What to do When Your Child Won’t Poop on the Potty

It can be frustrating when your child happily pees on the potty but refuses to use it for bowel movements. Your child might demand a diaper, go in his pants, or hold his bowel movements and cause complications such as severe constipation. This is a fairly typical setback in potty training so this post will cover some ways that you can help.

The Potty-Training Readiness Quiz

Potty training is easier and happens faster if your child is truly ready in all three areas: physical, cognitive and social. But the big question is: how do you know when your child is ready? If you have never traveled this road before, you likely don’t even know what signs to look for. Take this quiz to find out where your child is on the readiness spectrum.

Encourage Your Kids to Embrace the Weather

“Uh, oh. It’s starting to rain, we should head inside!” To which my four-year-old grandson asked, ”Why???” He looked perplexed at my odd comment as he raised his head to the sky and let raindrops fall on his tongue.

How to Choose a Pediatrician

During the first few years of life, your baby will have frequent visits for routine checkups and illness; so selecting a healthcare professional you trust is important. It’s common for parents to wonder how to choose a pediatrician that will work well for their families. These tips and checklists can help you as you make this decision.

Should Older Kids Babysit for their Siblings?

What happens when an older sibling babysits for a younger one? Is it a good idea? If there is a wide age span between your children, you may be wondering if your older child would make a good babysitter. The decision to have one sibling babysit for another should never be based purely on the age of the children, or what is convenient for the parents. Rather, the decision should be based on how responsible the older child is, and on the relationship between the children. If the older child displays trustworthiness for homework, chores and personal responsibilities, and if the two children have a usually peaceful relationship, it’s safe to try out a babysitting situation.

Airplane Travel with Baby

Learn about airplane travel with baby

Even if you racked up your share of frequent flyer miles before your baby was born, forget what you know of travel so far. Flying with a little one is a whole different story.

My oldest child was just 14 days old when she took her first flight, and since then, I’ve taken many trips with my four children over the years. I know that you can travel with your little ones and enjoy the process. Forethought and preparation are the keys.

Which Expert Should You Trust about your Newborn?

It’s remarkable, but true – your baby is born with a distinct personality that exists from the moment of birth. Babies are similar in their actions and needs, but they are not all exactly alike. Even two children born to the same parents on the same day – twins! – can be very different from each other.  Your newborn baby is a unique person with likes and dislikes, emotions and feelings. Your most important job in these early weeks is to get to know your unique and precious baby.