Toddler Life Hacks

Book Review “The Montessori Toddler”

Ashley Brown — Tue, 30 May 2023 16:54:59 +0000

Book Review- "The Montessori Toddler" by Simone Davis

“The Montessori Toddler” by Simone Davies is a captivating guidebook that introduces us to the remarkable world of Montessori education and equips us with practical strategies to nurture our child’s independence, curiosity, and love for learning. As a fellow mom who has delved into the realm of Montessori, I can wholeheartedly recommend this book to you. The outlook and activities alone have me revisiting this book time and again.

A Gentle Path to Independence: From the very first pages of “The Montessori Toddler,” you’ll find yourself immersed in a gentle approach that values your child’s independence. The author beautifully explains how to create an environment that encourages exploration, allowing your little one to blossom in a world specifically designed for them. You’ll learn the importance of simplicity, order, and purposeful activities, transforming your home into a haven that promotes self-sufficiency and nurtures your child’s natural curiosity.
Encouraging a Love for Learning: One of the most profound aspects of Montessori education is its emphasis on instilling a genuine love for learning in our children. Simone Davies effortlessly guides us through the process of igniting our toddler’s innate curiosity and thirst for knowledge. By following her advice, you’ll discover how to create engaging learning experiences that captivate your child’s imagination, fostering a deep-rooted joy in the pursuit of knowledge that will last a lifetime.
Respectful Communication and Connection: “The Montessori Toddler” not only focuses on the physical environment and educational activities but also emphasizes the importance of respectful communication and connection with our little ones. The book provides invaluable insights into how to foster a strong bond with your toddler, creating an atmosphere of trust and understanding. By practicing attentive listening and offering gentle guidance, you’ll be amazed at how your relationship with your child will flourish.
Practical Strategies for Everyday Challenges: As parents, we encounter a myriad of challenges on a daily basis. From tantrums to picky eating, Simone Davies tackles these issues with compassion and wisdom. With practical strategies and real-life examples, she helps us navigate through these hurdles, promoting a peaceful and harmonious home environment. You’ll find yourself equipped with a toolkit of techniques that honor your child’s individuality while fostering their growth and development.
Empowering Parenting Philosophy: “The Montessori Toddler” embodies a parenting philosophy that empowers us as parents and cultivates a deep respect for our children. This book reminded me of the immense potential our toddlers possess and inspired me to be an active participant in their journey of self-discovery. Simone Davies’s writing style is warm and relatable, making you feel like you’re having a heartfelt conversation with a trusted friend.

Conclusion: In “The Montessori Toddler,” Simone Davies offers a captivating exploration into the world of Montessori education, revealing practical strategies that will transform your parenting journey. This remarkable book will empower you to create an environment that nurtures your toddler’s independence, fosters a love for learning, and strengthens your bond with your child. As a fellow parent, I wholeheartedly recommend “The Montessori Toddler” to anyone seeking a positive, empowering, and transformative approach to raising their child. Embrace this beautiful philosophy, and witness the incredible growth and joy it brings to your family’s life.

As I mentioned before I am a working mom and my job has about a 45 minute commute, therefore I have spent A LOT of time listening to various developmental books on topics from parenting and development, to love and relationships, to building better habits, even topics about psychology and money. Therefore these book reviews are my way of sharing ideas and tips that I have come across and find helpful.

I am a huge fan of Audible, I have the premium plus membership that costs $14.95 a month and gives you member credits along with all of the features of the plus membership. Plus prime members get 2 free books the first month. If you are interested check it out for free. They have a 30-day trial period that gives you all the benefits of premium plus right away.

$7.95 after 30-day trail, cancel anytime

$14.95 after 30-day trail, cancel anytime

Embracing Montessori: Unlocking Your Child’s Full Potential

Ashley Brown — Tue, 23 May 2023 01:31:12 +0000

I have always been passionate about learning and feel that is a characteristic that needed to be shared with my child. Not a huge fan of the standard styles of teaching due to some interesting experiences I had growing up. So when I found out I was pregnant I did some research and found out what Montessori was, how it was different and how it can help when it comes to childhood development. If you’re curious about Montessori and how it can benefit your child’s growth, you’ve come to the right place!

Understanding Montessori: At its core, Montessori is a philosophy that emphasizes a child-centered learning environment, where children are encouraged to explore and discover at their own pace. Developed by Dr. Maria Montessori over a century ago, this approach focuses on nurturing independence, self-discipline, and a lifelong love for learning.

At one of my first jobs I worked at a doggy daycare center that was right next to a Montessori Preschool, and as a teenager, I judged a book by its cover.. The name sounded strict and regimented, the building didn’t have any crazy bright colors, the employees were nice but kept to themselves (the only interaction I had with them was when a kid found a kitten in their playground and they brought to us to see if we could help- my roommate at the time adopted her ♥) So I immediately wrote whatever Montessori was off as some place I was lucky to never have experienced. However, I couldn’t have been more wrong!

Benefits of Montessori for Your Child’s Development:

Promotes Independence: Montessori empowers children to take control of their learning journey. By providing child-sized furniture, accessible toys, and practical life activities, such as dressing themselves or pouring their own water, we enable our little ones to become independent thinkers and doers.
Encourages Active Learning: In a Montessori environment, children are given the freedom to choose their activities from a carefully prepared selection of materials. This fosters a sense of curiosity, self-motivation, and a genuine passion for learning. They can engage in hands-on exploration, problem-solving, and critical thinking, building a strong foundation for their future education.
Supports Holistic Development: Montessori promotes the holistic development of the child, considering their intellectual, emotional, social, and physical well-being. Through mixed-age classrooms, children learn from one another, developing empathy, social skills, and cooperation. This inclusive environment nurtures their emotional intelligence and helps them build meaningful connections with others.
Emphasizes Order and Routine: One of the key aspects of Montessori is creating an environment of order and routine. Through simple organization, consistent daily schedules, and predictable expectations, children feel secure and confident in their surroundings. This structure helps them develop concentration, self-discipline, and a sense of responsibility.
Fosters a Love for Nature and the Outdoors: Montessori learning often incorporates nature-based activities and outdoor exploration. This connection with the natural world not only instills a deep appreciation for the environment but also enhances a child’s sensory experiences, imagination, and overall well-being.

The Upon discovering exactly how beneficial The Montessori approach was I wanted to incorporate as much of that lifestyle as possible. Listening to books like “The Montessori Baby” and “Montessori: The Science Behind the Genius” I was full of ideas and outlooks that I never had before! Social media was listening because I soon after started getting ads for Lovevery, which is a subscription based developmental toy company that is also passionate about the Montessori approach, and bringing that approach to the home.

Lovevery offers an exceptional range of Montessori-inspired play kits designed to support your child’s development through each stage of their early years. These thoughtfully crafted play kits are designed by experts to provide age-appropriate, engaging activities that align with Montessori principles.

Lovevery’s play kits are designed to stimulate your child’s curiosity, encourage independent play, and promote skill development. Each kit is carefully curated with high-quality, sustainable materials that are safe for your little one to explore and engage with. They also are offer discounts when you pre-pay for 3 or more kits. AND they are now bundling books that are made for the current stage of life and help foster a love of reading!

Incorporating Lovevery’s Montessori-inspired play kits and book bundles into your child’s daily routine, is just one way you can create an enriching environment that supports their learning and development.

We also have the Tower and The Montessori Climbing Gym. The Tower is great because it brings our little one up to our level, he engages with us while we are cooking dinner or cleaning up and we give him freedom to help and experience these tasks with us (ours also folds into a table/desk and has a chalkboard on the back). The Climbing Gym, honestly, scared me at first! But, that has less to do with our child’s abilities and more about my fear of him getting hurt. He has been climbing, sliding, exploring and testing his limits with the utmost confidence and control and he’s not even two yet! This gym is great for indoors (carpeted floors or mats recommended) and helps get energy out when the weather won’t let us get outside. It doesn’t stop there either, I splurged and got Lovevery’s toy shelf which helps keep minimal toys out while still having easy access to them.

The Montessori approach, with its emphasis on independence, active learning, and holistic development, has the potential to unlock your child’s full potential. By embracing this child-centered philosophy and incorporating a Montessori-inspired nurturing environment that fosters your child’s love for learning, creativity, and growth.

Book Review “The Whole Brain Child”

Ashley Brown — Sat, 20 May 2023 16:54:53 +0000

Book Review: "The Whole Brain Child"

By Daniel J. Siegel, Tina Payne Bryson

This is the first of my blog book reviews- So please be patient with me! I am excited to start this project with the ultimate idea of trying to help as many parents with useful information that has helped me in the past. I am a working mom and my job has about a 45 minute commute, therefore I have spent A LOT of time listening to various developmental books on topics from parenting and development, to love and relationships, to building better habits, even topics about psychology and money. I am a huge fan of Audible, I have the premium plus membership that costs $14.95 a month and gives you member credits along with all of the features of the plus membership. Plus prime members get 2 free books the first month. If you are interested check it out for free.

$7.95 after 30-day trail, cancel anytime

$14.95 after 30-day trail, cancel anytime

“The Whole-Brain Child” is a game-changer when it comes to understanding and nurturing the minds of our precious toddlers. Written in a warm and relatable style, the authors combine scientific research with practical strategies to help us make sense of our child’s behavior and emotions, and to foster healthy brain development.

One of the most valuable aspects of this book is its focus on the “whole brain.” Siegel and Bryson explain how our little ones’ brains are a complex system, consisting of different regions that work together to shape their thoughts, feelings, and actions. By understanding the brain’s inner workings, we can respond to our children’s needs in a way that promotes their emotional well-being and supports their cognitive growth.

What truly resonated with me is the authors’ emphasis on connection and communication. They stress the importance of building strong parent-child bonds and nurturing secure attachments. Siegel and Bryson offer practical strategies to engage our toddlers’ emotional and logical brains simultaneously, such as “name it to tame it,” where we help our children put words to their emotions. This simple technique allows us to acknowledge their feelings, validate their experiences, and guide them towards self-regulation.

The book is filled with relatable examples and anecdotes that make the concepts come alive. I found myself nodding along, recognizing my own child’s behaviors and challenges within the pages. The authors provide step-by-step guidance on how to handle everyday struggles like tantrums, meltdowns, and sibling rivalry, offering clear strategies that address the underlying brain processes at play.

Furthermore, “The Whole-Brain Child” doesn’t just provide us with practical tools for the present; it also equips us with knowledge for the future. Siegel and Bryson explain how early experiences shape our children’s brain architecture and lay the foundation for lifelong emotional well-being. They highlight the importance of fostering resilience, adaptability, and empathy in our toddlers, ensuring that they grow into emotionally intelligent individuals.

Conclusion: As parents, we have the remarkable opportunity to shape our children’s brains and influence their development. “The Whole-Brain Child” is a must-read for any parent of a toddler. With its accessible language, relatable examples, and practical strategies, this book empowers us to connect with our children on a deeper level, foster healthy brain development, and guide them through the ups and downs of their early years.

Let’s embrace the wisdom and insights shared by Siegel and Bryson, and embark on this parenting journey with a greater understanding of our toddlers’ developing minds. Together, we can help our little ones thrive and lay the groundwork for a brighter future.

Essential Traveling Tips for Stress-Free Adventures with Toddlers

Ashley Brown — Wed, 17 May 2023 01:55:47 +0000

Traveling with toddlers can be an exhilarating experience, offering unforgettable family moments and creating lasting memories. However, it also comes with its fair share of challenges. To ensure smooth and enjoyable trips for both parents and little ones, we’ve gathered some invaluable tips to make your adventures with toddlers stress-free. From packing essentials to entertainment ideas, read on to discover the secrets of successful travel with young children.

Plan Ahead: Planning is crucial when traveling with toddlers. Research your destination to find child-friendly accommodations, restaurants, and attractions. Make a list of emergency numbers and medical facilities in the area. By preparing in advance, you’ll have peace of mind and can better handle any unexpected situations.

Pack Wisely: When it comes to packing for toddlers, less is more. Focus on essentials such as clothing, diapers, wipes, and medication. Don’t forget to bring their favorite comfort items, like a stuffed toy or blanket, to help them feel secure in unfamiliar surroundings. Consider investing in lightweight, compact travel gear designed specifically for toddlers, such as portable cribs and collapsible strollers. This is the hardest part! Over packing is so easy but there is nothing worse than getting to the airport and not having enough distractions or items to help keep the little one as comfortable as possible.

Strollers are a great way to keep our toddlers with us as we are running through the airport like we are recreating a scene from “Home Alone.” However gate checking is not a lot of fun. Luckily they have created a stroller that literally folds up and fits in the overhead compartment.

The Ergobaby Metro+ is my favorite of the all of the brands out there because of its comfort and ease of use. However it does come with a high price tag.

If flying, I 1000% recommend making the into a bed. The caveat with this is it cannot be a middle or aisle seat. These can range from anywhere between $20-$89. We as a family used the middle tier inflatable one for the extra comfort level however it did take up a good bit more space than the other style. Some parents recommend using a carseat because it is something that they are used to and comfortable in. I personally found it really hard to research which carseat was best with most airlines and, if the flight is 5 hours but my lil guy can’t handle a 3 hour car ride, I felt it would not benefit anyone. However he slept for over 75% of our flight from North Carolina to California.

Lugging around a giant carseat is not fun either. I went on the for a super compact carseat that could be used for travel for A LONG TIME. I liked the idea that some parents skip the stroller and attach their carseat to their luggage and use that as a makeshift stroller to get through the airport. However, we decided against it because our trips typically involve a good amount of walking. We even bring our big stroller when we aren’t flying. So I decided to try out the Wayb Pico Travel Seat, and I was not disappointed! This thing is light and crazy compact (could use on an airplane seat or in a rental car). It can be used from 22-50lbs. It has a 5 point harness and offers the LATCH system for attaching to car seats-seat belts can also be used. But it weighs only 8 lbs!

Lastly, the ultimate mom hack…. Painters tape. Yes, you read that right. Painters tape can be used to stick toys to the back of a seat, to act as a track for toy cars, as a lent roller, as a peel and stick activity for our traveling besties and so much more. It leaves no residue, it has great hold, but is easily removed. I am always trying to figure out activities that don’t involve screens and painters tape has been used in many of them!
Snacks and Hydration: Hunger and thirst can quickly turn a cheerful toddler into a grumpy one. Pack a variety of healthy snacks in easy-to-reach containers, fruits, cereal bars, and finger foods. Keep them hydrated by carrying a spill-proof water bottle or sippy cup. Avoid sugary drinks that can lead to energy spikes and crashes. Also I learned that if you notify TSA that you have prepackaged baby food they don’t mind if you bring along a few of his favorite Once Upon A Farm (click here for 20$ off coupon) fruit and veggie pouches.

Time Management: Toddlers thrive on routine, so try to maintain some semblance of their regular schedule. Plan activities around their nap times and meal times to avoid meltdowns. Allow for flexibility and breaks to let them burn off energy and explore their surroundings. Remember, travel should be an adventure, not a strict itinerary to follow.

Safety First: Prioritize your child’s safety throughout your journey. Use childproofing tools for accommodations and ensure they are aware of any potential dangers in their immediate environment. Here is where Painters Tape comes in handy again!! If you need to lock two cabinets loop the painters tape through the handles. Use painters tape on sharp corners so the little one is less likely to bump their heads. Need to toddler proof a front door lock? Painters tape!! Keep a first aid kit handy with essentials like band-aids, antiseptic wipes, and any necessary medication.

Also at the hotel sleeping arrangements can be tough. In the past we have used the guava baby travel crib because it is by far the easiest to travel with but now that we are transitioning to a toddler bed I will be trying out the JetKids Cloud Sleeper. From the research that I have done, the material is nice and breathable while the super compact aspect offset the high price tag. He will be using it for several years and we love to travel so it’s an investment for sure! I will continue to use the Slumber pod sleep tent to keep his environment as similar as possible to the one at home. This thing was one of my favorite registry adds it has made traveling a breeze and there’s even a little monitor pocket to help with peace of mind. Not to mention it fits over most pack and plays as well as inflatable toddler beds!

Conclusion: Traveling with toddlers requires careful planning, but with the right strategies, it can be an incredibly rewarding experience. By following these essential tips, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle any challenges that come your way, ensuring an stress-free and enjoyable adventure for the entire family. Remember, the key is to be flexible, patient, and embrace the joy of exploring the world through your little one’s eyes.

(Note: This blog post contains affiliate links, which means we may earn a commission if you make a purchase through the provided links. However, we only recommend products or services that we genuinely believe will add value to our readers’ travel experiences.)