Dr. Holly Ruhl

Holly Ruhl, PhD is a Developmental Psychologist with a background in research and teaching. Her areas of expertise are promoting healthy attachment relationships between parents and children, as well as fostering healthy eating behaviors. She writes at The Freethinking Mama.

Getting Pregnant

16 very early pregnancy symptoms—before a positive test

Here's what happens first.

Second Trimester

It’s science: 5 ways to awaken baby’s senses in the womb

Simple ways to excite baby’s senses (and promote sensory development) before baby is even born.

Child

Mama’s little helper:How to promote helping behavior in your toddler

Want your child to help out more with everyday tasks? It's all in the timing.

Getting Pregnant

What’s the one must-have for a good birthplan? Flexibility

From epidurals to unlikely labor coaches, one mama shares everything you want to know about making a birth plan.

Baby

Not sure about cloth diapers? 4 reasons to consider a switch

Here's why so many moms swear by cloth diapers.

Pregnancy

12 indulgences that make pregnancy totally worth it

This whole pregnancy thing might not be so bad, after all.

Food

3 strategies to create veggie lovers out of picky toddlers

Research suggests that toddlers’ unhealthy eating habits start earlier than expected. Here’s what you need to know.

Parenting

11 tips to survive a road trip with a toddler

11 essentials to let the good times roll on your family's next long-distance voyage.

Parenting

So your tot is stubborn, outspoken, and assertive? Aren’t you lucky!

The wild child traits that frustrate you now may be the very ones you come to love as your child matures.

Parenting

5 reasons having siblings share a room can promote family harmony

#3. Bedtime buddies! There’s nothing like waking up from a bad dream and knowing someone you love is nearby.

Safety

What parents need to know about ‘dry drowning’ & infant water safety

2. Designate an official “water watcher.”

Parenting

5 DIY activities to discover the world with your curious tot

Super easy activities to promote cognitive development. We could call them “lazy,” but we prefer “energy efficient.”