by smaclaughlin | Apr 15, 2023 | parenting
It’s spring—finally! Which brings with it a fresh wave of energy from your—let’s face it—already energetic kids. While many of us also feel a renewed sense of energy once spring arrives, young children, and even many older kids, can be a little “extra” once the...
by smaclaughlin | Mar 15, 2023 | emotional intelligence, hope for the future, parenting
Do you remember the fairies from Sleeping Beauty? Those cute little ladies with the pointed hats that flitted around the baby welcoming party? In they flew on slight wings to offer the tiny baby princess their gifts. With the wave of their magic wands they stated...
by smaclaughlin | Jan 19, 2023 | perspective, screen time, self-regulation
The winter can be a tough time with littles. You’re stuck inside unless you dress in a million layers and exhausted by the lack of sunlight and vitamin D—it’s less than fun. Who among us hasn’t checked the clock thinking it’s close to bedtime only to see that it’s...
by smaclaughlin | Oct 1, 2022 | emotional intelligence, Stress
It’s easy to forget that babies and children experience stress because we, A.) tend to think they have it easy and couldn’t possibly be stressed, and B.) notice their behavior instead of whatever emotional state (sadness, fear, STRESS, etc.) is driving their actions....
by smaclaughlin | Jul 15, 2022 | emotional intelligence, handling meltdowns, self-regulation
You pack up the kids for the beach because the sun is finally shining. You miraculously find parking that only necessitates a three-block walk, which you manage with all requisite gear in tow, and arrive to feel the warm sand underneath your toes. At that very moment,...
by smaclaughlin | Apr 15, 2022 | babies, brain development, developmental expectations
Children of all ages can exhibit behavior that is quite confounding. One thing that can lend perspective is having an overview of developmental norms. It can help to have a lay of the land and know the general milestones as your child grows—from a baby and toddler to...