Tag: childhood development
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Why I’m Embracing Age Seven
Get Pregnant Fast As a parent, I’ve developed a habit of giving nicknames to the various stages of my children’s lives. We’ve all heard about the “terrible twos,” the “tyrannical threes,” and the “ferocious fours.” Not to mention the “frustrating fives” (seriously, why are they still so challenging?), and the “chaotic sixes” (which I can…
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Oregon’s Message to Parents: Let Your Kids Walk to School Alone
Get Pregnant Fast In an unusual move, the state of Oregon is taking a stand in the parenting debate by encouraging parents to consider allowing their children to walk to school independently. The Oregon Department of Transportation recently released a poster that outlines guidelines aimed at helping parents assess when it might be appropriate for…
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The Trials and Tribulations of Assigning Household Chores
Get Pregnant Fast Chores play a crucial role in childhood development. They instill a sense of responsibility, promote teamwork at home, and teach an invaluable lesson: life isn’t simply an endless parade of preferred activities. For my kids, chores are particularly essential; they keep me from considering more drastic options when the circus rolls into…
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I Struggle to Connect with My ‘Girly’ Daughter
Get Pregnant Fast My 4-year-old daughter looks at me with a frown and says, “Mom, I didn’t win the princess contest. Bella and Mia did. I lost.” Bella and Mia are her imaginary friends, figures crafted from her own imagination, and in this whimsical game, she lost to characters that don’t even exist. This moment…
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Understanding the Reality of Raising a Child with Speech Delays
Get Pregnant Fast Some children express themselves with delightful phrases, while others struggle to find their voice. As parents, we often find ourselves waiting for those cherished words to emerge, but for some, the waiting can feel endless. Days blur into weeks, weeks into months, and while other children around us begin to explore language,…
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Embracing Life Beyond the Tubes of My 1-Year-Old
Get Pregnant Fast It was just another afternoon in our bustling household. After a quick dash home from work, I opened the door with a flourish, tossed my backpack and purse onto the floor, and beamed at my 1-year-old son, whose pudgy legs swung from his high chair. “Mommy’s home!” I exclaimed, signing “Mommy” by…
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Is Your 6-Year-Old Prepared for First Grade?
Get Pregnant Fast As a child, my mother has a vivid memory of her experiences in first grade in Montreal. At just six years old, she would make the solo trek to school each day. On occasions when she found herself running late, she devised a clever plan: she would take a shortcut through St.…
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It’s Official: As a Parent, I Feel Nearly Obsolete
Get Pregnant Fast As a parent, I’ve come to realize that my usefulness has diminished significantly. Seriously—when did my kids grow up and decide they no longer needed me? I know it’s a positive development, yet it still stings a bit. Just last week, my youngest finally got his driver’s license. What a relief! Sitting…