can do today to teach stranger danger.

No Touching: Why I don't make my child hug

Body autonomy is important, and kids need to be able to say no to unwanted touches. Here is how to empower your children to be in control of their bodies.

Preschooler Tips

Preschoolers are so much fun. They are learning and developing so much! They also face unique challenges as they start their school years and begin to act more autonomously in the world.

Preschool Behavior Chart: Ending the Cycle of Preschool Timeouts

Sometimes a simple behavior chart is all that is needed to help your preschooler make good choices. Learn how to create one that gives ownership of the behavior back to your child and empowers them to follow the rules.

Redshirting Kindergarten: Why We are Waiting Until 6 To Start

If your child has a late summer birthday you can have to make a tough choice. Start kindergarten right after they turn 5? Or wait til they are 6? Here is everything we took into consideration when we decided to wait.

3 Little After School Questions That Have a Big Impact

It can be tough to get some kids to talk about their day. I ask 3 questions every day after school. They are little questions, but they offer up big insights.

Real vs. Fake Fears: How to distinguish between the two

Fears can pop up during the preschool years. But how do you know if it is a true fear or a symptom of something else? This will help.

How to help your frustrated preschooler

Dealing with frustration is hard, and there are so many things about preschool that can be tough! Learn how to help your child work through frustrations to create positive solutions.

How To Encourage Independence in a Reluctant Child

Some kids never go through a 'I do it myself' phase. They need to be encouraged to be proactive. Here is how to help your child take those steps towards independence.