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...

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...

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...

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...

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 ...

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 ...

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....

How Do I Know if My Child Is Behind in School? Teacher Tips for Parents

Concern about your child's academic performance is natural. You may compare your child to cousins, a friend's child, or siblings to try to gauge their performance. How can you know if your child is...

How to Deal with Back to School Anxiety: Tips from Teachers

From butterflies in your little one's belly, to crying, excitement, and nostalgia, the back to school season brings strong feelings. Both parents and children may struggle with back to school anxie...

What Is Gentle Parenting? Discipline Tips and Misconceptions

Gentle parenting has made the rounds in parenting advice articles and news stories over the past ten years. This way of parenting offers many benefits. However, many misconceptions about gentle par...

What Is Montessori Parenting? Tips from a Montessori Teacher

"But I don't want to clean up!" This phrase is familiar to most parents of young children. With a Montessori approach, you can respond to this situation with love while still achieving a positive o...

The 6 Best Montessori Bookshelves (And How to Pick Yours)

When it was time to pick out a book, my toddlers always pulled all the books off the bookshelf. This problem ended when we finally got a Montessori bookshelf. This front facing bookshelf allows tod...

Should Parents Limit Screen Time? A Montessori Approach

As a parent, it can be hard to know how to manage screen time with our kids. Many questions arise such as "How much screen time is too much?" Also, "Does healthy screen time exist, or is all screen...

Top 15 Best Kids Books for Every Stage

Reading to your child is one of the best gifts parents can give. Discover some of the best authors and series of classic books for kids to include on your bookshelf. From modern tales with colorful...