I’m not a fan of bugs, but during the preschool years, I was a fan of simple, themed playdate ideas, even if they involved little creatures with tiny legs. (And I’m not talking about my 2-year-old. ) Playdates don’t need to be complicated to be memorable. Your home most likely already includes the elements for an elevated playdate. Find inspiration with these 19 playdate ideas for toddlers and preschoolers.

Indoor Playdate Ideas

1. Box ‘Em In – Save up your delivery boxes for this one! Provide cardboard boxes, tubes, and other recyclable materials for kids to build their own forts, castles, or spaceships.

2. Summer Camp – It’s always warm and dry inside! So, pitch a tent indoors and toss in flashlights, cozy blankets, and stuffed animals. Serve oven-baked s’mores for a snack.

3. Under Construction  – Blocks, LEGOs, Lincoln Logs. Bring all the building toys out and let the kids build something together or create structures independently.

4. At the Movies – This is one of the easiest playdate ideas to pull off. Invite your child’s friends over to watch a favorite movie. Pop the corn and offer candy just like at the theater. Invite kids to dress like one of the characters or bring along a stuffed animal to watch, too.

Messy (Controlled) Mayhem

5. Rollin’ With My Lil Homies – Roll out butcher paper over a plastic tablecloth. Add globs of washable paint in different colors and put cars and other small toys on the paper. Then let the kids play in the paint with the toys. These other art activities would be fun playdate ideas, too!

6. Moldable Masterpieces – Set out various colors, along with rolling pins and cookie cutters. Let kids create works of art.

7. Contained Excitement – Add potting soil to several large plastic containers with lids. Add toy dinosaurs, action figures, shovels, cups, etc.

8. You’ve Been Slimed. – Provide ingredients for making slime. Unlike some of the other playdate ideas, little ones might need extra supervision for this one.

Pretend Play Ideas

9. It’s Coronation Day! – Or is it the Queen’s Ball? Either way, pull out the fancy costumes and crowns because everyone will need to dress the part.

10. Ahoy, There Cowboy! – Rope in your little ones to play cowboys or pirates (or both!). Set out eye patches, cowboy hats, and red bandanas. No costumes? No problem. Action figures or playsets work just as well, too. Serve up a pirate snack or one of these other cool snacks for kids, too.

11. What’s Up, Doc? – Open a vet clinic for the morning. Invite all children to bring a stuffed animal that doesn’t feel well. Then provide bandages and a toy doctor or vet kit for the little veterinarians.

12. 3-2-1 Blastoff – Nope. That’s not a blanket fort in the den. It’s a rocket ship headed to Mars. Or wait. It’s a supersonic jet just for superheroes flying in to save the day!

Backyard Playdate Ideas

13. Dinosaur Dig – Bury toy dinosaurs in a sandbox or in the yard and let the kids excavate them using toy shovels and paint brushes.

14. Toddler Pool Party – Your child and his friends will love a kiddie pool full of bath toys, bubbles, and each other. Throw in a hula hoop and see if they can make giant bubbles! This playdate will need extra adult supervision because of the water involved.

15. Outdoor Restaurant – Bring out the toy kitchen cookware or use disposable plates, bowls, and utensils, and invite the kids to make mudpies, grass salads, or some other pretend meal based on what they find in nature.

16. Rock On – Send kids on a backyard rock hunt. Give each child a bucket for all the rock treasures they find. Extend the playdate by painting some of the rocks found.

On the Driveway

17. Chalk the Course – Grab sidewalk chalk. Then, on your driveway, draw curvy roads, loop-de-loop roads, or straight paths to the mountains (or beach)! Then dump out the toy cars and let the kids drive around.

18. Cone-y Island – Pull out the little orange cones and create a driving course for those tricycles, scooters, or Big Wheels. Use chalk to make a few parking spots and destinations, such as the playground, a fast food restaurant, or an amusement park.

19. Portrait Mode – Invite each child to lie down on their backs so moms can use chalk to trace the outline of their bodies. Then, pass the chalk to the kids and let them color in the details.

What are your favorite playdate ideas that your kids love?

The post 19 Simple Ideas to Elevate Your Playdate Game appeared first on iMOM.

In its simplest terms, empathy is the ability to understand another person’s feelings. Teaching your child this relationship skill starts early, just like teaching her language does! If you’re wondering how can you teach empathy to your preschooler or toddler, share in these 5 everyday moments with your child and know that these “whens” are empathy wins, too.

1. When You Snuggle Her

Will you snuggle me? One day, your little one will ask you that question for the last time, but today probably isn’t that day for you. So, say yes! It’s good for you both because affectionate physical contact, like a sweet cuddle, promotes emotional bonding. When your child feels safe and secure, she’s more open to noticing and responding to the emotions and needs of others. Plus, when you snuggle, your brains release oxytocin, making you both feel good!

Make snuggling a regular part of your routine. Some families find it works best in the morning to help their child ease into the day. Others love cozying up under a blanket after a bath and reading books or listening to music together.

2. When You Build His Emotional Vocabulary

Your preschooler feels a full range of emotions but doesn’t come equipped with the full range of words to express them (yet!). Thankfully, as his mom, you’re probably already a Jedi Master at interpreting him. Research published in the Brain and Behavior Journal shows when moms serve as emotion coaches by giving their young children the words to label their emotions (and the why behind the feeling), children develop better empathy skills when compared to other children.

With your child, try using a feel wheel and simple phrases. It can sound like this: “I see you’re sad your friend needed to go home. Playing together is fun, and I understand why you feel sad when the play date ends.”

3. When You Hug Her When She’s Hurting 

Boo-boos and hurt feelings happen almost every day in the life of a mom with littles. It’s why we carry around bandages and open arms with us everywhere we go. (Oh, and snacks. We also carry lots of snacks with us, too, but that’s a different article.) When your child cries out in pain from a scraped knee or bruised heart, your hug encases her in comfort. You’re showing her in a (literal) hands-on way how to respond to others’ emotions.

Find opportunities for your child to respond to someone else’s emotions with comfort and care. For example: “Your sister had a fever last night and can’t play with her friend today. She feels sad about it. What do you think would help her feel better? What would help you feel better if you were her?”

4. When You Play Pretend With Him 

You might notice your child “driving” in the back seat, putting a diaper on a favorite stuffed animal, or even “making” a video and “posting” it to TikTok with his toy phone. All of this imitation helps your preschooler experience the world from an external point of view. Imitating the behaviors seen around him lays the groundwork for the development of empathy.

Get pretending with your child! Let him “put on” the emotions and experiences of someone different from himself. Encourage your child to be “Mommy” or “Daddy” while you pretend to be the kid. Some kids love pretending to be their favorite TV show characters, such as Bluey or Daniel Tiger, so play along as someone else from the show.

5. When You Read to Her

Reading together gives your child a glimpse into someone else’s life and helps her practice noticing others’ perspectives, such as their emotions, reactions, culture, or abilities. Plus, as your child becomes emotionally invested in the characters and their journeys, she learns to identify and share the feelings of others. This emotional connection fosters an understanding of empathy.

Unless you’re a librarian, you might ask yourself, “How can you teach empathy through books?” Books that focus on feelings are always great choices. Or consider stories that offer a different perspective or situation unfamiliar to your child. For example, pick a story about a blended family, a child with special needs, or a book set in another country. As you read together, ask questions like: What if that happened to you? What if you lived in an apartment in the city? How do you think he felt when his classmates made fun of him? How would you feel? 

Based on your own experiences, how can you teach empathy to a child through reading?

The post 5 Simple Acts of Empathy Your Preschooler Needs from You appeared first on iMOM.

Of course, every child is different, and some require more energy from Mom and Dad. But there are a few things you can do to make rules for toddlers sink in a little better. Here are three that research shows are effective. I saw them work with my cats kids, so give them a try with yours.

1. Focus on “do,” not “don’t.”

Toddlers’ brains are rapidly developing, and they’re eager to understand cause and effect. According to a study published in the International Journal of Early Childhood, toddlers learn best through positive reinforcement, or what to do. They’re looking for direction, and “don’t” gives them little to work with. In fact, there’s more research that says that the brain can’t process the word “don’t,” and the child might even be more inclined to do the forbidden action.

So, pause before you speak, and think about the behavior you want to see. “Don’t run on the sidewalk” becomes “Let’s walk like a penguin on the sidewalk. Waddle waddle!” A positive approach to rules for toddlers gives them something specific to strive for instead of simply avoiding negative behavior. This technique also helps you avoid power struggles. When a toddler hears constant “no’s,” it can trigger defiance. By focusing on the “do,” you’re offering guidance without triggering a negative reaction.

2. Keep it short and sweet, and put it to a tune.

Keep it simple, Mom! Toddlers have short attention spans and limited processing power. Long, complicated rules will go over their heads. Use short, clear phrases that are easy to understand and repeat. For example, “Waaaaalk please” is much more effective than “Don’t run in the grocery store.”

Adding a melodic tone can help your toddler comprehend and retain the rule. Sing simple rules like “Clean up time, clean up time, toys go in the bin!” This makes learning fun and helps the message stick.

3. Make consistency king.

Imagine trying to learn a new language, but the pronunciation rules keep changing. That’s what it’s like for toddlers with inconsistent rules. Consistency is crucial for effective learning. Your little one will be confused if throwing food gets a “food’s for our mouths, not floors” one day and a laugh the next.

Consistency is the foundation upon which all other rules are built. When you and the other adults in your toddler’s life enforce rules consistently, it helps her understand expectations and feel secure in her environment. This consistency teaches your toddler what to expect and helps her learn self-regulation.

When it’s hard, remember it’s worth it.

Setting rules for toddlers can feel overwhelming at times, kind of like my grandpa’s theory on cats. But by focusing on positive language, consistency, and a little creativity, you can create a foundation for a happy, well-adjusted child. Bonus: You’ll enjoy the learning and exploration that characterize the toddler years even more.

What rule do you sing to your toddler?

The post 3 MUSTS for Successfully Setting Rules for Toddlers appeared first on iMOM.

A lot of moms dread bath time because it usually happens when we’d rather unwind. But we don’t want to dread any time spent with our kids, so let’s work to make baths better. Here are 5 tips to make bath time for toddlers less stressful.

1. Put bath time on the calendar.

I almost jumped for joy when my daughter’s pediatrician told me she didn’t need a bath every day. Two or three days a week was all that was necessary unless she was dirty or uncomfortable.

Knowing that gave me peace of mind to schedule baths when it worked best for me. I wanted my daughter fresh and clean for church, so on Sunday mornings, she bathed. Another reason Sundays worked well is because my husband was home, and we could take turns with bath time responsibilities. No baths on Wednesday evenings because I worked late. Tuesday and Friday nights were also designated as bath nights.

Having a set bath time schedule allows moms to mentally prepare for the chaos, making us better able to give our best to our kids.

2. Set a timer.

“More time, pleeease.” We’ve all heard our toddlers plead for more time doing something fun. During bath time, though, tired moms like me are usually out of energy once the kids are clean. By setting a timer, we can ensure bath time doesn’t go too long, and we don’t have to be the bad guy.

I started setting a 10-minute timer as soon as my kids got in the water. We developed a routine where they would wash first and have the rest of the time to play. My kids watched the timer and listened for the two-minute warning. They knew how much time was left and usually got out of the bath without argument once we’d established the timer routine. If bath time for toddlers is stressful for you too, put your phone’s timer on and set it on the counter away from the splashes. Set a fun ring tone, like the duck quack, and announce, “Oop! Mr. Duck says time’s up!”

3. Use bath toys you both love.

Toddlers are usually happy with simple toys. My kids loved to play with a couple of plastic cups and a wind-up plastic boat in the bath. Then someone gifted them with bath crayons. Drawing all over the tub was fun—until I learned how much extra cleaning the crayons created for me. After that experience, my kids only used toys in the bath that worked for kids and Mom. The bath crayons were out, along with a cute but very messy octopus that sprayed water everywhere. Limiting bath toys can still mean fun for the kids but less clean up time for you.

4. Prepare for the after-bath mess.

When my son was a toddler, he treated bath time like a trip to a waterpark. The splashing was cute until I was left with a pool on the floor. I didn’t want to squash his fun, and toddler splashing is inevitable, so I implemented a few tricks to make cleanup quicker and more manageable after a bath.

I pulled the shower curtain closed most of the way to help keep the water in the tub. To catch any splashes that might escape, I lay a few beach towels on the floor. They worked much better than a tiny bath mat. When bath time was over, I’d just hang the towels to dry. My son was clean and had fun, and I only spent a couple of minutes cleaning up afterward. If the after-bath cleanup distracts you from more important things (or is just a chore you dread), do whatever you can before the bath to minimize the potential mess. A few minutes of prep could save you cleanup time in the bathroom and wet foot print tracks around the house.

5. Encourage independence.

I used to attack bath time as a chore to complete as quickly as possible. As soon as my kids were in the water, I would immediately start scrubbing them, whether they were ready or not. This led to whining, squirming, and generally made bathing my kids more stressful.

One Sunday morning, when my husband was in charge of bath time, I realized there were no sounds of toddler angst coming from the bathroom. I investigated and discovered my husband leaning against the counter supervising while my son happily scrubbed himself in the tub. I found I had been doing bath time all wrong. Some older toddlers are capable of washing themselves, especially if it’s just a nightly bath and not a scrubdown after playing in the dirt. All I needed to do was squirt soap on the washcloth and supervise. Once you allow toddlers some bath time independence, the process is much less stressful.

Bath time for toddlers can be fun; what is your toddler’s favorite bath toy?

The post 5 Toddler Bath Time Tips for Tired Moms appeared first on iMOM.

I often think back and wish I’d written more down or been more intentional with coming up with time capsule ideas. You know, things you do either once or year after year to capture memories. If you have a baby or toddler now, you’re in the perfect position to pick one that feels meaningful to you. Here are 7 that I think are adorable and timeless. Don’t try to do them all. One is all you need for capturing memories that will last a lifetime.

1. Pen + Paper = Love

Each year on your child’s birthday or on New Year’s Day, give him a letter that recaps the year that just went by—all the growth you witnessed or your favorite moments and milestones. Be sure to write your hopes and prayers for the year to come, too.

A twist on this time capsule idea: Wait to give them to him until he graduates from high school. Ask everyone in the family to write him a letter to be given to him when he turns 18. Include grandparents, older siblings, and family friends. Some of the letters will probably come from people who have passed on or moved away by the time your child receives them, which will make them even more precious.

Want ideas for what to write? Here’s what we think should go in a letter to your son. And here are ideas for a letter to your daughter.

2. Same Question, Different Year

Pick a question that will reveal your child’s personality, and once per year, on her birthday perhaps, record her answering the question. Email the video to yourself for safekeeping. Need ideas for questions? How about one of these: “What do you want to be when you grow up?” “What’s your superpower?” “Who’s your hero?”

3. From Me to You Journal

This is one I do with my kids, but I wish I’d started it earlier. You can get a From Me to You journal right here on iMOM. (We have one for boys and one for girls.) You and your child share one book and pass it back and forth, answering the prompt question on each page. (Dad might have to help until your kiddo can write.)

We made a “Your turn, Mama!” and “Your turn, kiddo!” bookmark that we flip when it’s time for the other person to fill in a page. It’s a fun idea for capturing memories that also keeps you and your child chatting about all sorts of topics!

4. Measuring Tape Tracker

Marking your child’s height on the door frame is classic and has a sweet way of making a house a home. But a fun twist on tracking growth is to use a measuring tape. Extend the tape out, and spray paint the side without the measurements in a bright, fun color. Be sure to let it dry completely before pushing it back in. Track your child’s growth by pulling it out every few months.

At the spot that marks how many inches she was when she was born, write her birthday. As she grows, mark her height, and write the date and a few words describing something she did recently. At 24 inches, “Peas today!” or 45 inches, “Ballet recital!” You can keep all your kids’ tape measures or give them as gifts when they have kids.

5. Intentional Inbox

Create an email address for your child. (Don’t forget to write down the password!) Send random emails whenever you think of something you want her to know. “You ate Cheerios for the first time today! You even drank the milk like I do!” When she turns 18, give her the email address and password as a gift.

6. First Day Firsthand

The things that come out of our kids’ mouths at the end of the first day of school reveal a lot about what’s to come over the next year. Record their answers to questions about the day. Ask about who they sat with, what the most interesting thing is about their classrooms, and what their favorite part of the day was. You could even throw in a question about lunch. Imagine 13 years of answers to the question “What part of your lunch was the tastiest?” You can also have your children fill out our bright and cheery First Day of School printable, and compare their answers year after year.

7. Stash a T

This is the easiest of all the time capsule ideas! Every kid has a favorite t-shirt they wear until their belly buttons show. Each year, instead of handing the shirt down to a sibling or tossing it, put it in a box labeled “T-Shirt of the Year.” Write the year on the tag.

What cute time capsule ideas have you seen and want to start doing with your child?

The post 7 Simple Ways to Capture Memories as the Years Go By appeared first on iMOM.

That’s the thing about mothers. We love helping each other out because we understand how challenging (and incredibly wonderful) being a mom can be. And, guys, we really do need all the support we can get! So rather than walk around with your own “tips for first-time moms” jar, make note of these 8 bits of wisdom to guide you on your way.

1. Make sure you rest.

As far as tips for a first time mom go, sleeping when the baby sleeps seems like a good one. It’s certainly quoted enough! But it’s not actually practical. First of all, babies sleep a lot. The Sleep Foundation clocks newborns at 16 to 18 hours a day and older infants at 12 to 16 hours a day. Adults simply don’t need as much sleep as our babies. The better tip is to make sure you rest. Your little one needs you at odd hours. So, embrace the mom nap at 10 a.m., or take a long, hot shower at 2 a.m. to relax. The bottom line is to find what kind of rest you need and create space for it.

2. Recognize that everything is just a phase.

Sometimes when you’re in the thick of a difficult season, you start to believe it won’t ever change. But, it will. Mama. Your baby will eventually sleep through the night. Your toddler will learn how to make it to the potty every time. And your little one will grow out of separation anxiety. Soak in all the beautiful moments and release all the heavy ones. Neither lasts forever, but the one thing that will last is your love for your child.

3. Believe in yourself.

You and your child are perfectly created for each other, which is why YOU are the parenting expert on your child—even when you don’t feel like it. As your child grows, so will your confidence. You’re the one who can distinguish her cry from another child’s cry. You’re the one who knows she wants more blueberries simply because she says “ba.” And you’re the one your child will call for in the middle of the night because she believes in your unique ability to comfort her. So, Mama, believe in yourself because your child certainly does!

4. Make time for your husband.

Your baby sure is cute. But so is your husband. Your baby offers proof of that. While your little one may cry and fuss to get your attention, your spouse probably won’t. But, that doesn’t mean he doesn’t need you, too. Let your husband know that you notice him, appreciate him, and want to connect with him.

5. It’s OK to ignore advice. (Yep, even all of these tips for first time moms.)

You’re gonna get a lot of opinions and advice thrown your way. Some of it is good. Some of it not so  good. Suggestions will come from your in-laws, your family, your friends, other moms, the pediatrician, and random people on social media or the playground. Your child and your family are not a one-size-fits-all situation. Vet the parenting advice you’re given. Find what works for your child and family and ignore the rest. Oh, and by the way, if you have a second child, it’s a good idea to reconsider old advice because it might apply to baby number 2.

6. Be patient with yourself.

You’re brand-new at a job working with someone who doesn’t speak, demands your attention all the time, and depends on you to do (and know) everything. Girl, give yourself some time. You will become a pro. And, apply some of that patience to your postpartum body, too. Your body stretched and shuffled some organs around to make space for your growing baby in utero.

7. Be patient with your husband.

He’s new to this whole Dad job, too, and he’s trying to figure out how to best take care of his baby and wife. And, we new moms can be a wee bit tricky to figure out. So rather than throwing shade his way when he sleeps through the baby crying, throw patience toward his side of the bed instead.

8. Reach out for help if you think you’re struggling with postpartum depression.

You went through physical and emotional trauma to birth your child into the world. Your hormones are fluctuating, mommy brain is in full swing, and your sleep patterns are disrupted. If you feel like you’re dealing with postpartum depression, reach out to your doctor or find a counselor. You aren’t alone, and you don’t need to go through this alone.

What is the best tip for first time moms you’ve heard?

The post 8 Essential Tips for First-Time Moms appeared first on iMOM.

Block scheduling turned out to be easier to recreate at home than I thought. It’s a daily plan of activities for your child broken down into chunks of time. Planning your days ahead of time reduces your stress and supports your child’s development. Follow these 5 steps to create a visual schedule for a preschooler that provides structure and predictability to your day.

1. Start with your child’s sleep times and mealtimes.

During a certain season of parenting, your world revolves around sleep schedules and food. You are in the thick of that season right now. It’s why you build your family’s schedule for a preschooler around sleep, snack, and breakfast-lunch-dinner patterns. These are the non-negotiables. The other blocks are built around these.

Example of a Food and Sleep Schedule for Preschooler:

• Wakeup and breakfast: 7:30 a.m.–8:30 a.m.
• Snack: 10:30 am
• Lunch and Nap: 12:30 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
• Snack: 2:30 p.m.
• Dinner: 6:00 p.m.
• Bedtime: 8:00 p.m.

Why this matters: When your child is well-rested and operating on a full stomach, she’s ready to learn and explore her world.

2. Divide your day into bite-sized blocks.

Blocks reflect chunks of time when your child will do specific activities. While your blocks may differ, we built a colored printable preschool template with these blocks: morning, learning time, on-the-go, lunch and nap, free play, family time, and nighttime. Each block has a unique color to help your child distinguish the difference and simplify planning for you. Over time, your child will learn the rhythm of her day based on the colors of the schedule.

Why this matters: Knowing what comes next reduces frustration and encourages smoother transitions from one block to the next. 

3. Brainstorm a list of activities for each block.

With your day divided into blocks, take time to brainstorm different types of activities for each block based on your child’s interests and developmental abilities or stage. Include a mix of active and quiet activities, indoor and outdoor options, and activities your child can do with you and some she can do more independently. For instance, one week the “Learning Time” block can include puzzle time, water table play, alphabet blocks, reading nursery rhymes together, board games, and art. 

Why this matters: Different activities stimulate various aspects of your child’s development. For example, puzzles enhance problem-solving skills, nursery rhymes support language development, and building blocks promote spatial awareness.

Different activities stimulate various aspects of your child’s development. For example, puzzles enhance problem-solving skills, nursery rhymes support language development, and building blocks promote spatial awareness.
Share on X

4. Consider specific developmental goals.

Every child develops at her own pace. However, there are four main areas of development: cognitive, social-emotional, physical, and language. As you’re creating your schedule for your preschooler, address all areas of your child’s development and keep in mind where she falls developmentally.

Examples:

Cognitive: puzzles, sorting games, counting objects, and scavenger hunts

Social-emotional: pretend play, playdates, creating art with you, and games involving taking turns 

Physical: outdoor play, dancing, building with blocks, and playing sports or other movement activities

Language: storytelling, reading, singing, and talking with you 

Why this matters: Whole child development matters for your preschooler because it helps her learn, make friends, and be happy by growing her brain, heart, and body in a balanced way. Need more practical ideas for activities? Add some of these to your schedule.

5. Post the block schedule for your child to see.

Put the schedule in a central location where your child can easily see. Talk about the next day’s schedule as part of your bedtime routine. This gives your child a heads-up about the next day, especially if an out-of-the-ordinary event is taking place, such as a playdate. By the way, keep the schedule flexible and adjust as needed based on your child’s mood, the weather, the day of the week, or a late night (or early morning) with a sick child. 

Why this matters: Seeing the schedule helps your preschooler develop an understanding of time and the concept of sequencing events. This lays the foundation for time management skills as he grows older.

What is your best mom hack for staying organized and managing time effectively as a mom with a young kid?

The post 5 Steps to Create a Block Schedule for Your Preschooler appeared first on iMOM.

She ignored it, of course. Her son was missing. A minute later, he came around the corner, tear-streaked face, holding the hand of a stranger who said, “There’s Mommy! We tried calling you.” Turns out, Kim’s son knew her cell number and was able to recite it to the woman. Your kids are never too young to learn your number, along with four other critical bits of information. Here’s what they are and how to teach a toddler to memorize them.

5 Things Your Child Needs to Memorize

The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children recommends that kids learn their full name, address, parents’ names, and a parent’s phone number by the time they enter kindergarten. The American Academy of Pediatrics also recommends children as young as 4 know how to dial 9-1-1 in an emergency.

If you have a pre-kindergartener who doesn’t know any of these five facts, don’t panic. Kids absorb information quickly, and knowing just one of them is better than nothing! So try working on one of these techniques a little every day.

6 Tools to Help a Toddler to Memorize Important Information

1. Sing it out.

“Who’s the leader of the club that’s made for you and me?” It’s not M-I-C-K-E-Y-M-O-U-S-E anymore. Now it’s your phone number! 5-5-5, 7-2-0, 8-1-2-3-MOM! Henry L. Roediger III, professor of psychology at the Memory Lab at Washington University in St. Louis says music provides a structure that’s key to unlocking information stored in the brain, so use it to your advantage.

Not a Mickey fan? You can also try the tune and repetition of “Frère Jacques” to help your child memorize your number or address.

2-6-0 (repeat)

West Elm Street (repeat)

Atlanta, Georgia (repeat)

30315 (repeat)

(You might have to get creative with the rhythm to fit the syllables, but I’m confident you can make it work!)

2. Hang it up.

One friend told me she wrote her family’s home address and her cell number on a piece of construction paper and push-pinned it to the wall next to her daughter’s bed. After tuck-in, her daughter would stare at it, and after a few nights, she could recite it.

A study by the University of Notre Dame found that going to sleep right after learning something helps you recall it.  Bonus—when your child’s staring at your number on the wall, it could help her eyes get heavy so she’ll fall asleep faster.

3. Touch it.

You don’t ask your toddler to recite colors from memory. You build with “bright blue blocks” and squeeze a “squishy yellow ball.” We use tactile learning to teach our kids everything else, so why not use it to teach your toddler to memorize important information?

Sit with him and put cheerios in piles that correspond to the digits in your cell number. Get letter magnets and work together to spell his first and last name on the fridge.

4. Talk about it.

When my friend Melissa’s 4-year-old daughter, Lexi, said, “Melissa! Can I have another waffle?” I held back laughter. Melissa rolled her eyes and said, “I’m trying to squash this habit, but hey, at least she knows my name!”

Melissa’s right. At some point, Lexi heard Daddy call Mommy “Melissa.” Now, if Lexi ever gets separated from her parents in public, Lexi can share that important detail with an officer or a safe person. Let your kids hear you and your husband call each other by your first names occasionally.

5. Act it out.

When I say to “dial 9-1-1,” what do you envision? Picking up a landline and punching in a number? In reality, your child would have to find your cell phone, and either unlock it and dial, or she’d have to be taught your phone’s shortcut. (Currently, on both Android and iPhones, you press the power button five times or more.)

It’s not common for a small child to have to dial 9-1-1, but it does happen. Let her practice on your phone without sending the call through. Or practice on a play phone.

6. Play it.

Use sidewalk chalk to draw a giant keypad on the driveway. Have your child toss a beanbag or rock to the digits in your phone number or street address.

You could draw a hopscotch grid with your phone number in the squares. As your child jumps from one spot to the next, have her say the number. It’ll be an extra challenge when she’s standing on one number and has two options to jump to, so be sure to cheer her on.

What tricks for how to teach toddler to memorize important information have worked for you?

The post 5 Things Kids Need to Memorize by Age 5 (And Tools to Help Them) appeared first on iMOM.

Words can be tricky for little ones, and every child develops at a unique pace. However, art can create an outlet for communication and provide kids with a starting point for expressing themselves. So, if you’re wondering how to encourage your toddler to talk, pull out the art supplies, and use these 4 ideas to coax communication.

1. Encourage her to express her emotions through coloring.

Put on music and ask her to color how she feels listening to the music. Then, describe the emotions you see and ask her questions. For example, “All of the yellow circles you drew remind me of the sun. I know you love playing outside. Did you feel happy listening to that song?”

Art offers your child a nonverbal way to process and communicate complex feelings through colors, shapes, and even how gently (or not) she presses crayon to paper. While she may not yet know the words to label her emotions, she certainly knows how to express them in other ways. It’s why she squeals and runs with joy toward you when you walk in the door or turns “frustration red” when a situation takes a turn she doesn’t appreciate.

2. Lead him to make up stories about his drawings.

Ask questions about his drawings to lead your child to create a story. How to encourage your toddler to talk can be as simple as asking: “Will you tell me what you drew? A dragon? What’s his name? How does he spend his day? Who is his best friend? Does he love mac and cheese as much as you do?” For some families, starting with pre-printed coloring pages can more easily open the door to storytelling.

Storytelling fosters vocabulary development and the ability to paint vivid pictures with words. Plus, he can practice sequencing skills, which is just a fancy way to say “putting things in the right order.” Over time (and with your support), he’ll gain more and more confidence in sharing his ideas and thoughts, which translates to improved communication. 

3. Give her practice collaborating by creating something together.

Try one of these eight art activities for toddlers or create one big painting together. Grab a poster board and finger paints. Let your child pick the subject matter. As you dip your fingers in the paint, share ideas on where to start, what to paint next, and even what colors go where. 

Making art with your little one teaches valuable collaboration skills, such as taking turns, sharing ideas, and working toward a shared masterpiece. You’re also modeling active listening by following her lead, responding to her choices, and talking about the creation process. These skills become building blocks for strong verbal communication, helping your toddler express herself clearly and confidently.

In a research study published in the Society for Research in Child Development, scientists showed how responsive interactions make a difference for language learning. “Interactions allow adults and toddlers to respond to each other in a back-and-forth fashion… These types of interactions seem to be central for learning words,” explains Dr. Kathy Hirsh-Pasek, the co-author.   

4. Teach her new words by describing what she sees and feels.

Whether scribbling with markers or molding with clay, describe colors, shapes, and textures during art activities with your child to develop a rich and varied vocabulary. For example, say: “Let’s play with the bright blue Play-Doh. We can squish it and squeeze it like this to get it soft. Then roll it out until it’s flat and smooth.” 

Before HGTV, we all thought gray was, well, gray. Then, that certain Waco-based home show expanded our vocabulary with shades like Amazing Gray, Oyster Pearl, and Passive Gray. Art does the same thing for your child. From the vibrant hues of “cerulean” and “magenta” to the textures of “velvety” and “scratchy,” every artistic experience presents a hands-on opportunity to expand your child’s vocabulary. Plus, talking about it during the creation process makes it easier for your toddler to grasp new words and concepts because he’s learning in context.  

How do you encourage your toddler to talk when he’s struggling to express himself verbally?

The post 4 Creative Ways to Get Your Toddler Talking appeared first on iMOM.

It can break a marriage when you and your partner disagree about having children. But the way you handle this major issue can actually bring you closer together if you approach it the right way. If you and your husband aren’t on the same page, here’s how to navigate the conversation and find common ground.

1. Make a plan to talk about it.

Deciding to have another baby is a huge deal, which means it’s likely you both feel passionate about your position. Sometimes, when we’re afraid of “not getting our way” on an issue we care deeply about, it’s easier just to ignore the problem and hope it works itself out.

When you and your partner disagree about having children, making a plan to talk it over will help keep feelings from festering and possibly prevent a blow-up that could do permanent damage to your relationship.

2. Share your dreams, not your demands.

If you want another baby, express your desire, but frame it as a heartfelt dream rather than a demand. “It makes my heart feel full to envision a minivan full of kids” goes down better than, “Oh, we’re having more, whether you like it or not.” Honesty fosters empathy and allows you to understand one another’s feelings better.

3. Seek to understand where the other is coming from.

This isn’t the time to brush off your debate team skills. It’s time to listen and connect. Sit down and ask each other questions like, “Can you help me understand why you feel this way?” Try empathizing with words like, “I hear you, and I get it.” I know when I feel heard, it softens me to the other person’s ideas.

My friend whose husband wanted one child opened up about feeling like his parents didn’t have time for him when he was a kid. He told her he wanted to give everything he had to their one child. Even though my friend saw it differently, she just listened and thanked him for being honest with her.

4. Dig deeper.

The first reason one of you gives for feeling the way you feel might not be the full story. You’ve got to dig. Maybe he doesn’t want another baby because you had post-partum depression, and he can’t watch you go through it again. Or perhaps you haven’t been honest with him about your struggle to balance work and family life, and that’s why you can’t imagine adding another child to the mix.

By going deeper you might discover there’s a resolution that puts you on the same page. The greater gift is that you’ll be growing in intimacy which always leads to a deeper bond.

5. Address practical concerns head-on.

Financial worries and logistical hurdles are real. If these are the main concerns, address them head-on. Look at your budget to see how another child might impact your finances. Research childcare options or discuss potential changes in work schedules. Sharing the responsibility shows your commitment to making it work.

6. Take a breather.

This probably won’t be solved in one conversation, so you might need to table it for a while. My friend was wholeheartedly opposed to having a third baby. But after her second child started preschool, she had a change of heart and told her husband she’d be open to another. When you and your partner disagree about having children, you might need to wait until you’re through a hard season, like the diaper years or a colicky baby.

7. Accept the decision.

Ultimately, a strong relationship is built on mutual respect. If, after honest exploration, you and your husband find yourselves fundamentally incompatible on this issue, someone has to give and honor the other’s wishes. This might be a heartbreaking realization, so leave room for grief. For one of you, life isn’t going to look like what you envisioned.

Remember, motherhood isn’t defined by the number of children you have. The love and joy you bring to your family, however big or small, is what truly matters.

How have you talked through having more kids? Were you and your husband always on the same page?

The post “Want Another Baby?” What to Do When Baby Bump Dreams Don’t Match appeared first on iMOM.