Journey
You’re on it —30-month-old
Her intuition is her superpower. It can be really stressful when your child isn't hitting their milestones on cue. The good news is that there is so much you can do (and so many people who can help) should your little one need a little extra guidance. So hang in there, mama. Your kiddo is so lucky (and happy) to have you. XO, TeamMotherly P.S. To promote speech development, play games that allow lots of opportunity for words and sounds, like the Fisher-Price Little People Animal Friends Farm.
Praise —34-month-old
I think you're awesome. Your kid is amazing—obviously, the apple doesn't fall far from the tree . Shouting their awesomeness from the rooftop is actually really good for them! When you are intentional with your praise, you can help foster confidence and joy—and keep that good stuff coming. XO, TeamMotherly P.S. Your child's not the only one who deserve an award. Go ahead, mama. Treat yourself to a month or 6 of Birchbox .
Inseparable —25-month-old
If you are a mom, you are a superhero, period. Your toddler wants to be with you ALL. THE. TIME. (Anyone else have little fingers sneaking under the door frame when they're in the bathroom?) While it's sweet, it's also stressful, especially when you need to work (or have a much needed date night). Understanding the WHY can help you make small but meaningful changes that really help. XO, TeamMotherly P.S. Have your heard Daniel Tiger's Grown Ups Come Back song? Adorable.
Rooted in routine —28-month-old
If you stumble, make it part of the dance. Every second of motherhood feels like a mystery—you never know what your toddler is going to do (or say) next (hello, stories at the top of their lungs in the grocery store). But the truth is, toddlers THRIVE under routine. And with a little adjustment, you can too! XO, TeamMotherly
Listen up! —26-month-old
“I'm only going to say this once"—me, daily x 9. Watching your child develop their little (or ginormous) personality is so exciting, but let's be real—it can be utterly exhausting too. Sometimes it seems like it's a "mother knows best" vs. "toddler wants EVERYTHING" battle all the time. But take heart, mama. Your little fighter is growing up to be a strong adult, because of you. XO, TeamMotherly P.S. If our strong willed child article resonates with you, you might love Raising Your Spirited Child by Sheedy Kurcinka.
Namaste ✌️—35-month-old
Just breathe. Toddlers' emotions escalate from zero to sixty before we even realize they are upset. And it can be hard not to join them on their emotional rollercoaster (thank you very much, sleep deprivation). Remember that it's okay for you BOTH to feel those feelings! And there are some fun things to do when you're ready to let the feelings go.XO, TeamMotherlyP.S. Blow bubbles for stress relief without stressing the spills with Little Kids No Spill Big Bubble Bucket.
Lions + tigers + bears —34-month-old
Motherhood is incredibly brave. The world can be a pretty scary for a toddler—who remembers lying awake at night afraid of the monster in their closet? The good news is that your child's mom is a superhero. Even if you don't have all the answers, a hug and some reassurance from you will go a long way towards comforting your quaking kiddo. XO, TeamMotherly P.S. Fight their fear of the dark with the Cloud b Turtle Bug Constellation Night Light.
My whole heart ❤️—32-month-old
No beauty shines brighter than a good heart. Loving a toddler means loving an emotional storm—overjoyed one minute, devastated the next. Showing them that you love them through it all, no matter what, will teach them to trust you, and show them the power of unconditional love. XO, TeamMotherly P.S. For little you time, try a subscription to Daily Burn, and sweat out the stress of the day.
Perfect strike —27-month-old
No one is you, and that is your superpower. Parenting is like bumper bowling (minus the awesome shoes). Your toddler is the bowling ball (obviously), life is the alley, and you are the bumpers—while you can keep your little bowling ball essentially on course, there's not always a whole lot you can do while they are navigating the alley. So take a deep breath, and try to enjoy the game. XO, TeamMotherly P.S. Now you want to go bowling? Melissa & Doug's Monster Bowling Game is perfect for you and your little monster.
Pregnancy with an Eating Disorder
On finding strength, acceptance and perseverance in pregnancy and motherhood.