Does your child get their intelligence from Mum or Dad? Discover what science really says about inherited intelligence, genetics, learning and the role your child's environment plays in their development.
Ever wondered what your child inherited from Mum or Dad? Discover 10 fascinating traits children can inherit from their parents, including eye colour, hair, height, intelligence, personality and more, and learn what genetics really says about family resemblance.
Most parents have compared their child to another child at some point. Discover why it happens, how it affects children and parents, and whether there is ever a healthy way to use comparison.
The article emphasizes the importance of short, consistent reading sessions over extended ones in nurturing a child's love for reading. It advocates for just ten minutes of shared reading daily, highlighting the role of parental modeling in fostering this habit. Each moment spent reading together enhances connection, comprehension, and emotional intelligence.
As parents, we all want our kids to enjoy screen time that feels safe, and truly educational. That’s why we’ve rounded up the best free learning videos for kids
Join the Raising Smiles August Challenge + Free Printable Calendar Inside Get Your FREE 30-Day Holiday Planner For Parent! Join hundreds of parents around the world taking the Raising Smiles August Challenge!Sign up below to get your FREE printable planner filled with fun, educational, and meaningful activities to keep your child engaged this August—without more screen time. 👇 Enter your email and I’ll send the planner straight to your inbox! Send It to Me Loading... Thank you! 🎉 Your 30-Day Raising Smiles Planner is on its way to your inbox. Let’s make this August the most meaningful one yet—for you…
Have you ever caught yourself shouting at your child and instantly regretted it? Maybe you whispered a prayer of guilt right after, thinking, "I didn’t want to be this kind of parent." You’re not alone. Join the Free 7-Day No Shouting Challenge Get daily video tips, printable tools, and support to help you become a calmer parent. Subscribe Loading... You're in! Check your email for instant access to Day 1 of the No Shouting Challenge + your printable tracker. Let’s break the cycle together! As a mental health nurse and African mom who grew up in a home where shouting…
A Must For Every Parent Discover 8 powerful anxiety tools for kids that actually work! From breathing exercises to worry boxes, these expert-approved strategies help children manage stress and build resilience. Plus, find the best books, toys, and apps to support your child's emotional health. Introduction: Why Your Child Needs These Anxiety Tools Now Did you know that 1 in 3 children will experience clinically significant anxiety by age 18 (ADAA, 2023)? As parents, we can't eliminate stress from our kids' lives—but we can equip them with tools to handle it. This isn't just another parenting list. These 8 science-backed…
What You Can Do Instead Mornings with kids can feel chaotic and overwhelming. The forgotten shoes, the unbrushed teeth, the cries of "I don't want to go to school!" and the clock ticking louder by the second. For many parents, this ends in shouting. But what we don’t always realize is that those harsh words in the rush of morning can follow your child all day long. In this blog post, we’ll explore how yelling at your child in the morning affects their emotional wellbeing, brain development, and school performance. We’ll offer compassionate solutions to create more peaceful mornings and…
Review of Jonathan Haidt's Book - For Every Parent Today’s children are facing more mental health challenges than ever before thus the term 'anxious generation'. Anxiety, depression, and loneliness are rising at alarming rates. As a mother of five, a mental health professional, and a passionate advocate for calm, confident parenting, I’ve seen firsthand how the world has changed—and how it's affecting our kids. After reading The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt, I found myself nodding on every page. This book isn’t just a theory—it’s a wake-up call. And it has inspired me to take action. In this post, I’ll…
Supporting NICU Families with Connection, Comfort & Cherished First Memories Discover how families can create meaningful memories in the NICU. This heartfelt guide offers support, bonding tips, and keepsake ideas to help parents stay connected during their baby’s hospital stay. When Life Begins with Wires and Whispers No parent ever dreams of starting their baby’s life in a hospital room filled with beeping machines and unfamiliar faces. Yet, for many families, the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) becomes a temporary home—one filled with worry, exhaustion, and longing, but also with tiny, powerful moments of hope and connection. At Raising Smiles,…
Why Every Child Should Be Holding a Crayon Coloring isn't just a fun activity to keep little ones busy—it's a powerful developmental tool that supports emotional expression, cognitive growth, fine motor skills, and creativity at every age. In a world where screens often take center stage, coloring remains a timeless, tactile activity that kids of all ages benefit from—physically, mentally, and emotionally. In this post, we’re diving deep into the trending world of coloring, exploring how different types of coloring activities impact children from toddlers to tweens. Plus, we’ll look at how parents can encourage creativity with the right tools—whether…
Comaprison With Other Parenting Styles Parenting is one of the most profound responsibilities, shaping a child's emotional, social, and cognitive development. Over the years, various parenting styles have emerged, each with its strengths and weaknesses. While traditional parenting methods often emphasize discipline and rules, newer approaches like gentle parenting focus on empathy and understanding. However, one approach that strikes a balance between authority and emotional support is coaching-based parenting. This method prioritizes modeling desired behavior before correcting a child, guiding them to think critically and develop problem-solving skills. In this article, we will explore coaching-based parenting, compare it with other…
Childhood Anxiety And Emotional Struggles Children don’t always have the words to express what’s going on inside them. Instead, they communicate through their actions, emotions, and behaviours—sometimes in ways that may seem confusing or frustrating to us as parents. Have you ever noticed your child acting more anxious than usual? Or maybe they’ve become moody, withdrawn, or easily angered? These behaviors aren’t just random—they’re often silent signals that your child is struggling with something deeper. As parents, it’s easy to get caught up in the busyness of life. Between work, school, and daily responsibilities, we might overlook these signs or…
Causes, Prevention, Signs & Treatment of Head Lice Introduction How Do Kids Get Head Lice? Signs & Symptoms of Head Lice How to Check for Head Lice Best Ways to Prevent Head Lice How to Get Rid of Head Lice: Effective Treatment Options Myths About Head Lice When to See a Doctor Head lice are every parent's nightmare, but they’re more common than you think! These tiny, wingless insects can spread quickly, causing discomfort and frustration. If you’re dealing with a lice infestation or want to prevent one, this guide covers everything from causes and symptoms to prevention and treatment.…
Here’s Why You Should Let That Go If you’ve ever felt like parenting is one long to-do list of expectations, you’re not alone. A recent poll of 1,000 parents of children aged one to ten revealed that a staggering 72% feel pressured to be the ‘perfect parent’, while 80% admit they wish they had spent less time worrying and more time enjoying the little moments. As a mum of five, I completely relate. We live in a world where parenting advice is everywhere—Instagram reels, well-meaning relatives, and even strangers in the supermarket offering unsolicited tips. But what if we stopped…
Key Principles of Sleep Training In this guide, we’ll explore the essential tips, methods, and expert advice on sleep training a toddler. From understanding the science behind toddler sleep to actionable strategies for making bedtime smoother, this post is packed with everything you need to know. Why Is Sleep Training Important for Toddlers? Before diving into the hows and whys, let’s talk about why sleep training your toddler is so vital. A toddler’s sleep needs are different from a baby’s, and they can experience sleep challenges as they grow and develop. By the time your child is between 1 and…
How to Raise Kids While Caring for the Planet Eco-friendly begins with them Eco-friendly parenting, also called 'Green parenting' is more than just a buzzword; it’s a conscious choice to create a sustainable future for our children. As a young mom with 5 kids in today’s world, where environmental concerns are growing, many parents are embracing sustainable practices to minimize their family’s impact on the planet. I am sure with the number of children I have, I can definitely make a difference, but it does not matter how many children we have, one is enough. So let's dive in with…
Make the Best Out of Your Home This Year Yes! It's finally come, the year we have big plans for...But what big plans? Maybe we should start with the little ones first and it's best we begin at home. Free downloadable sample house rulesDownload As we step into 2025, it’s the perfect time to refresh and revitalize the way we manage our homes. Clear, well-thought-out household rules can make your home a haven of peace, productivity, and joy. Whether you’re managing a bustling family or living solo, these ideas can help you create a more harmonious and organized home for…