Potty Training

One of the biggest milestones that your toddler will reach is the task of learning how to use the potty. Not only does this take the determination from your young tot, but also a lot of help from you. There are so many different factors to consider when getting your child ready to potty train. … Continued

Failure to Thrive: Taking the Failure out of FTT

As a pediatric gastroenterologist, I often see infants and children who are not gaining weight. This diagnosis, regardless of the etiology, is usually coined failure to thrive. Parents are often frustrated with the name of this diagnosis as it sometimes seems that they or their child has ‘failed’ at something and that their child is … Continued

MOTIVATIONAL INVENTORY

As a school psychologist, who specializes in behavior analysis, of course I will always tell parents to provide their children with reinforcement for positive behaviors by giving them rewards. The question is though, what is something that is rewarding for your child? For some children, it is a special snack, for others it is a … Continued

KEEPING IT POSITIVE

Here are some quick tips on how to promote positive behavior in your home. Be positive – make comments and praise the good things your child is doing Set them up to succeed – when you know your child is having a challenging day, pick an activity they enjoy and are good at. Ignore problem … Continued

Top Speech & Language Apps for Infants & Toddlers

Baby Sign Language Dictionary – $2.99 From birth to one year of age, your child is imitating movements, sounds, etc. Although they may not be speaking verbally, they make their needs known by producing sounds, crying, and gesturing. This is why it is beneficial to introduce baby sign language to your little one. It allows … Continued

Mannies on the Roof

At NYC Mannies, we are redefining what it means to be a caregiver. We employ guys that are not only experienced male nannies, but enjoy the task of being mentors and role models for kids. When I was 14 my dad passed away. I felt lost, confused, and lonely. I remember aimlessly pacing around the … Continued

Why Nannies Leave: How to Avoid Common Mistakes that Send a Nanny Running

We never like to hear that a nanny has decided to leave her nanny-family. We know how invested families and nannies become in one another – for many, the relationships is practically familial. Nannies leave their positions for all sorts of reasons. Perhaps their personal life has changed and they are expecting their own child. … Continued

Making Room for Chores

Giving your children a “job” in your home benefits both you and them. Providing your children with chores helps get things done, while building upon their self-esteem and organizational skills. A great way to systematize household tasks between different family members is to get a white board and put it in a common area in … Continued

How to Lose the Baby Weight Without Losing Yourself

Your baby is here! Congratulations! Life has taken on a beautiful new meaning and chances are you are experiencing some frustration over what is left of your pregnancy weight gain. Bottom line is that whether your baby is 6 weeks or 6 months old, the changes to your body and difficulty losing the weight can … Continued

Celiac Disease: The ABCs of Gluten Intolerance

Eating gluten-free has become a common trend in nutrition. It is the only treatment currently available to individuals with Celiac disease, but is often also followed by people who are believed to be sensitive to gluten. Since May is Celiac Disease Awareness Month, I wanted to address common questions that I am often asked about … Continued

5 Products That Will Help Your Child Sleep Better

One of the hardest things to get used to as a new parent is the lack of sleep. Thankfully after the first few months, there are many things that you can do to help your baby sleep better. While creating a great bedtime routine is key, there are also several items that you can put … Continued

THE POWER OF UNPLUGGING AT SLEEPAWAY CAMP

Give me a U Give me a N Give me a P Give me a L Give me a U Give me a G WHAT’S THAT SPELL? Yea, you know what we’re talking about. UNPLUG! It’s a simple and beautiful (and perhaps elusive) concept that is becoming a big fixture of conversation for us lately. … Continued

Be Kinder Than Is Necessary

Kind • ness Noun 1. The quality of being friendly, generous and considerate. Synonyms affection, warmth, gentleness, concern We are genetically wired to be kind. Kindness is in our nature. Human beings have survived as a species because we have evolved the capacities to care for those in need and to cooperate. Kind behavior was … Continued

I love the term “uncoupling” over “divorce”

Like so many other people this past week, I’ve been contemplating the word “uncoupling.” Gwyneth Paltrow’s use of the word seems to have sparked a wide range of emotions out there, but for me, it resonates so clearly. When my first husband and I divorced, I was 38. We had two children under the age … Continued

Super Sprowtz – Save the Recycling Plant!

Colby Carrot here, wishing all the Big City Moms out there another happy Tuesday! My radar tells me the bright spring weather is on the horizon, only a few more cold days left! In the meantime, I hope you caught sight of episodes 1 and 2, because it’s time to gather your sprowtz around for … Continued