Is the convenience of a toy subscription worth the cost?

The world of parenting has been revolutionized by various innovations, one of which is the concept of toy subscriptions. These services promise to deliver a curated selection of toys to your doorstep regularly, tailored to your child’s age and interests. While the idea is appealing to many busy parents, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons before subscribing.

In this episode I am joined by a dear friend, Dr. Zlata Stankovic-Ramirez, Child Development and Early Childhood Education Expert. We unpack the convenience and excitement of toy subscriptions, discussing how they can enhance playtime and learning for your little one. But are there downsides to consider? We delve into the potential drawbacks and how to navigate them.

Dr. Zlata Stankovic-Ramirez brings a wealth of experience in early childhood development to the table, making this episode a must-listen for parents everywhere.

Topics Discussed:

Download our free tool! 20 Ways to Play with Your Baby and Toddler

Here's the show notes.

Parenting can be overwhelming, but effective strategies can help manage daily demands. Setting realistic expectations and seeking support are key!

In this episode of Parenting in the First Three Years, Ann dives into the challenges and strategies for finding balance amidst the chaos of parenting young children with Lori Oberbroeckling, host of Secrets of SuperMom podcast.

Lori identifies four questions to ask yourself when you feel overwhelmed...

Listen to hear her amazing tips on simple ways to make sure you can answer yes to these questions!

Click here for the show notes, where you'll find a link to her free gift: Master Your Time Toolkit!

Today's guest, Gina Mundy, an experienced attorney and author of A Parent's Guide to Safer Childbirth.

In this episode, we dive into crucial topics for expecting parents. We discuss the essential steps to ensure the safety of both mother and baby and how being well-prepared can make a significant difference in your childbirth experience.

Gina shares valuable insights from her book and her podcast, The Childbirth Attorney with Gina Munday. Whether you're an expecting parent or know someone who is, this episode is packed with vital information you won't want to miss.

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Gina is offering a free download of the first chapter of her book, A Parent's Guide to Safer Childbirth. You'll find the link, along with ways to connect with her to learn more, in the show notes.

In this episode, we delve into the how-to's of playing with your baby, guided by expert advice from Autumn McKay, founder of Best Mom Ideas. As parents, understanding how to effectively engage with our little ones during the infant/toddler years is paramount.

We explore three key points that shed light on nurturing your child's development through play, ending with suggestions on how you can learn from Ms Rachel, the YouTube phenomenon that's got babies mesmerized!

Topics Discussed:

Here's the show notes where you'll find a link for Autumn's free gift, The Ultimate Mom-Saver Activity Bundle!

How does our internal dialogue influence how we parent and what steps can we take to cultivate a more positive mindset?

In this episode Lenora Edwards, a board-certified speech language pathologist shares her insights from her TEDx talk titled "How to Stop Negative Self Talk." Together we explore the impact of negative thoughts on parenting and discover strategies for fostering a more positive mindset.

So grab a cup of tea, find a cozy spot, and let's embark on this journey of self-discovery and growth in the realm of parenting.

Here's the show notes, where you'll find a link to Lenora's TEDx talk and ways to connect with her. 🚀

In this episode, we'll explore the realities of parenting, including the myths surrounding maternal instinct, the importance of parent intuition, and how we can better understand and connect with our children through mind-mindedness.

Anya will also share practical tips for navigating the early years of parenting with confidence. Whether you're a new parent or simply interested in the science behind connecting with children, this conversation with Anya Dunham will provide valuable insights into how we can better understand and connect with the children in our lives.

About our Guest: Anya Dunham holds a Ph.D. in biology and works as a research scientist focusing on ecology, specifically the interactions between living organisms and their environment.

She's also a mother of three young children and the author of "Baby Ecology: Using Science and Intuition to Create the Best Feeding, Sleep, and Play Environment for Your Unique Baby."

Here's the show notes, where you'll find more links and a transcript for the episode!

Can you imagine being told at 25 weeks pregnancy that your baby has a rare heart condition and will likely not survive? And then choosing to discontinue the medication given that's might help your baby (but they really didn't know)?!

That's what happened with our guest speaker, Paulette Kamenecka.

In this episode, you'll hear her amazing story of facing the terrible news that no pregnant woman wants to hear... and how she embraced the challenge, followed her heart and believed in her strong baby girl, who kicked the odds right outa the park.

Paulette shares invaluable lessons about parenting that she and her partner learned along the way.

Talking through the important questions, "what will we do if....?" is an integral part of preparing to be a parent.

Check out Birth School, a comprehensive look at the unknowns of becoming a parent, that goes way beyond labor and delivery. A great gift for first time parents!

Here's the show notes, where you can learn more about our guest and download the transcript.

In this episode, we'll uncover the dynamics of attention-seeking behavior in children and how parents can navigate these challenges with compassion and effectiveness.

From understanding the developmental roots of attention-seeking to practical strategies for fostering positive interactions, Camilla shares invaluable insights to empower parents. We discuss the importance of self-reflection, the role of humor in parenting and actionable tips for building stronger connections with our children.

Topics Discussed:       

Click here for Camilla's valuable tool: How to get your child to listen without ever needing to nag, shout or threaten

Here's the show notes, where you can get a transcript for this episode and other resources!

In this episode, Andrea Ventim join Ann for a conversation about how we help our kids grow into who they are meant to be.

Even in the early years, our children's passions and gifts begin to shine through. How we respond as a parent can shape their future self!

Andrea, mom of 2, shares some great stories and tips on making sure our kids are supported to pursue their interests. In her extensive journey through personal development, Andrea has not only invested in her own growth but has also actively collaborated with top-tier mentors.

It's a must-listen for any parent who wants to better understand their kids and help them thrive in their own unique way.

Get this amazing resource to rediscover YOUR gifts and passions, 20 Ways to Power Your Parenting

Check out the show notes for this episode for Andrea's links!

Vist Nurtured Noggins to learn more.

How can parents effectively balance the inherent challenge of safeguarding their children while nurturing their autonomy, particularly in the context of risky play?

In this episode, we have the pleasure of hosting Audrey Roland, the visionary founder of Green Space Learning. Audrey has dedicated herself to early childhood professional development, and her organization includes licensed childcare centers along with the creation of innovative natural play equipment for playgrounds.

Whether you're a parent, caregiver, or simply curious about fostering a child's development through risky play, Audrey's wealth of experience and wisdom is bound to captivate you. So, sit back, relax, and get ready to delve into a thought-provoking discussion on the importance of embracing risk in childhood development.

Topics Discussed:

Here's the show notes.

And links to learn more:

Green Space Learning - Is Risky Play Worth the Risk?

Green Space Learning - It’s Okay To Be Bored

Why Risky Play Is Beneficial for Kids - DFWChild