Tag Archives: development

5 minute Valentine’s Day project for mess-loving kids

If I know one thing about small children, it’s that messier is usually better. And I’m all for messy, especially when it comes to art. In my mind, art is not about the end product as much as it is about the process. I don’t want my daughter’s first experience with art to be coloring […]

5 ‘kid’ Maine-isms all parents understand

Two summers ago, I wrote about “Maine-isms,” words and phrases finding their way (many times unsuccessfully) into my everyday vernacular. I’m proud to say today that not only do I now know how to use the word “wicked” properly in a sentence, I’ve also learned about a few kiddo “Maine-isms” I can’t wait to experience […]

Let’s Talk (about sex) Month: Planned Parenthood encourages going beyond ‘where babies come from’

Among other things, October is “Let’s Talk Month,” 31 days of sexual health organizations encouraging families to talk about sexuality and relationships. And this year, Planned Parenthood of Northern New England wants parents to go beyond the basics of where babies come from, and talk about making healthy decisions. The organization also wants families to […]

The lies parents tell themselves and others

I haven’t been a parent long, but it’s been long enough to know that half the things I said I’d always or never do before kids were lies. I guess that’s why always and never are two words we should always remember never to use eh? Here’s a few lies we told ourselves and anyone […]

Parenting milestones nobody mentions Pt. 2

And now, since babies grow and develop exponentially fast, here’s a second installment of parenting milestones not mentioned in the books: :: The first (or 15th) time you wake up on the floor of the nursery snuggled up with a baby-sized blanket and a stuffed animal under your head. :: The first time baby picks […]

Literacy: The first year

We know now that literacy skills begin developing during the first years of life. Programs like “Raising Readers,” which many Maine hospitals and doctors offices participate in, gift books to children right from birth knowing it sets a good foundation. Now, we’re not talking ABC’s in the hospital room, but those early months of looking and […]