Understanding Toddler Defiance - 7 Reasons

"Motherhood is more awesome than I ever thought it could be and harder than I ever would have imagined."

- Sarah Williams

Morning, Mommy! Cheers to the weekend. As we say goodbye to another busy week, let's dive into some parenting wisdom, a clever mom hack, and some cozy weekend activities.

Today’s Mommy scoop:

• Decode your toddler's defiance: 7 hidden reasons

• Diaper duty made easy with this poop bag hack 💼

• Indulge in Pecan Pie Bars 🥧

• Craft a Snow Day in a Jar ❄️

Mom's Field Guide

7 Hidden Reasons Why Your Toddler Acts Defiant

Navigating the toddler years can feel like an obstacle course of mood swings and meltdowns.

But what if we could peek inside their little minds to understand the 'why' behind these defiant acts? Let’s dive in.

The Developing Toddler Brain

• Repetition is Key: Toddlers lack developed executive function skills. Repetition helps build neural connections, so be patient and repeat instructions often.

Handling Big Emotions

• Expressing Feelings: Toddlers experience intense emotions but lack the words to express them. Help by naming and validating their feelings to navigate tantrums.

Communicating During Tantrums

• Stay Calm and Validate: In a tantrum, a toddler's higher brain functions shut down. Logic won't work; focus on empathizing with their emotions instead.

Learning Through Mistakes

• Embrace Trial and Error: Toddlers learn by doing, even if it means making messes or mistakes. Step back and let them explore and learn.

Balancing Independence and Safety

• Kind and Firm Parenting: Toddlers need to assert their independence, but also require boundaries for safety. Respond with a balance of understanding and firmness.

Clear Communication

• Focus on Desired Actions: Avoid negatives like "don't" or "stop." Instead, tell your toddler what you want them to do. It's clearer and more effective.

The Power of Connection

• Nurture Your Bond: A strong, positive relationship with your child fosters cooperation. Prioritize quality time to build this connection.

Remember, they're not just being defiant; they're learning, feeling, and growing.

By offering patience, empathy, and clear guidance, you're not just navigating tantrums - you're nurturing a confident, capable little human. 🌟💕👶

Keep reading here.

Mom's Mic: This Week’s Poll 🎤 

Poll Results From 1/8

What's your preferred method of self-care?

 🟨🟨🟨🟨⬜️⬜️ Reading a book (23%)

🟨🟨🟨🟨🟨⬜️ Going for a walk or workout (24%)

🟨🟨🟨⬜️⬜️⬜️ Spa or beauty treatments at home (17%)

🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩 Watching a favorite show or movie (28%)

🟨⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ Meditating or yoga (18%)

Featured Response 😊 

Haha, I think we can all relate to this one! Sneaking in an episode after bedtime feels like a mini-vacation, doesn't it? - Danielle 😊 

Mom Hack

Diaper Bag Poop Bag Hack

Mom Hack

Keep rolls of dog poo bags in your diaper bag.

They're perfect for handling dirty diapers and clothes while on the go.

Mom’s Menu

🥧 Pecan Pie Bars: A Decadent Holiday Delight

These Pecan Pie Bars are a must-try!

Featuring a buttery shortbread crust and a rich, caramel-y pecan filling, they're the perfect treat for holiday celebrations or any special occasion.

Why You'll Love It

• 🌰 Crunchy pecans in a luscious caramel filling.

• 🍪 Buttery shortbread crust adds the perfect texture contrast.

Ingredients 📝

• Butter

• Pecans

• Flour

• Powdered Sugar

• Brown Sugar

• Maple Syrup

• Eggs

• Heavy Cream

• Vanilla Extract

• Sea Salt

Instructions 👩‍🍳

1. Prepare the shortbread crust using flour, powdered sugar, salt, cold butter, and vanilla.

2. Press the crust into a lined 9x13" pan and bake until lightly browned.

3. For the filling, combine butter, brown sugar, maple syrup, and heavy cream, and simmer.

4. Temper the eggs and mix them into the caramel mixture.

5. Stir in vanilla and pecans, then pour over the crust.

6. Bake until the top is set and not too jiggly.

7. Cool completely before cutting into bars.

Note 📌

These bars are a wonderful way to enjoy the flavors of pecan pie in a convenient bar form.

They're great for sharing and can be made in advance for any event.

The combination of sweet and salty, crunchy and soft, makes these bars a treat you'll want to make again and again!

Full recipe here.

Daily DIY (Home Edition)

Sweet Snow Day in a Jar

Create a "Snow Day in a Jar" with foam discs, a large glass jar, faux buffalo snow, birch branches, and green foliage.

1. Trim foam discs to fit the jar, creating a tower inside.

2. Insert birch branches, crisscrossing them, and add faux snow up to the top of the foam.

3. Include thin wood branches and pine foliage for a wintery look.

This craft is perfect for holiday decor or as a unique gift!

The tutorial is here.

Mom’s Choice

Moms, let's keep those plants thriving with minimal effort! 🌱 

This Self-Watering Pot is a stylish, no-fuss solution for keeping your green friends hydrated.

Perfect for busy moms who love plants but have enough on their plates already.

WetPot Self-Watering Pot

Game

Mama Knows Best: True or False?

Babies should start drinking cow's milk at 6 months.
(Answer below)

A) True

B) False

Mom’s Meme 🤣

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Answer

B) False. It's recommended to wait until the baby is at least 12 months old before introducing cow's milk.