Monsters seem scary on the surface, but they really are just like you and me (and your preschooler). In Creepy Monsters, Sleepy Monsters (compare prices) by Jane Yolen and illustrator Kelly Murphy tell the tale of two monsters who love to go to school and play and all sorts of other fun things. There's just one thing they aren't too happy about and that's going to bed. (See, they really are like your preschooler!)

Through Yolen's fun, rhyming text and Murphy's hilarious illustrations, we see the bedtime routine of the not-so-scary pair. A relatable story for both kids and adults, and a great one to pull off the shelf at bedtime. (Just be warned, all that laughing may keep you awake!)

Does your preschooler give you a hard time about going to bed?

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Image: Candlewick Press

When I first heard about the concept of monthly toy subscription services, I was doubtful, especially about the rentals. We have so many toys in our house, I was afraid of lost pieces, lost toys and a child who wouldn't want to give anything back! And as for toys your purchase through a subscription, I was concerned about someone else picking out toys for my little guy. But after researching a story about all the different toy subscription services (rental and purchase), I realized I had nothing to worry about.

Have you ever tried using a subscription toy service? What did you like about it? What didn't you like?

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Image: Amanda Rock

The other day, a mom I had just met on the playground was lamenting to me that her nearly four-year-old daughter still sometimes used a pacifier at night. She was clearly ashamed, especially when I had told her that none of my kids ever really used a "binky." I felt bad because it seemed like she was at the end of her rope and didn't know quite how to handle it.

Unfortunately, a quick poll of the other moms on the playground found that her child was indeed the oldest one still using one, not making her feel any better at all!

Lucky for her, there are a few methods you can employ when trying to convince a preschooler to stop using a pacifier, including cold turkey and even a visit from the "Binky Fairy." How old was your child when he stopped using a pacifier? How did it happen?

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My preschooler eats well enough, but I'd still consider him a picky eater. He's got his favorite foods and has really very little interest in straying from them. So my new mission lately has been to get him to try new things. But how?

Erin Dow, Expert Chef at Guiding Stars has bunch of great ideas and she's shared them with us here, along with a great recipe for Blueberry Cake make with tofu that your kids will be sure to gobble up. (Really!)

Is your preschooler in an eating rut?

Related: How to Get Kids Cooking

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Image: Guiding Stars