
Parenting with Research, Insight, and Love
Parenting with confidence comes from knowledge. Parenting with grace comes from insight.
Play-Based Learning
Toddler Development


I’m a wife, mom of two boys and a child development writer. I may have a Ph.D, but I believe the value of child development research is not in telling us what is “right” or “wrong” with our parenting, but in helping us to see our children with a new lens.
If you are looking for strategies to support your child’s development using research combined with your own innate intuition, this is the place for you.
Latest Posts
What is Attachment Parenting? What Every Parent Needs to Know
Sneak peek: What is attachment parenting? How does it differ from attachment theory? A simple introduction to attachment parenting. The first time I was introduced to the concept of attachment parenting, I was sitting in a meeting room at a new moms’ group. I had been a mom for a total of about 2 weeks. I …
The Fascinating Reason Why You Should Care About Your Baby’s Babbling
Sneak peek: Your babbling baby sure is cute, but are those sounds they make just useless gibberish or does it aid in development? Research points to the role of parents in how infants develop language. I still remember the first time my oldest son started babbling as a baby. He had been cooing for months, but …
Research Reveals the Real Reason Why You’re Losing Your Temper with Your Toddler
Sneak peek: Losing patience with your toddler is not something most of us would hold up as our best parenting moment, but it happens. Research offers us some insight into the underlying reason why it’s hard to keep your cool. As most parents know, feeling some degree of fatigue on a daily basis is an …
Parenting Your Strong-Willed Child with an Eye to the Future
More Myths About Strong-Willed Children Myth #2 Strong-willed children will always be “difficult” Related Resources: Raising Your Spirited Child
Building Emotional Intelligence Through Everyday Interactions with Your Kids
Why Emotional Skills Matter The Development of Emotional Intelligence How to Foster Emotional Intelligence Want ideas for things you can do on a daily basis to boost your child’s emotional intelligence? Click the image to download this FREE Printable Cheat Sheet: Related Resources
Best Advice for New Parents: Lead with Your Heart {but keep your mind open}
Sneak peek: Many folks claim to have advice for new parents on any given parenting topic but it’s hard to sort through all the voices. Let’s take a thoughtful look at how new parents can balance advice, research and intuition in making parenting decisions. Remember when you first brought home your newborn? You were probably …