IPF Blog
17 Tips to Throw a Kids’ Birthday Party on a Budget
Throw a bash to be remembered with these clever cost-cutting ideas. Happy birthday, indeed. Want to throw your child an awesome party without breaking the bank? We've got you covered! Here are our best tips for sticking to a budget at your next bash. 1....
Hoarding, Overeating, & Food Obsessions in Adopted & Foster Kids
Not being fed regularly and adequately is terrifying to anyone, but especially to children. Not surprisingly, hoarding, overeating, and food obsessions in adopted and foster kids are common. It’s hard to even imagine what it would be like to not know when...
What to Expect from Your Psych Evaluation
Just the idea of talking to a psychologist is enough to make many of us need a psychologist. It’s scary, right? The idea that this one person is in charge of saying whether or not you’re mentally and emotionally competent to enter into a surrogacy...
Growing Generosity in Your Kids at Christmas
Ahhh, Christmas. It just may be the most wonderful time of the year. Every year, however, parents are reminded of how much our culture has impacted the minds of our children. For instance, we all talk about Christmas being a time of giving — but let’s face...
The World According to Babies
Here, fascinating answers to the question: How much does my baby understand? Hearing and Vision Every parent thinks her baby is a genius. And maybe it's not such a far-out claim when you consider the startling amount a newborn does know. His senses began...
LGBTQ Children’s Books to Build Your Home Library
Building a diverse library for your little one is one of the most exciting ways to help them explore the vibrant world around them. Storytelling builds their imagination while opening their eyes to new communities, both developing their own personal story...
How to Treat Baby’s First Fever
Use the right thermometer. Babies younger than 6 months should have their temperatures taken with a rectal thermometer. Because their ear canals are so small, you can't get an accurate reading with an ear thermometer. What is a fever? The American...
The 5 People You Need In Your Adoption Village
It's fair to say, we knew we needed a village long before we adopted. The minute adopting a child popped into my head, I was planning. (That's the type A, anxiety-ridden life.) I started talking to those I knew who were part of the adoption community. ...
5 Tips to Teach Kids to Play Safely with Dogs
Kids and dogs go together like PB&J, but it's important to teach our little ones that there are certain rules for safely interacting with these furry friends. These five tips will help kids stay safe when meeting a new dog or playing with a pooch they...
Why is Thanksgiving Important? Teaching Children About Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is a special holiday: a whole day focused on spending time with loved ones and being thankful, without much of the commercialism that has crept into many other holidays. But before you pull up to the table to enjoy your delicious Thanksgiving...