W-Sitting: Myths, Facts, and What Parents Should Do

In recent years, w-sitting has been getting a lot of attention from worried parents on social media. While some experts say that w-sitting may create problems for children, others say it's no cause...

Why Do Toddlers Bite and Hit? Experts Explain

My 18-month-old son was sitting on my lap when he shocked me by biting my chin. Over the next few months, he bit me occasionally, usually while playing. My youngest never went through a biting phas...

Piccalio Points: How to Get the Most Out of Our Loyalty Program

At Piccalio, we’re always thinking about how to build something lasting, not just in our products, but in our community. We’re excited to announce Piccalio Points, our new loyalty and referral prog...

Why Kids Love Spinning in Circles

As a child, I remember spinning excessively until the room would spin. Now, as a mom, all I need to feel dizzy is watch my own three children spin around happily. Why do kids love spinning so much?...

What Is Free Range Parenting? (And Could it Cure Anxiety?)

"A child who thinks he can't do anything on his own eventually can't," wrote Lenore Skenazy in a polarizing 2008 New York Sun column. In the column, she wrote about letting her 9-year-old ride the ...

Teaching Your Child How to Wipe: Potty Training 2

So, you're making progress with potty training, and there's only one last skill to master: how to wipe. Many children still request help with wiping long after they go to the bathroom independently...

38 Screen Free Activities for Every Age and Stage

How do you say no to screen time when you're frazzled and trying to make it through the day? As tempting as it is to hand over your phone or turn on the TV, too much screen time isn't good. What ca...

Nature Deficit Disorder: Why Playing Outside is Essential for Your Child's Health

Could spending more time outdoors make your child happier and healthier? Journalist and author Richard Louv argues that people, especially children, need to spend less time indoors and more time in...

Why It’s Important for Parents to Say “No”

Many parents today want to offer their children a different childhood than the one they had. Instead of "Because I said so!" and traditional, discipline-heavy parenting, parents want to build an em...

When Do Kids Develop Impulse Control?

Everyone has made an impulsive decision at some point in their life. Whether you spontaneously pull into the fast food drive-through on the way home or yell at your child in a sudden burst of anger...

Your Guide to Toddler Separation Anxiety

Separation anxiety is a normal developmental milestone for babies and toddlers. I remember leaving my oldest crying at my mother-in-law's house, whom he loves, before heading off to work. Watching ...

What is the Best Size Table for Kids of Different Ages?

Choosing a toddler table and chair set that works for your 2-year-old and preschooler is a common dilemma. Siblings that are a few years apart are drastically different in size, yet often share the...

I Struggle to Play with My Child; Am I a Bad Parent?

"Mama, play with me!" your little one insists, grabbing your hand. Meanwhile, dishes are stacked in the sink, you need to make dinner, and you're not feeling very playful. Immediately, you feel gui...

25 Children's Obstacle Course Ideas

An obstacle course provides hours of active fun, building your little one's gross motor skills and creativity. Building an obstacle course for kids doesn't have to be a complex endeavor. With a few...

How to Get Kids to Clean Up: Montessori Tips

The first time I walked into a Montessori classroom, I was amazed to see three and four-year-olds cleaning up independently. As a Montessori teacher, I quickly learned that young children are capab...

Our Certifications: For Your Family and the Planet

At Piccalio, we make safe and sustainable furniture that's good for you, your family, and the planet. Every promise we make is backed up by certifications that guarantee quality, safety, and our co...

Harvard Study on Chores: Untangling the Research

In 2016, Julie Lythcott-Haim's TED Talk went viral. The former Dean of Freshmen at Stanford University and author of the bestselling book How to Raise an Adult used data from an 80-year Harvard stu...

How to Teach Digital Media Literacy to Your Young Child

Saying "I saw it on YouTube, must be true," sarcastically is a joke my children recently learned from their uncle. While it sounds silly, learning not to trust everything they see online is an esse...

Your Guide to Montessori Toy Rotation and Quality Playtime

As a Montessori teacher, I saw the benefits of toy rotation firsthand. Now, at home with my three children, I use many of the same toy storage and organization ideas. While it hasn't completely eli...

Myopia in Children: Why this Eye Condition is On the Rise?

"Myopia is progressive, irreversible and on the rise," says Sabrina Gaan, Doctor of Optometry. In the 1970s, about 25% of Americans were nearsighted, or had myopia. By 2017, that number rose to nea...

The Best Rated Diaper Pails: Odors Neutralized

Diapers are a parenting reality, but the smell doesn't have to be. The best diaper pails not only trap odors, but are also easy to use and may even match your nursery. Which diaper pail can you tru...

When Do Babies Smile? A Guide to Baby Facial Expressions

As you watch your infant sleeping, they contort their face. First, they grimace and cry, then they smile. Does this count as your baby's first smile? The true answer about when infants smile for th...

A Montessori Teacher on How to Use a Helper Tower Safely

Young children love to help in the kitchen. A helper tower makes it easy to involve your child, offering a safe standing platform that prevents falls. As a Montessori teacher and mom of three, I've...

Is a Cheap Baby Play Mat (Foam) Actually a Bargain?

Foam tile play mats are everywhere. From daycares to the gym's childcare space, and maybe even in your home. Baby play mats made of foam are affordable and attractive. You can make a play space sof...

The 6 Best Toothpaste for Kids and Babies: Non-toxic Picks

Seeing your baby's first tooth is an exciting milestone that also means it's time to start good oral health habits. What do you need to know? With all the chemicals in our modern world, which tooth...

Does My Infant Need a Baby Helmet? What Parents Need to Know

Babies in helmets to correct head shape are now a common sight, leading many parents to wonder if their baby needs one. The little bald spot on the back of an infant's head is so common it's almost...

Which Diaper Changing Pad is Most Practical?

A quality diaper-changing pad is all that stands between you and hours of cleaning (ask me how I know!). Wondering which option is the most practical and functional? Discover my top picks for the b...

The True Costs of Fast Furniture: Plus, Alternative Options

Purchasing furniture is a costly endeavor no matter where you look, making low-cost options enticing. While buying affordable furniture may save you in the short term, there are impacts that can ha...