Ah, TOYS! There’s no shortage of options for surprising your little one with something fun! Before you start shopping, remember that it’s possible to keep your child’s play interesting without buying new toys. But when you’re on the hunt for something special, you should consider a few things before grabbing the latest trinket on the shelves. | BabySparks
Gain insight into the new CDC developmental milestones & learn how to use them for effective parent guidance. Get key tips from pediatricians on how to spark conversations with your child's healthcare provider.| BabySparks
Experiencing or witnessing episodes of terror, violence and destruction places extra challenges on parents’ ability to talk about and respond to highly stressful events with their children. | BabySparks
All parents and caregivers should have a conversation about bullying with school-age children. And according to experts, the sooner this discussion happens, the easier it is for kids to navigate the inevitable aggression and power struggles in school settings. Bullying can begin as early as preschool and traumatize children for decades. But when parents forewarn kids about bullying and prepare them with the tools to manage it, they can learn to treat others with empathy and overcome even the ...| BabySparks
Parents and caregivers often cringe at the thought of peer pressure. It sparks visions of children being pushed by friends to do something dangerous, cruel, or just plain stupid. Peers are incredibly influential to school-age kids, but it’s important to remember that some of that persuasion can be positive. It’s up to parents to help kids learn how to resist negative peer pressure and lean into friendships that positively impact their lives. | BabySparks
When so much of our media glorifies unrealistic beauty and image standards, both children and adults can struggle with body positivity. Teaching kids to value characteristics beyond appearance can certainly be a challenge. But doing so early helps kids (and even parents!) learn to love their bodies and see themselves and the world through a more accepting lens. | BabySparks
