Tips for Toddler Eating from Real Moms

Since my little one started having solids at 6 months, my husband and I encouraged her to explore our table food on her own. Instead of spoon feeding bland, nutrition-less rice cereal, Ginny enjoyed sucking on barbecue ribs, pieces of broccoli, cauliflower, eggs, fruit, pieces of fish, avocado, and other yummy nutritious foods. Anything we eat, she eats too, and we have yet to find a food she doesn’t enjoy. As she moved from baby to toddler, she definitely has her preferences, just like we do as adults – blueberries are one of her favorite foods, but sometimes she wants strawberries and eggs instead, or where she sometimes likes a plain chicken breast, she lets us know if she wants it with some sort of dipping sauce in that moment.

It’s incredible to see her little personality shine through at meal and snack times, and while she’s not a picky eater, I know all kids are different so my story may not resonate with you. That’s why I spoke to other real moms to share their tips, tricks, or advice for feeding toddlers.

Father’s Day Gift Guide

Ties, shirts, and photo gifts may be okay gifts, but they’re severely overdone and predictable for Father’s Day.

This is your dad we’re talking about- the guy who rocked you to sleep when you were screaming your head off as a baby; the guy who taught you to throw a ball, fire up a mean grill, and stand up for yourself.

This is the man who taught you all about respect, the importance of following through your commitments, and how to tell the best piece of steak to leave for your last bite.

He protected you from thunderstorms, bullies, and secretly from your mom when you got in trouble.

This is your dad – stronger and tougher than anyone else’s dad – so think outside the tie with this dad-approved gift guide. From intellectual and sporty to the man who has it all, you’ll be sure to find a gift idea for your budget.

My Unremarkable Last Nursing Story

When I started thinking about weaning my daughter, I would read women’s last nursing stories and sob. I’m not an incredibly emotional person, but Ginny and breastfeeding really changed me, and the thought of ending something so special hurt my heart. I loved nursing – I felt pride in nourishing my baby from my own body. I cherished the comfort and peace I brought her in our special snuggle sessions. I loved every stage of our nursing relationship, from the eager sloppy slurps of a newborn to the casual gulps of snacking toddler.

I always thought I would nurse until one year, and then when Ginny’s birthday came, I knew we weren’t ready. I decided to take it day by day instead of setting a deadline for us. Because of some health reasons, I decided to start weaning at 14 months and was completely finished by 15 months.