As parents, especially in those early years, it's natural to wonder—Is my child full, or just being fussy?

Let’s break it down stage by stage so you can feel more confident, ditch the mealtime battles, and build a foundation of healthy eating habits.

It starts innocently enough: your toddler is mid-meltdown, and a snack magically soothes the storm. Problem solved—right? But what if we told you that handing out crackers to calm a tantrum may have long-term impacts far beyond the terrible twos?

Let’s dig into why this happens, what the science says, and how to change the pattern.

Picture this: you've made a meal—maybe even chopped vegetables!—you plate it up for your toddler, sit down, and two seconds later… SPLAT. Peas on the floor. Sauce on your shirt. And your toddler? Beaming like they've won gold in the Olympic food-flinging finals.

Let’s dig in. (Preferably with a spoon, not your floor mop.)

So, your little one is walking, babbling, and possibly throwing bananas at the wall—but still sucking on a bottle like it’s the only friend they’ve ever known. If this sounds familiar, it’s time for the Great Cup Switcheroo

Spoiler alert: there’s no universal “right” answer, and yes, it can be confusing. Whole milk? Plant milk? No milk? Grandma says one thing, TikTok says another, and meanwhile, you’re just trying to avoid another diaper blowout.

Spoiler: It’s not personal. It’s developmental.

Picture this: You ask your toddler to put on their shoes, and for the fifth time today, they cross their arms, stomp a foot, and shout: “NO!”

Sound familiar?

“NO! I want MUMMY to do it! Sound familiar?

If you’ve ever been flat-out rejected by your child in favor of your partner—or vice versa—you’re not alone. This stage can feel baffling, a bit heartbreaking, and even slightly offensive (especially when you’ve just made three versions of dinner). But here's the good news: this is developmentally normal, and it’s not a reflection of your worth as a parent.

There you are—sipping coffee, feeling like you’ve finally got this parenting thing under control. And then it happens.
A high-pitched, glass-shattering, dog-whistle shriek pierces the room.

Your baby is screeching. Not crying. Not fussing. Screeching.
Like they’ve been possessed by a dinosaur from Jurassic Park.

Before you list your child on Kijiji (just kidding…mostly), let’s get to the bottom of it.

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer—unless you count “long enough to make you question your life choices.” Whether you’ve got a milk-happy 3-month-old or a chatty 5-year-old philosopher who asks existential questions at bedtime (“Mum, where do dreams come from?”), bedtime routines are part magic, part meltdown.

Let’s break it down by age, because of course the routine changes every time you feel like you've finally cracked it.

When it comes to baby sleep, not every family wants—or needs—to jump into formal sleep training. If you’re looking for a gentler, more gradual approach, the key lies in establishing a predictable, loving routine. Babies thrive on rhythms that help them feel secure, and those rhythms don’t need to include tears or rigid schedules.

Your Baby’s Not a Brand: Why Sharenting Could Backfire

Ever shared a photo of your child online without thinking twice?

We all do it. But there's a growing movement—and legal precedent—showing that kids are pushing back. From court cases to calls for consent, sharenting may not be as innocent as it seems.

From birth to age five, your child’s brain is growing at a rapid pace — forming more than 1 million new neural connections every second (Harvard Center on the Developing Child, 2023). These connections are shaped by experiences, especially those with primary caregivers.

Parenting with empathy and limits isn’t a trend. It’s not a phase. It’s definitely not about whispering your way through a meltdown like you're auditioning for a mindfulness podcast.

It’s just parenting with intention — and that comes from your values, not from what’s trending on TikTok.

You don’t need a script for every situation. But having a few in your back pocket builds your confidence and your child’s brain.

Will your toddler still throw things? Probably.
Will you feel calmer and more in control? Definitely.

And when you’re staring down another toy tornado and need help figuring out what to say?

As a sleep coach, you might expect me to say the most important thing for your baby’s sleep is a routine, or the right wake windows, or sticking to a sleep plan like your life depends on it.

Wondering if time-outs help or harm your child? Discover when they work, when they don't, and how to use discipline strategies that build connection.

Ah, boredom. That dreaded, whiny wail of "I’m boooooored!" is enough to make any parent consider moving to a Wi-Fi-less cabin in the woods. Alone. With no children. Ever.

Many parents believe a happy child means everything is going right—but that’s not always true. Learn why emotional resilience matters more than constant happiness.

Traveling with young kids can feel overwhelming—but with the right tools and prep, it can be fun and memorable (in a good way!). Whether you’re flying, road-tripping, or staying somewhere new, here are tried-and-true travel tips broken down by age group—from newborns to preschoolers. Plus, I’ve included product suggestions that make traveling smoother for everyone

Redfin asked parenting coaches, child safety experts, and pediatric professionals for their renter friendly, best baby-proofing advice—covering everything from anchoring furniture and securing outlets to creating safe spaces for emotional development and independent play. Here’s what they had to say.