I don't have to tell you that this school year is going to be unlike any other. This year, it's not only wise to establish a space inside the home that's a suitable study environment, it's essential. Without an efficient place to do homework, kids can struggle to focus, can lack the motivation to attend to their work, and can be prone to household distractions. They can also, in reaction to insufficient workspaces, develop exceedingly strange study practices which will raise eyebrows for the … [Read more...]
How to Set Up Natural Play Spaces in Your Back Yard
Recently, one of my neighbors sent out a group text asking if anyone had logs from cut-down trees for a friend who had some cool plans for her backyard. It immediately reminded me of the Natural Play Spaces series we did a few years ago and I sent it to her. Looking over it, I remembered how wonderful it was and wanted to share it with you guys with summer being here. I hope it inspires you to look at your backyard in a whole new way this summer! I've written before about how much I value … [Read more...]
Dipping My Toes in Homeschooling/Microschool/Pod Learning, Oh My!
I'm not gonna lie, the fact that we've only got one more day until the month of August is FREAKING ME OUT a little. The school year is going to be here before we know it! The 2019-2020 school year ended with most of our kids e-learning. This fall is likely to be the same - or at the very least, partial face-to-face instruction and partially at home. That worked ok for two of my kids... but my rising 1st grader? Not. At. All. It's abundantly clear to me that he NEEDS in-person instruction. So … [Read more...]
Top 10 Parenting Books for Raising Boys
I have a confession to make. Since discovering the absolute genius that is audiobooks (see here for a primer on how to get started if you've never read with your ears before), I'm rapidly reverting back to the bookworm I was as a child. It's glorious. I've even participated in a mini book club with my mom friends about the book Little Girls Can Be Mean. Having started exploring the topic of parenting girls, I now want delve into the subject of sons (appropriate since I have two of them). So, … [Read more...]
My New Book! Plus an Exclusive Bonus for MPMK Readers!
I've got some big... HUGE news to share today! After a LOT of hard work behind the scenes for the past several months, I'm so excited to finally announce that I have a picture book coming out and it just became available for pre-sale! Trains Coming Through! My First Big Book of Trains is the book every little train lover you know should have! I was inspired to write it by all three of my kids' fascination with trains, pretty much from birth through their early elementary … [Read more...]
Homemade Face Paints for the 4th of July
There’s no time like the 4th of July to get your party on in the backyard. Along with the fireworks this year, why not whip up some homemade face paints using the simple recipe below. Your kids will light up at the chance to display their very own stars and stripes. To make homemade face paint, you will need: 1 tsp of milk 1 tsp of cornstarch ½ tsp of water red food coloring blue food coloring Combine the milk, cornstarch, and water in a small bowl and add a few drops of food … [Read more...]
3 Things I’m Loving This Week
Years ago, I used to do a semi-regular feature on things I was loving. With the world as upside down as it is these days, I feel like we could all use as many pro tips for doing life as possible- so I'm bringing it back! Insta-Worthy Inflatable Pools The heat arrived in Washington last week and I immediately made my way to Target to get my backyard ready. I had no idea there was a whole new wave of super stylish inflatable pools out there. But you better believe I snatched one up as soon … [Read more...]
Last Day to Get it for FREE!
I was reading the New York Times newsletter this morning and this jumped out at me... I've been getting a lot of emails from you over the last few days. Many of you have already signed up, and are super excited, for my 5 day email course, Plan Your Summer Like Boss (yay! So am I!) But some of you are still a little confused. It's my sure-fire way to do what the experts are recommending above - create the summer schedule your kids desperately need. In a nutshell, the challenge is a … [Read more...]
How to get the Calm Home You Need Right Now
2020 has made me realize a few things... First, in times of stress, having a home that’s calm and well-run makes me feel better, especially when I’m feeling out of control. So many things are changing, but things that ARE predictable are extremely comforting to me right now. Maybe you’re feeling this too. Maybe you're also feeling like you can’t even find 10 extra minutes in your day to get some calm. Don't worry, I completely understand. We’ve all been there, it comes … [Read more...]
Parents: 4 Tools for Keeping Your Calm Right Now
With everything going on in the world right now, I'm finding myself with less emotional reserves to be patient and gentle with my kids (who really need it right now!). If you're feeling the same way, we've got a great guest post today from Mary L. Pulido, Ph.D., the Executive Director of The New York Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children Psst - For additional tips on managing stress and trauma, please consider registering for Dr. Pulido’s upcoming webinar “Stress Management … [Read more...]
Parenting: Sesame Street Special on Racism this Saturday
The 60-minute special "Coming Together: Standing Up to Racism. A CNN/Sesame Street Town Hall for Kids and Families" will air on Saturday, June 6, at 10 a.m. ET. The show will talk to kids about racism and the recent nationwide protests, while also explaining how they can embrace diversity and be more empathetic and understanding. Who is moderating? Big Bird will join CNN commentator Van Jones and CNN anchor and national correspondent Erica Hill to moderate the event. Who is … [Read more...]
DIY Father’s Day Banner & Card
When was the last time you decorated for Father's Day? Never? Yeah, me neither but if ever there was a time for it, this is it! This year we made a card for my husband that would double as decor for Father's Day. My daughter loves that it isn't a normal folded card, and I love that it will give a festive touch to our Father's Day celebration. … [Read more...]
Kid-Friendly Meal Idea: Cobb Salad Bar
Somehow things feel better when you are able to choose them. In our house, vegetables can be a hard sell. They go down a little easier, though, when you can have more of your favorites and less of the ones you don't like. Maybe you didn't think you liked tomatoes, but when they're mixed with all the bacon, they're not so bad! Making a cobb salad bar is super easy. Gather different size bowls and a cutting board and get to work. This is the kind of thing kids can help … [Read more...]
9 Mother’s Day DIY Projects Your Kids Can Make in Under 30 Minutes
My husband got an email blast the other day that made me laugh out loud. The gist was this, "Heads up guys, there's no elementary teacher to help your kids make their Mother's Day gift this year... it's on you!" If you have a suspicion your partner doesn't have a thing planned, first, no judgement. We're all juggling what feels like a million things right now. Second, we're here to save the day with some adorable DIYs that your kids can make in under 30 minutes this week. Maybe your kids will … [Read more...]