Modern Parents Messy Kids

We're all about finding ways to make family life better while keeping our sense of humor. Check out our famous MPMK Top Toy Awards, already viewed over 7,000,000 times!

Back-to-School Must-Read: The “Me, Me, Me” Epidemic

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You guys know I've been a long time fan of positive parenting expert Amy McCready. My family has used her positive parenting eCourse for years and we've collaborated several times to offer free webinars on positive parenting topics like getting kids to listen without nagging or yelling (look for our next free webinar coming next month). Last year Amy released a brand new book: The Me, Me, Me Epidemic: A Step-by-Step Guide to Raising Capable, Grateful Kids in an Over-Entitled World I was … [Read more...]

Do You Know The “Right” Way to Hug Your Child?

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One of the things I have loved, loved, LOVED about being momma to baby M are the pre-nap snuggles. My third baby is the only one who truly loves to snuggle with me. Even as infants, S and C would wiggle in my arms as I rocked and sang to them before nap. They weren't upset, they just wanted to look around - at the room, at the fan, even at me. They were never fully relaxed enough to snuggle up as I had envisioned they would. Eventually I came to terms with it, figuring that's just how … [Read more...]

Preparing for Preschool with a Personalized Photo Book

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If you have a kiddo starting a new school this year (be it preschool, kindergarten, or even daycare) I highly recommend you check out this post from a few years ago!    Our DIY preschool photo book was such a major hit oldest child that I'm bringing it back, yet again, for our third new preschooler.   The idea comes from a child life specialist and was suggested to me by a friend when I was fretting over C’s transition from being at home full time to entering preschool two … [Read more...]

Round-Up: The Best Back-to-School Kid Clothes at Amazing Sale Prices

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Ack! Only 3 days left of the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale and I have SO MANY great back-to-school finds for the kids to share! (And don't forget about the finds for mom that I posted last week too!) I'll be honest, I don't believe in spending too much on my kids' clothes (especially the 2-year-old). As the title of this blog suggests, I believe kids should be active and messy and I don't want to be holding them back because I'm worried about that adorable, but expensive, outfit they're … [Read more...]

My Capsule Wardrobe 2.0

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My minimalist mom capsule wardrobe was so popular last year (and made dressing each day so fun and easy) that I couldn't help do it again this year. Only a little bigger and even better. Below you'll find all my picks and, big bonus, they're all on sale! If you want to get in on these finds you have to hurry, though, items are selling out and sales are ending soon. Jeans Madewell 8" Skinny Jeans $128 45% off at $69.99 I discovered these last year and have really loved them... What I … [Read more...]

Best Playtime Activities Ever

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How's your summer going so far?  Running out of ways to fill the hours yet? Never fear, today I've rounded up 10 of my all time favorite MPMK playtime activities. Click on the links for all the details. (And for extra fun, see if you can tell how old the original post is based on the slowly improving quality of my photography.) In no particular order, here they are - enjoy! 1. Discovery Bottles 2. Magic Milk Paints 3. Jell-O Playdough 4. Cup Castles (posted by me on … [Read more...]

The Best Deals We Found for Families During Amazon Prime Day!

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For today only, it's Christmas in July! Prime Day is here! Today's the day to stock up on those big ticket items you've been eyeing for yourself, your hubby or the kids. First and foremost, make sure you're eligible for the sales by becoming an Amazon Prime Member (you'll also get free 2-day shipping, yippee!). Get your free 30-day Amazon Prime Trial here. Now that you're all set. Here are the sales you need to see... … [Read more...]

Confession: Why I’m No Longer Giving Myself 1 Year to a Non-Toxic Home

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I'm writing today with a bit of a heavy heart. I'm not one for giving up on things. In fact, once I set my mind to something, there's typically no stopping me. But the "1 Year to a Non-Toxic Home Project" has been different. It started with such great intentions- namely to drastically reduce the amount of chemicals my family comes into contact with on a daily basis. The goal was, and still is, a good one. It's the totality of it - along with the timeline - that has come to be the problem. It … [Read more...]

Why I Passed on a Free Sleep Number Bed… And What I Got Instead

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I've got to start today with a warning: this is a LONG post. (If you want to skip straight to the mattress I finally ended up with - and LOVE - and the limited time offer for MPMK readers of 10% off and a bonus worth $500 that includes my favorite bamboo sheets, !) It's one I've been wanting to write for a long time and is packed with so much good stuff that I just couldn't trim it. I know it's a lot but I really hope you do read it all! I have become so passionate about the importance of … [Read more...]