My Smart Child

You could never stop learning from birth until all your years of life. I’ve always told that to my kids and even me as an adult love to learn something new each and every day.

I was never a big fan of pacifiers and chose not to use them with my own kids.
I didn’t love the look of them, and I had heard they could affect the mouth and teeth if used too long.

That said, research shows pacifiers can have both benefits and drawbacks.

Some positives:
✔️ Can help soothe babies
✔️ May help with sleep
✔️ Sometimes recommended during sleep in infancy

Some concerns with long-term use:
⚠️ Possible dental alignment issues
⚠️ Can affect oral and speech development if always in the mouth
⚠️ Can become a hard habit to break in toddler years

Many experts suggest that if pacifiers are used, they should be limited as children get older and phased out in the toddler years.

Every parent makes the choice that feels right for their child — and there isn’t only one way.

I’m curious… do you or did your baby use a pacifier?








EarlyChildhood
MomLife
ParentingTalk

Shaving Cream & Sidewalk Chalk. These have always been my go-to items for my kids to play with and use when they were little. Fun, imaginative, & prompts creativity. Comment below for some of my at home ideas utilizing them.

Parents, this toy is a classic! It never gets old. One of my favorites that I used with my kids when the were babies. There is so much your child can learn from this one toy. Did your children have this? Or play with now?

👶 Newborn must-haves at home (the basics that really matter)

You don’t need everything.
You need the right things.

💛 A safe place to sleep
Firm mattress, clear crib or bassinet

🗣️ Your voice
Talking, singing, responding builds the brain from day one

📚 A few simple books
High-contrast or sturdy board books are perfect

🧸 One or two simple toys
Think black-and-white cards, soft rattles, mirrors

🤱 Comfort + closeness
Holding, feeding, skin-to-skin = emotional security

🧼 Safety basics
Diapering station, clean space, calm routines

✨ The most important “must-have”?
A responsive adult who shows up, again and again.

My husband and I were always a firm believer of this. We always have told our kids to be passionate of what they want to do in life first and the money will come. They are 24 & 22 now and on their own pathways doing what they love!

🧠 What research tells us about play

Decades of early childhood research show that play isn’t extra…it’s essential.

Through play, children build:
✔️ language and communication
✔️ problem-solving skills
✔️ emotional regulation
✔️ attention and focus
✔️ confidence and curiosity

And the best part?
The most powerful play doesn’t require apps, worksheets, or expensive toys.
You agree???

Quiet Learning Moment…

Not all learning is loud.
Sometimes it’s watching.
Sometimes it’s waiting.
Sometimes it’s just being close.

Those moments count.

What’s your New Year’s resolutions for 2026? Every year since my kids were little, my husband would have my kids write down their resolutions for the following year. It was a nice tradition in our home. Start today with your family?