Studies of children around the world have found that constant entertainment, piles of toys, endless birthday parties and trips to museums and zoos, bribes and allowances, or piles of extra curricular activities don’t make this giant difference in a child’s development. Children from many different countries with different life experiences and different advantages all seem to find a way to become well adjusted adults without a Leapfrog tablet or travel softball. They learn to play and use their imagination without 400 Legos or a parent constantly attempting to entertain them. In reading this article by Michaeleen Doucleff, a PhD owning, Peabody award winning author in an article on KQED.com she gives such an interesting perspective on the pressure put on parents to constantly be overwhelming their kids with experiences to make them good people. But in reality, her experiences all over the globe have shown her that as a parent you can RELAX. You don’t HAVE to do all of these things to turn them into productive members of society.  Give yourself a break, don’t let those Facebook “I make my own baby food and Pinterest entire carnivals for a third birthday” parents make you feel like that’s the only way to raise kids. They need way less than you think! READ THE ARTICLE!

Nikki