Training parents about all things preschool and kids aged 18 months–5 years
Neither my husband nor I grew up in the state we now call home. That means we have no local family; the closest family we have is a solid three hours away, and the farthest is far across the ocean (my family comes from military stock; we like to spread our awesomeness across continents). Because…
Picky eaters and preschoolers are basically the same thing in my book. And unless you’re one of those lucky parents who’ve managed to raise a magical being with an adventurous palate, you’ll feel my pain when it comes to figuring out how to feed said cracker-muncher and green-bean-refuser. Throw a big family meal like Thanksgiving…
If the thought of breaking out the handprint turkey placemats again this year makes you cringe, it might be time to shake things up for Thanksgiving. You’ve heard of Destination Weddings, but what about Destination Thanksgiving? Here are some of the best places in the country to celebrate Thanksgiving – no cooking required! Historic Thanksgiving…
The very idea of preparing for a huge meal like Thanksgiving can be daunting. All those dishes to stir and simmer, the house to clean and decorate, and normal family duties to juggle alongside extended family and their unique personalities means that even the most peaceful house can instantly be thrown into chaos. Take help…
Science has shown us that paying attention to what we’re grateful for can actually lead to living happier lives. And in this season of thankfulness, there’s no better time to include our children in this mindfulness practice. Learning the concept of being grateful is not always an easy one − life often deals us lemons…
Although life with kids can sometimes feel like the movie Groundhog Day, daily rituals are pretty important for your little ones. A ritual is something that’s special to your family, that’s done in a certain way or order, and that sends a message to each member that you’re on the same team and working toward…
ATTENTION ALL CITIZENS: PLEASE STEP AWAY FROM THE WEIRD PEANUT BUTTER TOFFEE THINGS WRAPPED IN ORANGE AND BLACK. THE TRICK-OR-TREATERS IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD DON’T WANT ANY! (Although, if you actually find those things somewhere, you should buy them in bulk. They’ll probably stay “good” for years and your friends who were kids in the 70s…
Let me set the scene for you: a five-year-old girl wearing a mermaid costume that sprinkles glitter all over the carpet and pink eye shadow up to her eyebrows and brand new dangly ice cream cone earrings. This fancy girl is standing in the middle of our living room, snarling at her big brother, both…
The very first time I had a room all to myself, I was 13. My older sister had moved away to college, and before my parents had even pulled out of the driveway with a uHaul filled with her stuff, I was already taping up Bebo Norman posters and inspirational quotes on the walls. As…
I read an article many years ago that really stuck with me. The article was about bringing a new baby home and how to empathize with older siblings. The article compared the feeling to how a wife would feel if her husband brought home a new wife. Give this some thought. Imagine that you’re the wife in…
