Early Childhood Site
	Nicki Heskin BellaOnline's Early Childhood Editor

Choosing a Gym with Childcare
You don’t have to wait until the stroke of midnight to celebrate New Year’s with your kids. There are quite a few things you can do during the day on New Year’s Eve or New Year’s Day to celebrate.

Choosing Attachment Parenting
In my experience, parents don't usually "choose" attachment parenting, but find that it describes one of more of the practices that instinctively feel right to them.

Disney Family Fun Magazine Review
I recently read the first two magazines in my subscription to Disney Family Fun Magazine, and was frankly surprised by how much I enjoyed them. Family Fun targets families, essentially moms, with children under 12 and features crafts, cooking ideas, activities and strategies for family life.

Easy Diaper Changes for Toddlers
Diaper changes can be a major source of struggle between toddlers and parents. Involving your toddler in their diapering can be a great strategy -- here's some ideas to make diaper changes easier and build your relationship and their independence at the same time.

Eating Out With Kids - Tips and Tricks
Having kids does not have to mean an 18 year moratorium on eating out. With some planning and ingenuity families can eat out without going broke or insane.

Getting Kids to Brush Teeth
Getting kids to brush their teeth twice a day can represent an epic struggle between parents and children. However, rather than a battle, recasting the battle over brushing teeth as a time to bond and hand over control can turn routine care into special parent-child time.

Holistic Moms Network
Holistic Moms Network (HMN) is a parenting support and friendship group for families interested in exploring topics of conscious parenting, holistic health and green living. I am a member of this group, and founded my local chapter in 2007. Learn more and see if HMN might be for you too.

How to Swap Children's Books
How to swap online for children's books and links to great sites to use.

Making Routine Care Count
Routine care tasks, feeding, bathing, diapering/pottying and sleep rituals, comprise a huge part of the time we spend with our kids. Here's some thoughts on making routine care count, and turning these activities into quality time.

Mommy Chronicles
Various articles on motherhood and the sometimes wacky, sometimes wonderfully sweet, and sometimes horribly stressful times as a mother.

Positivity & Self Esteem Building
Articles to help bring positivity into children´s lives and help build self esteem.

School & Education Related Parental Help Articles
Quickly find articles related to education and school issues.

Signing With Your Baby or Toddler
Teaching babies and toddlers to sign is a great way to empower young children. Discusses when and how to introduce sign, and my experiences regarding the relationship of signing to speech development.

Sustainable Family Living – Three Easy Changes
Many families today want to live more sustainably and set good examples for their children. Here are three easy things families can do live more sustainably.

Swapping Children's Books – A Valuable Choice
Swapping books is offers valuable lessons for children that far exceed the cost savings alone.

Talking to Children about Osama bin Laden's Death
"The Wizard of Oz" is a great tool for talking to kids about Osama bin Laden's death and the resulting discussion/controversy that has emerged about celebrating the death of an enemy.

Talking to Children About the Japan Earthquake
Parents struggle with how to discuss the tragegy of March 11, 2011 earthquake and tsunami in Japan and similar disasters with children. While respecting age appropriate exposure and emphasizing that children are safe, consider exploring the values of generosity, heroism and empathy with kids.

The Media and Mommy Wars
Thoughts on the media's use of the overused and harmful term, "The Mommy Wars."

Using a Jog Stroller
Considering a jog stroller? See why I became a convert to this great parent aid for walking trips or local exercise. Benefits and caveats of jog strollers and options to consider.

What is Attachment Parenting
Attachment parenting (AP), sometimes considered a "fringe" parenting practice (I would argue this notion) received much mainstream attention after a May 2012 Time Magazine article featured a nursing four-year old. My take on what the term "attachment parenting" really represents.

What is Scrip
Scrip is a fundraiser used by many schools, religious organizations and non-profits that raises funds at essentially no cost to their parents, members or supporters. An explanation of how scrip works and the benefits to members and non-profits.