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.

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 …

Self-Worth Comes Vertically, not Horizontally

January 26, 2026January 28, 2016 by valplowman

Closeup of a child's face with the Child looking up

True self-worth isn’t built on achievements or others’ opinions. This post explains why it comes from who we are, not what we do—and how to help your child grow in …

Gel Nail Polish

February 24, 2022January 26, 2016 by valplowman

Back in November, we had a fun service auction activity for an activity with the ladies from my church. At the activity, I won a manicure of gel polish from …

If You Want a Routine to Stick, Stick to the Routine

December 4, 2023January 25, 2016 by valplowman

If you want your baby to really be on a solid routine, you have to have some consistency with that routine. A routine sounds really nice in theory. Baby eats …

Tips for Organizing Your Bedroom

January 19, 2026January 21, 2016 by valplowman

Woman organizing bedroom

Refresh your personal space with practical tips for organizing your bedroom. From simple decluttering habits to storage solutions, this guide helps you create a peaceful, functional room you’ll love coming …

Discipline Without Taking Yourself Too Seriously

January 19, 2026January 20, 2016 by valplowman

Mom talking to her daughter

Learn how to discipline your child without losing your temper. This guide offers calm, effective strategies that teach respect and boundaries while preserving connection and trust between you and your …