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...

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 ...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

The Crunchy Moms Phenomenon Explained

Also known as a "granola mom," crunchy moms are famous for living a natural lifestyle. From avoiding toxins to cooking from scratch, some may go as far as to eschew traditional medicine. These moms...

6 Ways the Montessori Method Will Change Your Parenting

Becoming a Montessori teacher had the most impact on my parenting journey, aside from my own upbringing. Much more than an educational approach, the Montessori method goes beyond the classroom. The...

Our Favorite Holiday Gift Memories

Part of the magic of the holidays is watching children open a much-awaited gift. At Piccalio, we try to keep our inner child at the forefront so we can connect to the children who use our products....

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 ...

When Do Babies Hold Their Head Up?

Delicate and tiny, infants have droopy heads that unpredictably flop from side to side. In other moments, your baby shows amazing strength by lifting or turning their head while resting on your sho...

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 ...

How to Handle Holiday Toddler Meltdowns the Montessori Way

You're just sitting down to a nice meal with extended family when your toddler starts to lose it. They spotted the dessert table and no longer want to try any of the regular food on their plate. Wh...

Tips for Stress-Free Travel with Kids and Babies

Traveling with toddlers is notoriously difficult. As a mom with an international family and three kids, we've survived more than our fair share of long flights and car rides. Fortunately, our exper...

The Science Behind the Sad Beige Moms Debate

Last Christmas, a TikTok by @nattiejopo spray painting a colorful Christmas tree toy in more neutral tones went viral. The video created controversy in the comments, adding more fuel to the fire ab...

When Do Babies See Color? A Guide to Your Infant's Eyesight

When your infant looks up at you, what can they see? At birth, babies' visual systems are still developing. What you can see and what your baby can see are vastly different. So, when do babies see ...

Top Feeding and Breastfeeding Tips from a Feeding Therapist

Nourishing your baby is a beautiful, yet challenging experience. When my oldest was born, I remember feeling a rush of love and a sense of overwhelm when I first held him. Was I prepared to take ca...

When Do Babies Start Sleeping Through the Night?

Sleep deprivation for parents in the first year of their baby's life is a nearly universal experience. Among the top concerns for new parents is when their baby will sleep through the night. Not al...