Perspectives in Parenting

Yes, this is a post about bubbles, the often demanded, universally loved by toddlers, almost guaranteed to be spilled, bottle of soapy water with a wand. I have a newfound appreciation for bubbles and what they can bring to your life. Fun for Toddler Ah bubbles, this is often a go-to outside time activity for my toddler. If we’re outside for any length of time there are demands for “bubbles!” As a toddler with an ever-growing independent streak, he wants to “do it myself!” It is a way for him to have some control in his life and to exert his independence. There are demands to hold the bottle, he sometimes tries to eat the wand and, yes, drink the bubbles....

Recently I started listening to true crime podcasts. Now I know that I’m late to the podcast scene, but I have quickly become addicted and can’t stop binge-listening to them. I was never a fan of audiobooks, so the idea of listening to a podcast didn’t seem like something for me. Boy was I wrong! A friend suggested I give it a try. My first podcast was Dr. Death (Season 1). It didn’t take long for me to be hooked! The main reason I enjoy podcasts is that I can pop in my AirPods and continue doing various other things while listening. I can work on my laptop, fold clothes, or prepare dinner for my family. Below are four binge-worthy true crime...

Dear Tiny Yogurt Handprint, This is the 5th morning you and I meet like this at my dresser drawer. It makes me chuckle, because there was once a time when the first sight of you would have sent me dashing for the Pledge. It’s been days though, and I still haven’t touched you. Boy, has motherhood changed me. Initially, I chalked it up to the fact that I haven't stopped running around chasing after your artist long enough to get rid of you. However, even when I found the time, I stopped myself. I now realize that I'm pretty fond of you, and I think I've become attached. More than that, I imagine the day you stop popping up on every...

I logged into our daycare’s camera system and saw a picturesque scene; the teacher was seated on the floor with a gaggle of toddlers around her. They all appeared to be singing and swaying, all except for one. My toddler was standing away from the group looking on in apprehension, or that was my view of it anyway. He approached the group and then backed away again and then I saw the teacher lift her phone. She was clearly playing a video or a song and it seemed like my kid didn’t know how to react. I watched as both the teacher and the other toddlers invited him into the circle; he ran in the opposite direction. It got...

Teaching children manners, beyond the simple please and thank you, can be challenging. It requires constant reminders, and steady reinforcement on what proper manners look like. Telling them once and expecting it to stick just isn’t enough. It is key to praise them when they use their manners properly. Children are watching and paying attention all the time, so it is crucial to practice the behavior you want them to mimic. You can’t expect your children to have good manners if you aren’t being a good role model for them. Use your manners There are several manners that I view as important for my children to learn, once they master basic etiquette like please, thank you, sir, and ma’am. Telling someone “My...