Discover the magic between drawing and painting with the Crayola Crayon Pen. It keeps fingers clean, dries in seconds, and unleashes creativity. Last week, it arrived at our home, and my daughter Lotte was eager to dive in. The vibrant packaging alone is irresistible. As a parent and toy reviewer wi

A highly sensitive child is more than a label—its a child with a finely tuned nervous system that processes the world intensely. As parents and educators, gaining insight into their needs can transform challenges into strengths. Despite affecting about 20% of children, awareness remains low, leading

Picture your child glued to Thomas the Tank Engine, dreaming of their first unaccompanied train adventure to Grandmas. Its a big step toward independence—one that excites them but tests your nerves. As parents, we all wonder: from what age is it safe? How do we prepare? Drawing from personal experie

As a parent, your hands are full raising a baby—and the joys (and demands) of motherhood last a lifetime, well beyond diapers. Many little girls dream of becoming moms just like you did. Our daughter Lotte is no exception, eagerly changing tiny bottles and diapers for her dolls. If youd like to give

Generations of children have discovered the joys of pretend parenting with Baby Born dolls. Introduced in 1991, these lifelike dolls have captivated girls and boys alike, fostering nurturing play that spans decades. In this guide, we explore the newest additions to the Baby Born family, drawing from

Father Gerard shares his rainbow family experience: We form a harmonious family together.Table of ContentsWhat is a rainbow family?How can a rainbow family be created?A deep desire for childrenForging a strong bond in the rainbow familySpace for individual parenting stylesAt least one non-legal pare

Fluency in a foreign language can be challenging, even for multilingual Dutch speakers like Louis van Gaal. Yet, the benefits are immense—from career advantages to seamless travel. The key? Start young. This guide, drawing from years of family language experiences, explores why and how to help your

As a parent, Ive weathered countless rainy days where cabin fever sets in fast. Wind, rain, and wet snow keep us indoors, turning my dreams of sunny outdoor play—watching my kids climb trees or play hide-and-seek—into arguments and unfinished chores. Drawing from years of trial-and-error, Ive curat

Nothing beats the joy of kids playing outside—whether its heartwarming or hilariously chaotic. After a long winter, spring brings the perfect chance for backyard adventures. As parents with years of trial-and-error experience, weve curated these reliable games to keep children active and entertained

A child might take a hard fall from a climbing frame or get bumped during rough play. Should you shield them completely? Research says no—a bit of risky play is actually beneficial for their growth. Overly sheltered upbringings may seem safer, but they fall short for long-term health and development

Recently, Ive started feeling my age. As a 27-year-old wrapping up my Bachelors in Creative Business—just one subject and thesis away—retaking a tough course has immersed me among 17-year-olds. Their boldness has been eye-opening. Heres what unfolded in my first class back.Table of contentsMy first

As a parent of a lively 5-year-old only child, Ive just wrapped up one holiday break only to face the next. The big question: How do we keep kids engaged at home without relying on outings like ball pits or cinemas? Drawing from my real experiences, heres how Ive navigated this challenge.Table of co

These statistics are alarming. Many parents feel confident in guiding their childrens internet use through open talks and restrictions. Yet, 23% of Dutch youth have experienced sexting—a figure that underscores the need for vigilance.Table of contentsA large proportion of young people do not have sa

As a dad whos navigated countless clashes with my daughters over the years, I thought Id seen it all. But todays showdown after my middle daughters (nearly 5) swim lesson topped them all. The post-lesson playtime in the shallow pool always sparks resistance when its time to head to the changing room

As a tech enthusiast and advocate for early STEM education, Ive long championed introducing children to coding and robotics through engaging play. Ive reviewed numerous tech outings, books, and gadgets to prepare kids—especially girls—for tomorrows world. Playful learning is key, which is why I thor

Tired of yelling Clean up your toys! every day? In our home, Im dodging Lego bricks four times a day. A dedicated playroom is great if you have space, but for most families, its not an option. Plus, who doesnt love watching kids play nearby? The answer: toys so stylish they blend into your decor. Th

As a parent whos shared countless cozy movie nights with my kids, I still remember the excitement of flipping through the thick Christmas TV guide as a child, hunting for the best festive films. Today, with Netflixs on-demand magic, its simpler than ever. If youre searching for kid-friendly Christma

With four kids, youre an experienced expert, schoolyard moms often tell me. But honestly, I wouldnt bet on it. Im no primal mom. I admit it: I sometimes prioritize myself. After giving too much, I think, Me, myself, and I! Sloppy mom (loedermoeder) suits me better.Im No Primal Mom, But a Proud Slopp

As an experienced parent and parenting writer, I was stunned to read about electric shock socks used to discipline children—a practice reportedly gaining popularity in the US and emerging in the Netherlands. I double-checked the source, but the details remain alarming. While I question its authentic

Theres no one-size-fits-all rule for co-sleeping when your child resists their own bed. As experienced parents, weve navigated this challenge and learned what works for our family. Babies often cry at night, especially early on, forcing tough choices beyond feedings.Do you let them stay in their bed