valplowman

Valerie, also known as The Babywise Mom, is the mother to four children. She has been blogging on Babywise and general parenting since 2007. She has a degree in technical writing and loves using those skills to help parents be the best parents they can be! Read her book, The Babywise Mom Nap Guide, to get help on sleep from birth through the preschool years. You can also find her writing at Babywise.life, Today Parenting, and Her View From Home. Read more about Valerie and her family on the About page. Follow her on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram for more tips and helps.

Why Bother to Forgive Others?

March 24, 2025August 10, 2016 by valplowman

Hands holding a slip of paper that says "Forgive" on it

Why should we even bother to take time to forgive others? Do we need to teach our kids to learn how to forgive? Forgiving others is not easy. Sometimes we …

McKenna Child Summary: 7 Years and 3 Months Old

August 3, 2026August 9, 2016 by valplowman

McKenna on the monkey bars

See what a real 7-year-old’s school and summer schedule looks like, plus how we worked through a puzzling ‘I’m sick’ phase at school. McKenna’s latest update, sports, books, and all. …

Brinley Preschooler Summary: 47 Months Old

July 27, 2026August 2, 2016 by valplowman

Brinley on the beach with Brayden in the water on a kayak

Watch what life looks like at 47 months! From sleep and routines to learning, behavior, and favorite activities, this preschool update shares a real-life snapshot of growth, milestones, and everyday …

Baby Standard Time (Newborn Days are Hard)

July 27, 2026August 1, 2016 by valplowman

mom holding newborn baby. The mom is exhausted and worn out

Ever feel like the minutes are crawling but the years are flying? That’s Baby Standard Time. If you’re in the newborn trenches counting down to 5pm, this one’s for you …

Communication Index

January 30, 2019July 31, 2016 by valplowman

Communicating Acceptance not Rejection Triad Communication {Getting Kids to Talk}

Caregivers index

May 14, 2019July 31, 2016 by valplowman

5 Tips for Using Family as Babysitters Babysitters Baby Whisperer: Daycare Tips Church Nursery/Daycare/Playcenter Daycare/Childcare and Babywise

Birthdays Index

July 1, 2019July 31, 2016 by valplowman

Birthday Friend Party Tips Birthday Party Planner {Free Printable} Birthday Parties {Poll Results} How to Host a Successful Swimming Party How To Mentally Prepare Your Child for a Birthday Party …