Hello! I’ve decided to answer some of our reader questions on video! Today’s topic is baby name sniping: when you’ve planned to use a baby name and someone close to you decides to use it first! This is particularly frustrating if you’ve chosen a unique name. Have you experienced name sniping? What do you think…
When adults and even children use video conferencing, we of course recognize that the screen is merely showing us an image of someone far away as we speak. Babies? Not so much. Science News reports on a new study looking at how young children respond to video calls. “Lots of families use video calling to…
Hi Jennifer, I’m wondering about your thoughts on the name India. When choosing a name for me twenty-two years ago, my parents considered both India and Hilary, however, they went with the latter because they were too nervous to give me such an exotic name. To this day, we all love the name, however, many…
Dear Jennifer, My grandmother’s first name was Gloriette, pronounced glory-et. I’ve tried looking up this name before with no luck. Does the name come from somewhere? People used the nickname Glo for her a lot. That side of the family also has a strong French Canadian background. Thank you for any information you might be…
Dear Jennifer, I recently watched a movie called “Triple Dog” and the main character was a girl named Chapin. I noticed you didn’t have it on the website and I would really like to know what it means. Thanks, Anna Dear Anna, That’s a great question! Chapin is a surname that is derived from the…
Poetry is a form of literature that we often forget about, but it’s one of the most adaptable and enjoyable varieties to read with kids. It’s also a form of reading that isn’t too intimidating to young readers — stanzas are less overwhelming that paragraphs. And it inspires young writers in a way that doesn’t…
Hi Jennifer, Which name do you prefer, Liam or Asher with the last name Bowman? Sincerely, Ashley Dear Ashley, If you say both names out loud, Asher Bowman sounds better than Liam Bowman. With Liam, the ‘M’ in both the first and last name makes it a little clunky. Also, Liam is trending high…
Toddlers and babies need to move, and the Luv U Zoo Jumperoo can make it more fun for them to do so. With sounds, lights, and the opportunity for plenty of movement, the Jumperoo is a fun, entertaining way for baby to develop crucial motor skills, Fisher Price says. It’s designed with a sturdy, freestanding…
Helping your baby through toilet training can be difficult, and every little bit of help along the way can make a great difference, say the makers of the new Lumi Potti. The difference? A motion-activated nightlight lets your child find the potty at night, and use it confidently without needing your help. The night-light potty…
I receive hundreds of emails a month asking for name advice. I do love researching names! However there is a right and a wrong way to ask. So I thought this was worthy of a post: 1. If asking about the meaning of a unique name, first look up alternate spellings of the name in…
Hi Jennifer, My husband’s cousin’s name is ‘Chainie’. I have never heard of this name before until I met her. As far as I know this is not a nickname and is her actual first name. I could not find it on your website so I was wondering if you could shed some light on…
Hello Jennifer, I’ve come up with two new unique girl names. The names are Veina and Nathana. I think I came up with Veina because I was thinking about the name Reigna which is beautiful as well. Nathana is derived from Nathan but has a feminine side to it. Both names are feminine yet strong…
Dear Jennifer, I am a 66 year old grandma. I have two grandchildren right now, however, my youngest son just got married. Your website provides not only information and fun facts to the expectant parents, but a wonderful resource for me. I can have a conversation with my daughter-in-laws and feel comfortable that they find…
For kids, tooth-brushing is an unpleasant chore, says San Francisco-based Grush. “Parents are forced to spend a lot of time supervising their child’s brushing to make sure they brush properly.” The solution to this problem? The video game toothbrush, which “transforms boring tooth-brushing into a fun game. The Grush Brush includes “advanced motion sensing technology…
The Explore and Learn Helicopter combines a favorite toy with introductory learning tools. There’s a spinning propeller of course, and wheels that roll for take-off. The exit door opens and closes — and releases colorful balls. “Pulling the helicopter and spinning the propeller promote imaginative role-playing,” VTech says. “Press on the piano keys, object buttons, and…
