My Favorite Things

From making play dough, to using photographs, to tools for helping children learn to stay in their rooms in the morning…these are a few of my favorite things! After working with 1000’s of children, there are some things that just work time and time again. You can find some of my trusted go-to’s here. Need a rainy day activity idea? You’ve come to the right place!

Fun and Developmentally Appropriate Gifts 2012 (Birth-3)

The holiday, gift-giving season is upon us once again.  And while you’ve probably already read 10 different lists about what to buy for your infants and toddlers, I thought I’d throw in my thoughts about fun, but developmentally-appropriate toys. Toys that are developmentally appropriate are designed keeping in mind the way in which children develop, Read More

My Favorite Things: Reflection

It seems like such a simple concept, but as we all get caught up in our busy lives, we often forget.  We forget how spending just a little bit of time considering ourselves and our families, thinking about our family culture and it’s individual members, can help improve our relationships with each other.  During every session Read More

My Favorite Things: Patemm Pads

I recently had the pleasure of meeting Grace Welch, the mom inventor of the Patemm Pad.  This woman is a dynamo, and so is her product!  A little background for those of you who aren’t familiar with the product…The Patemm Pad is a patented, award-winning, parent and third party laboratory tested, eco-friendly diaper changing system that Read More

My Favorite Things: Kids Play Tent

In the season of beaches, parks, picnics and outdoor activities, having a safe spot for your children to play is essential.  The Sun Smarties Play Anywhere Play Tent is one of my favorites.  First and foremost, the tent has UPF 30+ which is so important when playing outside.  The tent is incredibly easy to open Read More

My Favorite Things: Finger Crayons for Toddlers

When introducing crayons to toddlers, finger crayons are my first choice.  These crayons are perfectly sized for small hands and can fit in a child’s palm or on their finger.  From a developmental standpoint, finger crayons are great for working on finger isolation, whole hand grip and general fine motor skills.  They can also be stacked Read More

My Favorite Things: Gyrowheel

Every now and again I come across a product that I believe is revolutionary.  Gyrowheel is that product.  As a “failed” bike rider myself (I can go a couple of feet now, but it’s not good), I have always wondered how to make this an easier process for children.  That’s exactly what Gyrowheel does.  Gyrowheel Read More

Developmentally Savvy Gifts For Infants and Toddlers!

Check out my recent post for Savvy Auntie!  While the article is geared for aunts, it’s a great list for anyone buying items for infants and toddlers.  You’ll find my favorite developmentally appropriate picks at under $25, under $50, under $100, and “Splurge-Worthy” price points.  Enjoy!  Savvy Auntie’s founder, Melanie Notkin, is releasing her first book today.  Read More

My Favorite Things: Using Photographs with Children

All children love seeing themselves and the important people in their lives in photographs.  For babies, photo albums can be used to support language development, recognition of their loved ones and caregivers, and are a great transition object for day care.  Toddlers enjoy labeling all of the people and things they know.  For twos and threes, photographs help Read More

“Special Needs” Products for Everyone: Bubble Bear

Have a bubble lover in the house?  Pustefix Bubble Bear is a great product for children of all ages and abilities.   For babies, blow the bubbles so that they can track  with their eyes and reach out with their hands.  Toddlers love running to catch bubbles with different parts of their body.  As toddlers become 2s and Read More