Nikki Malloy: What's rockin' this mom's world?

​Hi Nikki. Thanks for answering a few questions for the Parent Planet Blog. As someone who doesn't have many toddlers around anymore, but writes for children, I'm so curious about what kid related books, ideas, and moments fill a new mom's home these days.

Your son, Kyper, is seventeen months now. Currently, what is your favorite book to read with him?
We are loving "Goodnight Moon!" Kyper grabs it every night and likes to turn the pages himself. We also add our own twist at the end, “Goodnight Moon and goodnight you.” Another one he seems to like is “The Wonky Donkey.” I love that it teaches to appreciate people (and animals) for who they are, differences and all! It’s so important to me that my son grows up to love and be kind to all people. That is a lovely twist on a classic!

What are your favorite nondigital games to play with your kids?
We are loving learning about putting shapes in their correct spots in their box and peek-a-boo! We also play with a lot of cars! He hasn’t quite gotten the hang of playing games yet, but he’s been really good at playing with his cars and trucks by himself.

What are your favorite Instagram accounts related to parenting?
@toddlerdietitiantiff for new ideas on what we can give Kyper to mix up meals. I find myself constantly getting stuck in a rhythm of giving Kyper the same foods, so I love to branch out and find new yet easy snacks or meals to try!

Favorite kid-related product?
What a hard question! We’ve had many favorites through the different phases, but our current favorite would probably be his “My First Farm Book” that has lots of learning tools and soft toys and puppets. We also recently got a foldable toddler tower for our kitchen, and we’ve loved learning how to climb up and down and make lunch together! I love this idea. What a great way to empower kids!

Favorite family trip taken in the last year?
We got to go back home to California for Thanksgiving and show Kyper where I grew up. It was so fun to see him enjoy the park across the street from my family home. I’m such a sentimental person, so getting to experience things in a new way and through his eyes is such a treat!

What is your greatest reward and/or struggle about being a new parent?
I absolutely love when he laughs with me. That giggle is the most beautiful sound I’ve ever heard! The biggest struggle, in my opinion, is that he can’t quite tell us what he wants yet, so when we’re trying to figure it out, he can get a little frustrated. Luckily, we’re starting to point to things now! Giggles are the best, especially the deep belly laughs!

What is one thing that people misjudge most about being a new parent?
I would say exhaustion and over-preparing. When building out our baby registry there were so many recommended products that you “need” for a baby and being on the other side of that now I realized we never even used half of it! It’s been fun to get gifts for other friends having kids now knowing what an actual must-have is.

What is the one thing that caught you by surprise about being a new parent?
I was personally surprised by how emotional I was over anything and everything! I was overly protective of all things Kyper. I am a people-pleaser to my core, but becoming a mom has helped me set better boundaries with people and speak up on behalf of Kyper and kids in general.

I wish there was a children’s book about...
Parents who go on tours/ travel a lot for work! That’s more niche for our family but know it could be of great use for so many others! 

Is there anything else you’d like to share?
Just that I’m so thankful for the books you’ve personally shared with us! I love that they’re different than any of the normal kid books you usually see given to kids and that makes them so special!

Thank you, Nikki, for sharing your thoughts and insights. It's great to hear what is new, and know that some special moments are eternal.

If you are a parent and would like to share any special moments or favorites for toddlers, please comment below.

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