Mary’s New Year’s Resolutions: 2023

Wow, Child(ish) Advice is now three years old. Thank you for all your continued support and trusting us to provide meaningful content as we begin the new year.

For me, if 2022 was all about laying the groundwork for personal and professional development, then 2023 is about reinforcing and refining these goals, trimming deadweight, and being more efficient and purposeful in my actions. So what do I plan to accomplish during this trip around the sun?

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Patti’s Favorite Posts: 2022

It’s December and we’re closing out our third year of Childish Advice. We’ve seen a lot of growth in our material and it very much reflects our own personal growth through the last three years of parenting. So we’d like to share our favorite posts of 2022. 

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Child(ish) Reads: I Left My Homework in the Hamptons

“There is a commonality among all parents, riven with fear, wanting something better for our children and not knowing how to go about getting it.”

I decided to switch up our usual Childish Reads. Most of the books I choose are on child or parenting development, but this book covers a completely different age group and parent demographic.

I Left My Homework in the Hamptons: What I Learned Teaching the Children of the One Percent by Blythe Grossberg

I Left My Homework is a collection of personal stories and lessons from a former tutor of the children of the 1%. We’re covering not just high schoolers but those from super-rich families. What can their experiences empirically tell us about parenting and how our best intentions can sometimes create the perfect stress storm for our kids.

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Holiday Gift Guide 2022: 4+ years

Kids grow up so fast and the gifting selections out there reflect that as they reach school-age.

For early school-age kids, executive functions are steadily maturing and they can focus and recall information more efficiently. They seek to play with others, continuously refining their social skills and looking for friendly competition.

Honestly, there are so many options out there for this age group that it can be difficult figuring out what gifts are both beneficial to your child’s development (because yes, they’re still growing and learning), and will also be enjoyed for the long haul.

Here’s our top picks for 2022 for 4 and up.

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Holiday Gift Guide 2022: 1-3 years

If there was ever an age range that had so many options, it’s this one.

Why? Because 80% of your child’s brain develops by three years old.

Toddlers have reached many of their developmental milestones, meaning more self-awareness and independence. As they refine their gross motor movements, they are also putting words together to form simple sentences, modeling observed behaviors, and becoming an active participant in their environment.

Quick recap of our handy dandy gift criteria:

  1. Is it cool?
  2. Does it support child development?
  3. What makes it stand out from all the rest?
  4. What do the reviews say, specifically with durability and longevity?

Here’s our toddler recommendations for 2022.

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