Mom.com

As a mom and former homeschooler, I'm always seeking out new ways to facilitate learning through imaginative play, and surprisingly, I've found that some of our most memorable and exciting games and adventures were made possible by regular items we found in our house. Like toilet paper rolls that we transformed into binoculars, paper plates we decorated and fashioned into makeshift masks, and sheets ...

These days, you can forget pickles and ice cream — eating while pregnant has become a science, and for good reason. We know more than ever about how food affects both mother and baby during pregnancy. But while knowledge is power, all the guidance on what to eat can make eating for two feel like a job in itself. That's why we love simple meal hacks that do the work for you, like the protein-packed addition of cottage cheese to your morning scrambled eggs.

Whether you're trying to prepare a child for preschool or are just plain tired of changing diapers, reaching the toilet training milestone is huge for any parent. It's important not to fret over the average age for potty-training, especially with boys, who tend to train a little later than girls. Still, we all want to get the job done as quickly and with as little stress and mess as possible.

Parents pick their children's names for many different reasons. However, they don't always know the meaning behind those names — and that can turn uncomfortable because sometimes moniker meanings are weird, surprising, or even a little scary. Case in point, one Redditor asked, "If you found out that the name you gave your newborn had more meanings than one and one of the meanings is really, really bad, would you consider a name change?" So apparently this isn't a totally rare phenomenon.

One thing I really struggle with as a parent is just how much waste a family produces. While some waste is unavoidable, I am always trying to reduce how much winds up getting thrown out in our home. Now that we know many household plastics can't actually be recycled, finding other uses for all those food containers, jugs, and bottles is top of mind for many parents. My artsy daughter helps me with this immensely — she has a keen eye for scouting her next art project from the day's discards.

After tracking your ovulation naturally and missing your period, you may want to take an at-home pregnancy test. But you might be surprised at how confusing the experience can be. The instructions don't make sense. The package includes extra items you weren't expecting. (A dropper? A cup?) And, worst of all, you have no idea how to interpret the "C" and "T" areas in the test strip window. You're not alone in your frustration.

Raising kids can be expensive. Before they arrive, you're purchasing a car seat and other baby gear, like a crib or bassinet. Then there are the healthcare costs to consider, from prenatal care to the birth itself. While overall costs tend to average out when adjusted for inflation, like the cost of raising kids from birth to age 18 in the 1970s versus today, the cost of giving birth has varied pretty widely over time.

No matter what age or stage they're in, kids can create some pretty messy laundry. Fortunately, a dependable washing machine can make things less stressful. However, it all comes down your family's specific priorities and needs. The first decision to make is front loader versus top loader. Front loaders excel in gentle cleaning and busting tough stains, both of which can be a boon if you're washing baby laundry. These machines can also handle bigger loads, making them a labor saver.

Parents-to-be find inspiration for their baby's name anywhere and everywhere: in nature and amidst the seasons, on family trees, and in their favorite stories. But sometimes the right name feels worlds away. If you're struggling to find anything that sparks inspiration for your bundle of joy, try looking up.

The 1960s were split across two generations: the end of the Baby Boomers and the beginning of Generation X, and changing family sizes reflected this shift. Back in 1960, Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis records show the fertility rate in the United States was about 3.65. In other words, the average American mom had about three kids, and some had four to get that fraction of a decimal.