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.

Giving Prime Relationships Prime Time

February 16, 2026February 17, 2016 by valplowman

Mom, child, Dad walking along a path in the fall with beautiful autumn colors on the trees

Are your most important relationships getting your best time? In our distracted, overscheduled world, it’s easy to give the world our prime while families get leftovers. Learn to balance service, …

Foundations for a Strong Marriage

February 9, 2026February 12, 2016 by valplowman

Married couple with a sunset in the background

Build a marriage that lasts. Discover four essential cornerstones for a strong relationship: mutual respect, kind communication, financial honesty, and prayer. Whether you’re newlyweds or decades in, these foundational principles …

Getting Out of Debt is Not About the Math

February 9, 2026February 11, 2016 by valplowman

A photo with the word "DEBT" in blocks, a caluclator, some cash, a pen, and a calendar

Debt isn’t a math problem—it’s an emotional one. Emotions justify overspending, blur logic, and keep you stuck. Learn why Dave Ramsey’s debt snowball works and how to separate feelings from …

Brinley Preschooler Summary: 42 Months Old-3.5 Years!

February 9, 2026February 9, 2016 by valplowman

Life with a 3.5-year-old! Follow Brinley’s month at 42 months as she navigates boundary-testing, transitions to big-kid church classes, entertains her family, and shines at her first dance showcase. Includes …

The Why and How of Parent/Child Dates

February 9, 2026February 8, 2016 by valplowman

McKenna and Nate ice skating

Strengthen your bond through monthly parent-child dates! Learn why one-on-one time matters, how to make it happen even with busy schedules, creative low-cost date ideas, and tips for planning dates …

Competitive Sports for Kids {the Good, Bad, and Real}

February 2, 2026February 5, 2016 by valplowman

Kaitlyn's team shaking hands with the opposing team

Thinking about signing your child up for competitive sports? This post from Babywise Mom breaks down the good and the bad—what kids gain, what to watch for, and how to …

Kaitlyn Preteen Summary {8.75 Years Old}

February 2, 2026February 2, 2016 by valplowman

Kaitlyn sitting at the table at a tea party

8.75 year old life and daily routine. In this pre-teen update, we cover her activities, school, routines, friendships, and how we’re navigating this season as a family. A peek into …