Parenting Now Blog

Rough weather is a great time to explore rough and tumble play. Cold, dark weather can really dampen your parenting. Children still need challenges and a way to use their large motor skills, even when playgrounds are drenched and dreary. One activity that can be done inside that is intensive, challenging, and requires large amounts ...

March 2026 Blog Post: Teaching Preschoolers to Play Peacefully Spring is a time of growth—not just for flowers, but for our children’s social skills too! As preschoolers spend more time playing together, disagreements and rough behavior can blossom alongside the daffodils. This month, we’re focusing on helping young children navigate conflicts, share toys, and express ...

  Whether it is visiting family in another state or going on vacation, consideration and planning can go a long way to making a trip enjoyable for everyone. Sharing a new place or being with different people often leads to new growth and development for your child and children. Travel also forms lifelong, important memories ...

February 2026 Blog Post: Helping Preschoolers Overcome Separation Anxiety As winter winds down and families settle into the new year, many parents face a common challenge: helping their preschoolers feel comfortable being apart. Whether it’s dropping them off at daycare, leaving them with a babysitter, or even just stepping into another room, separation anxiety can ...

January 2026 Blog Post: Nurturing Healthy Eating Habits in Teens The new year is a perfect time to reset and refocus on health—especially for teenagers, whose eating habits can fluctuate with growth spurts, social pressures, and busy schedules. Whether your teen is overeating, undereating, or just stuck in a snack-food rut, these strategies can help ...

Stress-Free Holiday Visits with Preschoolers Holiday gatherings are joyful but can overwhelm young children. With guests coming and routines disrupted, even festive excitement can lead to meltdowns. Here’s how to prepare your preschooler for visitors while keeping the season merry.Before Guests Arrive1. Set Clear Expectations● Practice greetings: Role-play saying “Hello, Aunt Mary!” or waving.● Pick ...

  If you are a caregiver for a child I want to share with you something that I am trying to give myself more of lately: grace.  This time of year can be quite busy, sometimes chaotic, often stressful and sometimes painful.  It can also be a time of great joy and celebration.  A time ...

As daylight saving time ends and nights grow longer, many parents worry about how time changes will affect their baby’s sleep routine. Whether you’re dealing with a newborn or an older infant, these tips can help ease the transition while keeping sleep safe and predictable.How Time Changes Affect Baby Sleep● Newborns (0–3 months): Less impacted ...

Having a little one around the house is both a time of joy and worry. “Oh look, now they can reach the junk drawer!” With every new milestone comes an opportunity to help make your home safe and welcoming for your child.   Once your child can roll, (usually anywhere from 2 months to 4), leaving ...

This was originally posted by the Marion & Polk Early Learning Hub here. Do you have a favorite routine in your day?  Perhaps it’s your morning coffee…or sitting down with a good book after a long day at work.  Maybe your favorite routine is just sitting back and doing nothing during the very few precious minutes ...

Raising Resilient Kids From toddler tantrums to teenage heartbreaks, children face emotional challenges every day. This October, we’re focusing on resilience—the ability to cope with feelings, setbacks, and stress in healthy ways.What Is Resilience?Resilience isn’t about avoiding hardship; it’s about learning to:● Recognize and accept emotions (e.g., “I feel disappointed, and that’s okay”).● Express feelings ...

  September Is Baby Safety Month: How Parenting Now Supports Safer Beginnings As families ease into fall routines, September brings an important reminder for parents: it's Baby Safety Month. This national observance, led by the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA), highlights the importance of safety in baby gear, home environments, and everyday parenting decisions. For ...