This post is sponsored by the Center for Parent and Teen Communication. All opinions (and memories!) are my own.Then The thing I remember most about Jake's birth was how scared I felt bringing him home from the hospital. There's no guide book for being a parent. I wonder if first born babies sense the way new parents approach every task with uncertainty.The good news is that babies are resilient.They forgive us for putting the diaper on wrong or being a little too over protective … [Read more...]
Spooky Halloween Sandwiches
Maybe it's because of my past life as an elementary teacher, but I love celebrating holidays.I'll take any opportunity to be festive.For Halloween, I have a fun little food activity that will work for little and big kids. You can make this something that you do together on a weekend, or surprise them by packing this spooky sandwich in their lunch. … [Read more...]
Must-Try: 30 Days of Doing with 4-H!
*This post was written by Modern Parents Messy Kids through an activation with HireInfluence on behalf of 4-H. Although Modern Parents Messy Kids received compensation for participating in the campaign, all thoughts and opinions are our own.When I was in the 6th grade, my mom sent me down the street to join the local 4-H club in Stevensville, Montana. As a shy kid, I wasn't quite sure what to expect. The thought of learning about agriculture and raising livestock, which is what most … [Read more...]
10 Hacks for Better Monthly Meal Planning
Running off a MONTHLY meal plan might sound daunting. Yet, when I start mentioning less trips to the grocery store, eating healthier and less waste, you start thinking it's not so bad of an idea.Considering that Americans throw away approximately $165 billion worth of food each year, we need re-think the way we're doing things. If you weren't raised in a family that made an organized weekly trip to the grocery store, you might not know how to plan for a week, let alone a month. You may be … [Read more...]
Easy Summer Eats: Sausage, Potato and Arugula Bake
Summer is filled with backyard barbecues and potluck Sundays. The next time you get invited to a summer shindig, think about bringing this easy dish that will take less than 30 minutes to throw together.I love how the arugula brings a lightness to the potatoes and cherry tomatoes add a pop of color. Chicken versus pork sausage will also summer-ize this recipe.The vegetables and sausage bake to crispiness so they can add a savory oil to the lemony arugula salad. Get ready to share the … [Read more...]
How to Set Up a Healthy Serve-Yourself Snack Station
With school beginning soon, and a couple of my friends recently welcoming third babies to the family, helping the older kids to learn to prepare their own meals and snacks has become a hot topic of conversation.It all started when one of my friends sent me this facebook link and we all started to chime in on how the system would or wouldn't work for us and what we might do differently.Today we're starting off with snack stations. Hope you get some great ideas and we'd love to hear from … [Read more...]
7 Smoothies to Help Your Picky Eater Get Enough Protein
Around my house summer is smoothie season. It's by far the easiest, healthiest breakfast I can make for me and the kids... and everyone will happily eat/drink it!They're also an amazing way to get my kids protein. In fact, with my 2-year-old's current eating habits, it can often be the only guaranteed way!Plus, there are endless varieties to be made. So if your kiddo gets bored all you have to do is swap out a few ingredients and, presto, a whole new breakfast.Today Kristin is … [Read more...]
Online Summer Classes for Kids that are Perfect for Down Time
If you're like me, this summer you might find yourself desperately needing something to fill the space between the trips to the pool and the park play dates. Sure, it's great to spend time outside and get all the energy out. But, summer is long.There are a lot of hours in the day and parents are like cruise ship directors in the summer. Kids want to know, what are we eating and what are we doing next?We've rounded up a list of 9 different free online summer classes that you can use … [Read more...]
Parenting Styles: 9 Ways to Squeeze in One-on-One Time with Your Kid
Some days when I'm at work, I feel guilty that I'm not with my kids. And some days when I'm with my kids, I'm feeling guilty that I'm falling behind on my workload.As I've gotten older, I've learned to be present. At least, I'm getting better at it. When I'm at home, I'm trying not to think about work. And when I'm at work, I know my kids are going to a great school they love and they're being influenced by their wonderful teachers.In an effort to be present, I'm trying to squeeze in … [Read more...]