Latest Posts
#57: Nurturing Children’s Curiosity with Dr. Diane Schnoor
Parenting in the First 3 Years Podcast #57: Nurturing Children's Curiosity with Dr. Diane Schnoor Children's curiosity and wonder about the world around them is observable from the first months of your baby's life. In this episode, Dr. Diane, an early...
#45: Wisdom from a Montessori Mom with Maranda Deason
Parenting in the First 3 Years Podcast #45: Wisdom from a Montessori Mom with Maranda Deason In this mom story, you'll meet Maranda Deason, Montessori teacher and mother of 7 children including 3 under age two! She shares her thoughts on the cultural changes...
#44: Language Development in the First Years with Lenora Edwards
Parenting in the First 3 Years Podcast #44: Language Development in the First Years with Lenora Edwards Language development in the first years seems to just happen on its own. But is this really true? Will babies just naturally say their first words...
#39: What Happens When Your Child Puts on a Costume? Developmental Play!
Parenting in the First 3 Years Podcast #39: What Happens When Your Child Puts on a Costume? Developmental Play! with Ann McKitrick It's that time of year when kids like to wear their Halloween costume any chance they get and I say, let 'em! It seems like just a...
How to make playdough with your child
Making playdough with toddlers. We had a tray on the shelf with all the playdough ingredients and made a fresh batch about every 2 weeks. When I was a teacher, our class loved making playdough. We pull out the tray of ingredients and the kids would take turns dumping...
Why you should have a tea party
Tea parties. We started them early on at our house. I think it started that time I spotted Good Mood Tea at Whole Foods. I bought a box for the next time the crankies set in. Because um, that happened often with three kids under age four. I bought it for myself, then...
How to choose toys for babies
We've got a closet full of toys upstairs in the kids room. When the grandkids are here, they spend LOTS of time playing up there! In fact, sometimes when we're FaceTiming now, I'll walk up there and we'll "visit" the toys and they get so excited! 😂 If you were here,...
Toddler snacks they’ll actually eat
Toddlers can be picky and it’s not because they’re trying to be difficult. Eating is a developmental process, it takes time to master. Try these toddler snacks!
How to make your own toddler books
It’s one of those things that connects us all. We love to look at pictures of people we love! How about making some toddler books with pictures of familiar people and places?
Reading supports emotional development
Make reading a part of your daily routine. You’ve heard about the importance of social-emotional development in the first years. But what does that actually look like in the day to day? Social-emotional development includes your child’s experience, expression, and...
How to read books to your baby
There's not much better than snuggling up with a good book. It's one of my favorite things, especially when I'm snuggling with a child. 🥰 If your brand new to parenting, you may feel unsure how to go about reading a book to a baby that's so young they can't talk yet....
How to Choose Books for Your Baby
When do you really need to start reading to your baby? Now's a good time! Early literacy begins early. Research shows that newborns are born equipped to respond to the language they've heard in the womb. They've been listening to you all this time and they love your...
Toddler Fun With Boxes
Are you looking for fun activities you can do at home with your toddler? Learn about how you can use shipping boxes to create fun activities for your toddler.
Parent Tip – Natural Consequences for Behavior Management
Have you wondered why toddlers make silly decisions? Read about how this is due to them learning about the consequences to behavior and how you can help them with their behavior development.
Setting Rules to Guide Your Toddler’s Behavior
House rules are important, but did you know that it is also beneficial for their behavior development? Learn about why house rules promote good behavior
Language Development with Babies and Toddlers
Curious about the speech and language development process for toddlers and babies? Learn about how electronic devices can help aid the process.
How You Can Organize Fun Activities for Your Kids at Home
Are you looking for ways that you can organize and create fun activities for your kids while at home? Learn about some fun activities that we think will help!
Why Do Toddlers Bite?
Do you have a toddler that bites others and don’t understand why? Learn why biting is a part of a toddler’s development and suggestions that you can do for when it happens
How to Create Fun Learning Activities with Tape
Have you ever wondered how you can create fun learning activities for your kids with items around the house? Learn about how a roll of tape is all you need!
Giving Toddlers Choices
Are you tired of your toddler constantly demanding that they get their way ? Learn about how offering choices can help reduce the amount of arguing.
4 Ways to help your little extrovert thrive at home
Social distancing is easier for some of us than others. Especially our children. For those on the more introverted side, they're delighted to stay home and hang with the family. They are content! For your children who are extroverted, it’s a little like torture not...
Love on that baby
Love on your baby. Then they'll be really smart. Love is in the air. Even though Valentine's day focuses on romantic love, it’s a great time to hone in on the love connection between you and your child. It’s amazing to realize that your child’s brain...
How to raise kind kids
We all want to teach kids to be kind and compassionate with others. When does this begin? When they start playing with others? When they have the cognitive capacity to share? Does it happen naturally or do you have to 'teach' it? Recent research tells us that infants...
“Loose Parts” Play: Problem solving and creativity with everyday stuff
Every moment your baby is awake they are learning something. You know this already. But when it comes to “teaching” your baby, it’s easy to put learning into categories — when you go to the park, she’s learning about trees and flowers, when you read a book, she’s...
10 Reasons to go on a walk with your baby right now
Today’s a good day for a walk with your baby. Lots of good reasons to do so – most importantly for you, it’s good for the soul to get outside! And for your kids, whether they’re walking on their own two feet or riding in a stroller, there’s so much to learn from a...
Lining up blocks… what does this tell us?
Block Play! Last week we got to hang out with Megan, Josh, and the grandkids! We live far apart so when we spend time together, it’s really special. And of course, since I love all things child development, it’s fun to see how the kids have grown, what they like to...
Make Playdough Together
Best Playdough Recipe Ever Everybody loves playdough, especially me. It’s a universal soother for toddlers through grownups! It lends itself to great conversation and imaginative play (everybody makes playdough snakes and slithers them around the table…) Make a fresh...
The One Question About My Baby I Can’t Stand…
I love getting questions and advice from people about parenting, but this is one question I can’t stand. Let me tell you why.
30 Encouragements for Any Baby (or Big Kid!)
Positive language helps children to succeed and thrive. But sometimes it can be hard to think of positive things to say to your baby… you’re still getting to know them after all. Here are 30 encouragements to use with you baby (or big kid!) today.
Six Key Elements of Meaningful Play
You know it’s important for your child to play, but what exactly should the play consist of? Learn six key elements of meaningful play and how you can help enrich your child’s playtime.
The Significance of Creative Movement for Kids
Creative movement is an excellent tool for engaging children. Learn how and why creative movement should be used at home and in school.
Ready to read?
Reading readiness begins with babies. Learn key concepts your baby and toddler are ready to learn today.
Why should I read to my baby or toddler?
Why is it so important to read to babies? Learn 5 ways you can help your 0-3 year old child learn to read.
The Power of Mirror Play
Learn how mirrors can have a powerful impact on a child’s development.
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About Ann
I’m a child development specialist, parent coach and teacher trainer. I’ve cared for countless babies in child development programs, plus 3 kids, 3 grand babies and 5 foster babies! I LOVE babies and would come hold yours if I could. ❤️
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