Brittany Cantrell is an Epidemiologist at her local health department who oversees a team of beautiful, talented women. Though she specializes in infectious disease prevention, she is a strong advocate for all public health professionals. She is the owner and author of the mindful travel blog, The World Enough, where readers are empowered to live with presence and without fear. She was born and raised in the rolling foothills of the north Georgia mountains. In her spare time, you can find her helplessly pinned to the couch by one of her two cats, heading to a yoga class, or planning her next adventure.
What are Montessori Toys? Demystifying Montessori Materials for the Curious Parent
We’ve touched on many Montessori topics here at Undefining Motherhood, but today we’re unraveling one of Montessori’s greatest mysteries. The Montessori toy is both simple and complex, somehow unlocking even the youngest child’s natural desire for intense focus and learning. Yet, there is no official standard or authoritative list of these toys anywhere. What’s the […]
Montessori Toy Storage: Create “Shelfie”- Worthy Montessori Shelves Using Stuff You Already Have
Creating simple Montessori toy storage is an easy way to dip your toes into the Montessori method without investing a ton of time, money, and research. At Undefining Motherhood, we love borrowing from the Montessori method to promote free play, independent learning, and emotional development in toddlers. And of course, it’s backed by loads of […]
Child-Centered Educational Toys for 1 Year Old Toddlers
When we think about educational toys for 1-year-old toddlers, it’s critical that we also consider the whopping number of milestones and skills children achieve in this one short year. Between 12 months to 24 months, a child’s brain is expanding with connections that help them piece together their world. It is a time of curiosity, […]
I’m a Big Kid Now! The Best Montessori Toys for 2 Year Old Toddlers
Let’s face it. A lot of toys these days are all flash and no substance. That’s why I use the Montessori method as my guidepost for selecting toys for every age and stage. Today we’re scoping out the best Montessori toys for 2 year old toddlers. We’ll use the Montessori perspective on early child development […]
A Montessori-Minded Mom’s Educational Gifts for 4 -Year – Olds
To spend an afternoon with a four-year-old is to witness a child’s personality in full bloom. These preschoolers are bouncing with boisterous energy and brimming with imagination. Purchasing educational gifts for 4-year-olds is rewarding for everyone – the child, the parent, and the gift-giver. According to the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, unlike […]
When Potty Training Regression Strikes and How To Get Back On Track
There is nothing more horrifying to the parents of a potty-trained child than walking into the kitchen for a cup of coffee and accidentally stepping into a big, warm puddle of urine. At first you may wonder if it’s just a one-off thing, an accident. Your kid is having a bad day. But then it […]
An Conversation with a Transgender Bonus Mom & Child Educator
I met Thea on a sunny day in early autumn. She and her friend Nicole run a small, independent school, and they gave me a private tour of their classrooms. Before I knew her as a bonus mom, Thea was my son’s teacher. With bright eyes and a mischievous smile, I quickly fell in love […]
How To Start Pumping At Work: One Mom’s Tips for Success
Pumping at work poses its own unique challenges for new mothers, and it often comes at a time of difficult transitions for both mom and baby. You may feel like you’ve only just started to get to know your little one when it’s time to head back to the grind. There’s no getting around the […]