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 ...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

Top 9 Baby Bibs to Help You Say Goodbye to Messy Meals

From drool to messy first meals, a bib is a parent's best friend. I can't count how many loads of laundry and outfits I've saved while raising my three children…all thanks to bibs. Which is the bes...

The Best Non Toxic Crib Mattresses Parents Can Trust

Many consumer products, including baby and toddler mattresses, may contain dangerous chemicals like fire retardants. A recent University of Toronto Study found abundant chemicals in your average ba...

When Do Babies Get Their First Tooth?

Are you wondering when to expect your baby's first tooth? While baby teeth don't come in on a strict schedule, knowing the pattern and general timeline can help. This way, you can support your baby...

8 Best Baby Shampoo and Wash Options for Sensitive Skin

Protect your baby’s soft sensitive skin with the best baby shampoo and wash on the market. As a mom of three, I’ve used many kinds of baby shampoo and learned a few lessons. My daughter had extreme...

The Most Effective Baby Sound Machine for Sleep

No matter how quiet you try to be at bedtime, a variety of sounds may easily wake up your baby. For me, my cracking knees as I stood up were often the culprit with my youngest son. His eyes would f...

Holiday Activities to Enjoy At Home with Piccalio

Holiday-themed activities are the perfect way to make memories with your little one. From holiday crafts to family photos, and writing a letter to Santa, there are many opportunities. We happen to ...

Our Favorite Christmas Books for Kids

Snuggling up with beautiful Christmas picture books can help the whole family get in the holiday spirit. This list of favorite Christmas books includes a multitude of options including books about ...

20 Fun Montessori-Inspired Holiday Activities for Toddlers

During the holiday season, you can create wonderful memories and connections as a family. Aside from watching favorite holiday movies and putting up the tree, here are some fun Montessori-inspired ...

Top 6 Riding Toys and Toddler Balance Bikes

Riding toys and balance bikes are the perfect toys for toddlers. They meet your little one's need to move around and explore while also helping them develop important motor skills. Young riders bui...

The Best Pull Up Diapers and Potty Training Pants

During potty training, training pants and pull up diapers can save the day. Reducing the amount of clean-up and improving your child's confidence are just two benefits. For most families, potty tra...

Montessori in the Bathroom: How to Teach Your Child Hygiene

When I was doing my Montessori teacher training, I was struck by how important independence is for children. Montessori once said, "The child's inner need: 'Help me to do it by myself.'" A major pa...

The Most Reliable, Accurate Baby Thermometers

In the middle of the night, when your baby is screaming, you need a reliable thermometer that takes quick readings. Accurate readings help you make the right decisions for your baby's health. As a ...

Best Natural Diaper Rash Creams to Cure Diaper Rash Fast

When my daughter was a baby, she got the worst diaper rash. The red, irritated skin made her cry and I felt helpless. No diaper creams seemed to help soothe her sensitive skin. I changed her diaper...

A Montessori Teacher Offers a Chore Chart for Kids by Age

When my oldest was about two years old, he'd follow me everywhere. Like most toddlers, he was glued to me. Whether I was washing dishes, cleaning the bathroom, or cooking, he wanted to be involved....