Family and Parenting Guides
This is the family section of My Sparkling Life: guides for parents of babies through the early school years, from gifts and outdoor gear to behavior, school mornings and sleep. Start with the three guides below, or jump to the topic you need. Each quick answer links to the organization that published it, and our editorial standards show how we work.
By Olivia
Quick answers
- The CDC publishes developmental milestone checklists for ages 2 months through 5 years, including separate checklists at 1, 2, 3 and 4 years. — Source: CDC milestone checklists
- In its 2026 holiday safety release, the CPSC advises keeping balls and toys with small parts away from children younger than three and deflated balloons away from children younger than eight. — Source: CPSC 2026 holiday safety release
- USPS recommends mailing by Dec. 17 (Ground Advantage and First-Class Mail), Dec. 18 (Priority Mail) or Dec. 19 (Priority Mail Express) for Christmas delivery within the contiguous U.S. in 2026. — Source: USPS 2026 holiday mailing dates
- The CDC states that more children ages 1-4 die from drowning than from any other cause of death, and advises close and constant supervision of children in or near water, including bathtubs. — Source: CDC drowning prevention
- HealthyChildren.org, the American Academy of Pediatrics’ parent site, says important life skills are learned when children play and that playing with others is important to a child’s development. — Source: HealthyChildren.org (AAP)
Start here
Gifts and toys
Gift and toy guides, mostly for toddlers, plus doll, game and building-toy posts for older kids.
Outdoor play and gear
Outdoor toys and playsets for toddlers, a stroller wagon roundup, and baby gear for everyday parenting.
Activities and crafts
Screen-free ideas for rainy days, art projects for preschoolers, sensory bins, easy crafts from things at home and a summer bucket list.
Parenting and behavior
Posts on parenting styles, praise, discipline, helicopter parenting and anxiety.
education
Helicopter Parenting
School and early learning
Preschool, kindergarten behavior and school-morning routines.
Sleep
A guide to the signs that a child is not getting enough sleep.
Family outings and everyday life
Kids-eat-free nights, affordable U.S. family vacation ideas, birthday morning surprises, Disney costumes and a baby detergent post.
Popular questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are good building blocks for 3 year olds?
LEGO’s DUPLO theme page describes the line as made for toddlers aged 18 months and over, and Magna-Tiles’ own FAQ says its sets are ideal for children aged 3 and above.
Are toys for 2 year olds safe if they have small parts?
In its 2026 holiday safety release, the CPSC advises keeping balls and toys with small parts away from children younger than three.
When should I order Christmas gifts for 2 year olds?
For Christmas delivery within the contiguous U.S. in 2026, USPS recommends mailing by Dec. 17 (Ground Advantage and First-Class Mail), Dec. 18 (Priority Mail) or Dec. 19 (Priority Mail Express).
What should I do if a 5 year old talks about killing?
NIMH advises parents to seek help immediately if a child talks about wanting to hurt themselves or someone else, and to call or text 988 or call 911 in a life-threatening situation.