
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
Understanding How Stress and Adverse Childhood Experiences Affect Children’s Development
Sneak peek: The stress of the pandemic raised our attention even more so to how these traumatic events affect children’s development. A look at the research on adverse childhood experiences. To say that pandemic living was stressful for parents and children is an understatement. Parents often wonder what impact this stress (and related stressors) will have …
What Are Hypnopompic Hallucinations in Children?
Seeing your child feeling an unknown symptom or unusual experience can be scary as a parent. That’s why I’m sharing a guest post from Ubie Health to help us understand this common, but often unknown experience: hypnopompic hallucinations in children. Ubie Health sponsors this post. Few things are more alarming for a parent than a …
The Mindset Shift that Will Stop Mom Shaming in its Tracks
Sneak peek: Mom shaming is unfortunately not uncommon in today’s world. A mindset shift we can all take to stop mom shaming and help support all moms. At my mom’s group last year, somehow the topic of “unwanted” parenting advice came up in discussion. I was shocked to hear so many other moms with stories …
Meaningful Gift Ideas for New Moms
Sneak peek: Becoming a mom for the first time is joyful and exciting, but can also be a bit overwhelming. Support a mom in your life with these thoughtful gift ideas for new moms. Bringing home your first child begins the unpredictable, exciting journey that is parenthood. Although greeting card commercials would have us believe that …
Toddlers Really Do Have Their Own Language
Sneak peek: If it seems like your toddler speaks their own language, that might be the case (sort of). Research gives us insight into how toddlers learn language. Plus, when does the language explosion occur in toddlers? You may have heard about something curious that happens among toddlers as they’re starting to talk. One day, …
Research-Backed Real-Life Strategies to Discipline Kids without Yelling
Sneak peek: Learning how to be a better parent without yelling takes intentional effort and patience. Here are some of my top strategies for limiting yelling and understanding your child more. Even under the best circumstances, parenting young kids is challenging. They are physically very capable—they can run, climb (on everything), stack, play, etc. However, …


















