Sleep · Ages 2–3
When do toddlers stop napping — and what replaces it?
Reviewed by a pediatric sleep specialist · Jun 30
Big moments
Preparing kids for life's big moments
First dentist visits, new siblings, starting school — children handle big moments better when they know what's coming. Expert-reviewed guides with concrete scripts, rehearsal ideas and age-by-age advice.
Guides in this collection
Big moments · Ages 3–5
A new sibling is coming: how to make your firstborn feel like the hero
Reviewed by a child psychologist · Jun 27
Reading · Ages 3–5
Is my 4-year-old ready to read? Signs that matter (and myths)
Reviewed by an early-literacy specialist · Jun 24
Sleep · Ages 2–3
When do toddlers stop napping — and what replaces it?
Reviewed by a pediatric sleep specialist · Jun 30
Big moments · Ages 3–5
A new sibling is coming: how to make your firstborn feel like the hero
Reviewed by a child psychologist · Jun 27
Reading · Ages 3–5
Is my 4-year-old ready to read? Signs that matter (and myths)
Reviewed by an early-literacy specialist · Jun 24
Parents also ask
How far in advance should I prepare my child?
For most big moments, a few days to two weeks is the sweet spot — long enough to rehearse, short enough that the anticipation doesn't build into dread. Each guide gives a specific countdown by age.
Does talking about it make anxiety worse?
No — for the large majority of children, naming what's coming and why lowers anxiety. What backfires is over-reassuring ("there's nothing to be scared of"). Our guides give the wording that works instead.
What if my child is already scared?
Start by acknowledging the feeling rather than arguing with it, then rehearse the moment in small, playful steps. Every guide has a dedicated "if it's already gone wrong" section.