
Parenting with Research, Insight, and Love
Parenting with confidence comes from knowledge. Parenting with grace comes from insight.
Play-Based Learning
Toddler Development


I’m a wife, mom of two boys and a child development writer. I may have a Ph.D, but I believe the value of child development research is not in telling us what is “right” or “wrong” with our parenting, but in helping us to see our children with a new lens.
If you are looking for strategies to support your child’s development using research combined with your own innate intuition, this is the place for you.
Latest Posts
The Amazing Benefits Of A Mom Tribe For You And Your Baby
Sneak peek: All mothers need their community of people who support their role as mothers—the mom tribe. It turns out this mom tribe has real developmental benefits for your child as well.} I attended a baby shower for a friend a few weeks ago. I hadn’t been to one in a few years, given that …
More Evidence that “Difficult” Babies are Most Influenced by Parents
Sneak peek: Research is helping us see the temperamentally difficult baby in a more positive light. With this research in mind, parents can be encouraged about the future of their child. One of the classes I remember most from grad school was the child development class in which we learned about children’s temperament. Not having …
Seeing the Unique Gift of Your Child’s Temperament
Sneak peek: A child’s temperament sets the stage for so much that happens in their life. If your life is a story, then your temperament is the setting. It’s there in the background, setting the stage for what happens, but hardly anyone pays attention to it. In a story, the setting partially controls the action. Whether the …
Understanding Your Child’s Temperament is the Key to a Better Relationship
Sneak peek: Understanding the role of temperament in child development and parenting can open up a world of insight into their behavior I picked my 9-year-old up from baseball camp the other day. He climbed into the car, covered in sweat, and immediately asked if he could have a play date with a friend…oh yes, …
Amazingly Common (but unhelpful) Myths About Strong-Willed Children
Sneak peek: A new look at the research on how to discipline a strong-willed child. Understand your strong-willed child in a new light! Strong-willed children have a bit of a bad reputation in our culture. Just a quick look at Pinterest shows this right away. Search up “parenting strong-willed children” and you’ll get all sorts of …
Parenting Your Strong-Willed Child to Help Them Find Their True Gifts
Sneak peek: Parenting a strong-willed child is no easy task. Tips from a seasoned mom and parenting consultant on how to adjust your mindset to meet your strong-willed child’s needs. If you’ve been reading this blog for any length of time, you know the topic of temperament is especially near to my heart and I …