Modern Parents Messy Kids

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Must-Try: 30 Days of Doing with 4-H!

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*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

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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

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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

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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...]

Online Summer Classes for Kids that are Perfect for Down Time

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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

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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...]

15 Summer Hairstyles that Take 5 Minutes or Less

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As the school year comes to close, I'm looking at my personal time shrinking like crazy.  Don't get me wrong, I love spending the days with my kids at the beach or the pool.  I also love not having to pack lunches. But, let's admit it, having my kids home from school means that I may not get a shower before we start the day.  It also means that my hair will look less than stellar. This summer, I'm looking for hair styles that take 5 minutes or less. I'm also looking for styles that … [Read more...]

Healthy Eats: Taking Avocado Toast Up a Notch

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Have you heard of the 'momiform'?  This is what we wear on the regular. I'm talking favorite jeans with some version of a soft tee, a cardigan (in either navy or black) and a comfy leather shoe.  The momiform is our go-to outfit that we wear on the daily. I actually love having things that I know work for me.  Yes, it's predictable, but it's easy and always looks great.  Let's move that thought to lunch. Avocado toast has the become the momiform of lunch.  It's easy to smear some … [Read more...]

9 Family Dinners Perfect for Beginning Kid Cooks

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Bringing kids into the kitchen not only teaches them valuable skills that will serve them well later in life, it gives you time with them.  And we all know that time is precious.  Start using the time you're making dinner to involve the kids. There are nights where you're eating on the run or you have company coming and it might not be the best time to have a little one helping you.  But, on the nights where it's just the family and you don't have any place to be, involve your kids in the … [Read more...]