parenting toddlers
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Responsive parenting is crucial for development. This is why.
Inside: Find out why responsive parenting promotes better outcomes in young children. The instant my feet hit the asphalt I felt lighter. Because my whole world revolved around taking care of my two and three-year-olds, I was desperate for a moment to myself. With the neighbourhood sidewalk in front of me and only my playlist […] Continue reading
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Toddler biting? This positive approach can stop it for good
When a toddler bites, often parents are filled with shock, embarrassment and concern. The good news is that there are many positive strategies to redirect and ultimately put an end to toddler biting. Continue reading
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Stop whining in its tracks with this simple strategy
My toddler and I got into a negative feedback loop where the more I told him to stop whining the more he would whine. When I realized the error of my ways, we got back on track. This is how. Continue reading
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The stress-free way to potty train your toddler
When my youngest hit toddlerhood, I was reluctant to start potty training. In hindsight, I realized I had been too quick with my oldest and it created a long, disjointed experience. With my secondborn, I was a little less trigger-happy. But the time by third came around, I made the conscious choice to postpone potty […] Continue reading
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The best books for potty training toddlers
When it’s time to start potty training, books are one of the best ways to empower a toddler and teach them the process. Here are the best potty training books. Continue reading
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Time-in vs. Timeout: How to decide what’s right for your family
Pop psychology is littered with information on the consequences of timeouts and why parents should use time-ins instead. The truth is, it isn’t as cut and dry as that. Inside you will find info on positive discipline including time-ins as well as what research says about both disciplinary techniques. The research on time-ins vs. timeouts […] Continue reading
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Songs are one of the most powerful ways to ease toddler transitions
Crying, tantrums and overall willfulness. Toddler transitions are hard. Inside find six powerful strategies to improve cooperation and decrease crying. “I’m not tired! I wake up.” He declares. He has his hands are on his hips and stomps his foot for emphasis. My strong-willed toddler is just shy of three and is arguably the most […] Continue reading
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It’s Science. Dropping negative language improves child behaviour.
We tend to underestimate how negative language impacts children. Find out why it is a less effective form of discipline, what research on neurobiology says about how to speak more effectively and find positive phrases to improve listening and misbehaviour. Includes a printable cheatsheet at the bottom of this post We had just gotten back […] Continue reading
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Paediatrician shares how to promote healthy eating in picky toddlers
Your baby would eat anything is now a picky toddler. What happened? Find out how to promote healthy food choices and conquer fussy eating with tips from a paediatrician who specializes in picky eating. We are at a family gathering at the end of the summer. The patio is teaming with uncles, aunts, family friends, and […] Continue reading
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15+ calming toddler activities that are simple and fun
Whether it’s when a toddler gives up her nap or when a parent simply needs some quiet time, these calming toddler activities are gold. All of them are perfect for open-ended play. Most are indoor kids activities and use common household items. Their screen-free and very simple to set up. When my almost-three-year-old daughter seemed […] Continue reading
About Me
Hi, I’m Alana. When I’m not nursing cold, stale coffee, I usually can be found with the baby on my hip, barefoot, and racing after my two older kids.
Thanks to a degree in psychology and a free-range childhood backing onto an expansive evergreen forest, positive parenting and play-based learning are my passions.