"This year I'll do it right"
I'm certainly going to try anyway. I usually feel like it's a miracle when my kids get to school on time. With all that's involved with getting them dressed, fed and organized, my house is chaos in the morning. But I hear the hours before school doesn't have to be a mad dash. Here are some back to school tips for less chaotic mornings from other, seemingly more organized moms. I plan to put into effect for the 2019-20...
Memories of when I would "go outside and play"
As a kid I was allowed to roam the neighborhood on my own by either foot or bicycle at a relatively early age. We did not have the safety net of gps tracking devices or cell phones. We had a limited area we were allowed to cover and we respected the rules. And we didn't wear helmets, though I admit requiring gear to protect your head makes good sense for both kids and adults.
Most of the time, we played...
Don't want your child to overload on candy this year on Easter? I understand.
A few sweets in the Easter basket are fine, but there are other items you can add that your child will enjoy too! Here are some ideas sent in by creative moms:
Sweet tasting chapstick
Goldfish crackers
Granola bars
Sunglasses
Sidewalk Chalk
Outdoor toys
Play-doh
Craft supplies
Crayons
Coloring books
Paintbrushes/outdoor paint with rocks to pain
Adorable, easy and completely customizable. Did I mention delicious? Kids love fruit rollups!
If you are looking for a fun project to do with your children for Valentine's Day, this one is perfect. You will all get a little sticky, but the end result makes it worthwhile. You could even make these for the kids to hand out in school (if the school allows). Write a special note and place in a small clear plastic bag tied with red ribbon for a unique valentin
Bonus: They'll be happier adults too.
A friend recently confided in me that her son, age 7, is "such a softie." She cherishes his tenderness but worries he isn't learning to be, in her words, tough. In the current climate of individualism and look-at-me culture, it makes sense that parents would choose to groom their children in grit over politeness, but parenting experts say they need both. Mettle and resilience shouldn't develop at the expense o
“Kids today are in a devastating emotional state! Most come to school emotionally unavailable for learning. There are many factors in our modern lifestyle that contribute to this.” ~V.P.
In her practice, my friend Victoria Prooday, OT is seeing something so widespread and alarming that I asked if I could share her thoughts. Due to the overwhelming interest and conversation on this topic, I am re-sharing her post.
I encourage every parent wh
Get ready to have some fun in a blissfully climate-controlled setting. We'll be continually updating this list, so let us know about your favorites. Important note: Some pay-to-play centers may not be open on weekends because they host parties, so be sure to check on hours in advance.
Pay-to-play spots
CooCoos
This Plano attraction abounds with bounce houses of all shapes and sizes including giant versions of a gorilla, alligator and octopus.
How do you describe motherhood? Sure, motherhood means you are raising children, but it's so much more and often hard to put into words. Being a mom is a wonderful, beautiful and remarkable gift. It's about unconditional love, joy and selflessness. But motherhood also can be defined by sleepless nights, extra worries and feeling overwhelmed. For me, anyway.
Some days are definitely easier than others. I regularly sacrifice my time, finances and sometimes
With technology advancing further and faster than ever before, kids born today will only read about what our lives were like growing up. Below is a list of realities from our childhood that our kids will likely never experience firsthand.
Long Boring Travel
Our family sang, talked or played car games on long car trips. These distractions provided great memories, a chance to look out the window at the scenery passing by, and the opportunity to really sp
If you are like me, I am always looking for cool new books to read with my kids. Here are few recently released. Let us know how you like them!
WHERE'S BUNNY:
by Theo Heras, illustrated by Renné Benoit Age Range: 2-5 (picture book)
The sibling pair that last made Baby Cakes (2017) now walk themselves through a bedtime routine.
They pick up toys, bathe, brush their teeth, put on their “jammies,” cuddle up “to hear a favorite story,” exch
