Author: Becky Taylor
Becky Taylor is a passionate parenting writer and contributor at Picrew.org, with a focus on motherhood, child development, and family life. Drawing from her own experiences as a mom along with thorough research, Becky blends real-life insights with trusted parenting strategies to guide readers through the challenges and joys of raising kids.
Blackheads are one of the most common skin concerns, affecting both teenagers and adults. These tiny dark spots technically known as open comedones form when oil, dead skin, and debris clog pores and oxidize at the surface. A blackhead remover is any tool, product, or method designed to clear these blockages, helping restore smooth, even skin texture. Learning how to use blackhead removers safely is essential for preventing irritation, scarring, and repeated breakouts. In this guide, you’ll discover the different types of blackhead removers, how to choose the right one for your skin type, and the safest step-by-step methods for…
Fun & Creative Things to Do With Kids That Spark Joy, Learn New Skills, and Make Lasting Memories
Spending quality time with children through age-appropriate, engaging activities offers more than just entertainment it fosters cognitive growth, emotional connection, physical development, and creative exploration. Parents and caregivers often seek ideas that balance fun with learning, especially during school breaks, weekends, or inclement weather. Whether indoors on a rainy day, exploring nearby nature trails, or transforming household chores into playful moments, the experiences shared with kids leave lasting emotional imprints and shape developmental milestones. This guide provides a comprehensive collection of creative, low-cost, educational, and joyful things to do with kids tailored for different ages, seasons, energy levels, and family…
Is It Safe? Essential Food Safety Tips During Pregnancy (Risks, Benefits & Expert Advice)
Pregnancy food safety ensures both mother and baby are protected from harmful bacteria, toxins, and nutritional deficiencies by emphasizing hygiene, cooking methods, and ingredient choices. Expectant mothers experience unique physiological changes that can weaken the immune system, making them more vulnerable to foodborne illnesses such as listeriosis, salmonella, and toxoplasmosis. These infections, though sometimes mild in healthy adults, can cause severe complications during pregnancy, including miscarriage, premature birth, or developmental issues for the baby. Beyond the risks of foodborne pathogens, pregnancy also brings heightened nutritional demands. The right balance of proteins, vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats supports fetal growth, while…
Parenting styles shape not only family routines but also broader cultural conversations about health, lifestyle, and values. One term gaining traction in recent years is “crunchy mom” a label often used for parents who embrace natural, holistic living and prioritize eco-conscious, wellness-driven choices. This lifestyle includes practices such as organic food consumption, cloth diapering, natural childbirth, extended breastfeeding, and minimal reliance on synthetic products or pharmaceuticals. For many, being a crunchy mom is not just about raising children; it is about adopting a worldview that values sustainability, intentionality, and skepticism toward mainstream consumer culture. But the crunchy mom identity also…
Walking is one of the most eagerly anticipated milestones in a baby’s development. Parents often wonder when their child will take their first steps, and while every child develops at their own pace, there is a generally accepted timeframe. Most infants begin walking independently between 12 and 15 months, though some may start as early as 9 months or as late as 18 months. This milestone depends on various physical and neurological factors, including motor coordination, balance, strength, and environmental encouragement. Understanding the signs, variations, and proper support for this developmental stage helps parents know what to expect and when…
Potty training, also referred to as toilet training, is a critical developmental milestone in early childhood. The training potty training process teaches toddlers to transition from diapers to using a potty chair or toilet for urination and defecation. Parents often wonder when to start potty training, what potty training tips to use, and how long potty training takes. This comprehensive potty training guide explores potty training age, potty training steps, how to begin potty training, how to potty train a toddler, how to potty train a girl, and how to potty train a boy effectively. From potty training suggestions to…
Expecting a baby comes with a world of change, but some pregnancy surprises go beyond the basics. These unexpected shifts can affect everything from memory and mood to cravings and balance. What unexpected changes happen to your senses during pregnancy? Pregnancy triggers hormonal surges that directly impact sensory receptors, often amplifying smell and altering taste perception. These changes influence dietary preferences, daily comfort, and emotional responses. Why does your sense of smell intensify? Estrogen and hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) increase dramatically during pregnancy, stimulating olfactory neurons. Heightened smell perception helps detect spoiled food or environmental hazards but can lead to…
Pregnant individuals are advised to consume no more than 200 mg of caffeine daily due to its prolonged clearance rate and potential risk to fetal development. Understanding caffeine content, metabolism changes, and safe alternatives supports better pregnancy outcomes. What is caffeine and how does it affect pregnancy? Caffeine is a central nervous system stimulant that can cross the placenta and accumulate in fetal tissues due to immature liver enzymes in the fetus. During pregnancy, its metabolism slows, increasing fetal exposure to caffeine’s biological effects. What is caffeine and how does it behave in the body during pregnancy? Caffeine is a methylxanthine…
Exercising during pregnancy supports physical and mental wellness when guided by safety protocols. This guide explores benefits, workout adaptations, expert opinions, and tools to ensure healthy prenatal activity. What Is Exercising During Pregnancy? Exercising during pregnancy involves engaging in safe, structured physical activities to support maternal and fetal health throughout the trimesters. Prenatal workouts emphasize moderate intensity, core stability, pelvic floor strength, and cardiovascular endurance. What types of prenatal exercises are recommended? Prenatal exercises include: These exercises help maintain a healthy weight, reduce stress, and promote circulation. How do trimester-specific guidelines differ? Each trimester demands exercise adjustments: Guidelines align with…
Pregnant individuals must follow structured dietary patterns to support fetal growth, maternal health, and reduce complications. Balanced macronutrients, targeted micronutrients, meal timing, and food safety are critical to achieving positive pregnancy outcomes. What Should You Eat During Pregnancy? Pregnant individuals should consume a diverse diet rich in whole foods, adequate protein, healthy fats, complex carbohydrates, and essential micronutrients to meet increasing metabolic and developmental needs. What Macronutrients Do You Need in Pregnancy? Protein: Supports fetal tissue development, particularly during the second and third trimesters. Required intake increases to 71g/day in pregnancy. Carbohydrates: Main energy source for mother and fetus. Aim…
