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7 Smoothies to Help Your Picky Eater Get Enough Protein

April 21 by Kristin

Smoothies are 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 youngest's current eating habits, it can often be the only guaranteed way! Plus, there are endless varieties to be made. 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 sharing 7 high protein smoothie recipes both her … [Read more...]

Filed Under: In the Kitchen, Kristin Tagged With: easy breakfast recipes, easy kid breakfasts, high protein smoothie recipes, kids smoothie breakfasts, nutrition for kids, protein for kids, protein smoothies for kids

A Positive Parenting Approach for Changing Kids’ Challenging Behaviors

April 14 by Steph (MPMK Founder)

This approach of analyzing what could be causing behaviors and the mindful/positive techniques for addressing them is WONDERFUL - love the free printable worksheet that's included too!

Image Credit: © Suzette Pauwels (text & graphic added) | 01.01.11 | CC by 2.0 As we all continue to deal with shelter-in-place, I thought it would be the perfect time to re-post a piece written by one of my blogging buddies, Amanda from Not Just Cute. She shares a wonderful method for dealing with problem behaviors in a positive and effective manner... And make sure you don't miss the extra-helpful printable for trying the techniques out in your home.   If you've been a … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Parenting Tagged With: C.A.R.E., changing kids behaviors, discipline, mindful parenting, parenting, positive discipline, positive parenting

Free Printable: No More “Mom, I’m Bored!”

April 6 by MJ at Pars Caeli

Free printable - no more, "Mom, I'm bored!"... This is going up on our wall ASAP!

When stuck at home, as we all are, there seems to be endless rounds of, “Mom, I’m bored!” Today we’re fixing that complaint with this creative checklist that I have clipped and posted around my home. Acronyms are easy ways for my children (and me) to remember activities to keep themselves busy and energized during the free time. Get your free No More "Mom, I'm Bored!" printable here, then read on for TONS of ideas for each … [Read more...]

Filed Under: MJ, Printables, The Make & Play Vault Tagged With: BORED printable, ideas for bored kids, summer activities for kids, summer activities printable

3 Things that Worked for Us Last Week

March 30 by Steph (MPMK Founder)

I'm starting something new today... During these trying times I want to share as many helpful tools as possible, especially those that we've tried in our home and found to be super helpful. With that in mind, I'm going to start writing about a few things that have been working for us from time to time. Here's last week's list... #1 Bulk Frozen Fruit Good nutrition is, of course, super important right now but going to the store every week to get fresh fruit doesn't … [Read more...]

Filed Under: The Everyday Tagged With: adventure academy, family tik tok, heathy snack, online learning, tik tok for families

Honk! Books for Your Truck/Train/Car-Loving Child

March 25 by Janssen

A dozen great books for kids who love trucks/cars/"mighty machines" etc. Our favorites are #s 1, 2, 11 and 12!

After the popularity of Princess Books You'll Actually Want Your Daughter to Read, Janssen and I knew we had to do a list for the boys.  We settled on vehicles because that's what the little guys in our lives are into (and my little girl as well - of course this list is for both genders).  Hope you enjoy this roundup - #1, 2, 11, and 12 are especially popular at our house. Last summer, my sister and I were driving in the car together, with no children. I interrupted her mid-sentence to say, … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Janssen, The Book Nook Tagged With: books for boys, construction books for kids, construction vehicle books, truck books, truck books for kids, vehicle books for kids

I Just Signed My Kids Up for Camp Invention- Here’s Why

March 19 by Steph (MPMK Founder)

*This post is sponsored by Camp Invention®, all opinions are 100% my own. Like many parents, I've got a number of concerns bouncing around my head these days. One of the big ones is whether my kids will actually go back to school at all this year- and what that could mean for them academically. I'm worried about all the learning they're missing out on while their schools are closed. Every summer we talk about guarding against the infamous "summer slide". Will there be a much larger … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Parenting Tagged With: camp invention, STEM activities, stem camp, stem learning, stem summer camps, summer camp ideas

My Kids’ Schools Have Been Shuttered for Almost Two Weeks- Here’s What I’ve Learned

March 16 by Steph (MPMK Founder)

Did you know my kids' school district was the very first to be shut down in the country? Today is our 9th day of no school and we've got a minimum of 6 weeks to go. There's still a long haul ahead of us all, to be sure, but I've learned some things since we've been stuck at home and I have one big piece of advice I'd like to share with any of you who aren't as far down this road as we are...Take a little time to throw together a general daily schedule- you'll … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Parenting Tagged With: coronavirushomeschool, coronavirusmom, coronavirusparent, coronavirusshutdown, homeschoolideas, schoolshutdown

10 St. Patrick’s Day Books for Kids

March 10 by Janssen

We're on day two of forced homeschooling- it's time for some St. Patricks Day books!  With the Irish holiday just around the corner, these ten St. Patrick's Day books are perfect for celebrating all things green and gold. Whether you're looking for an informational book about the holiday, a classic folk tale, or just a fun tale of a tricky leprechaun, one (or more) of these books will fit the bill for your preschool or elementary-age child. There Once Was a Man Named Michael Finnegan by … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Janssen, The Book Nook Tagged With: children's books, st patrick's day, St. Patrick's Day books, St. Patrick's Day books for kids

My Glamour Article on Our Coronavirus Forced Homeschooling

March 6 by Steph (MPMK Founder)

Earlier this week I shared my experience living at the center of the coronavirus outbreak in America. It's only been 4 days and the situation has elevated quite a bit. Late Wednesday night word came from our school district's superintendent; effective immediately, all schools in our district are closed for up to 14 days. Teaching will continue, at home, via the internet. For the foreseeable future, I’m a working mom with no childcare, overseeing the daily lesson plans of a kindergartner, a … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Parenting Tagged With: coronavirus epicenter, coronavirus homeschool, coronavirus prep, family preparation for coronavirus, talking to kids about coronavirus, washington coronavirus

Super Special Sensory Play: Ice Cream Playdough

March 5 by Kristin

Ice Cream Play Dough. This amazing play dough looks, feels, (and smells) just like real ice cream BUT DOESN'T MELT - such a fun activity for birthday parties or other special occasions!

On Tuesday I wrote about how my family has been affected living in the epicenter of the American coronavirus outbreak and I plan to continue writing about our experiences in the coming days. Late last night, though, we got word that every school in my kids' district is closing- and we will be participating in at-home, mobile learning for up to 14 days.  Needless to say, I'm scrambling for ways to make it work having my kindergartner, 3rd and 5th graders home while I also need to work. One of … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Creating & Engaging, Kristin, Sensory & Interactive Play, The Make & Play Vault Tagged With: arts and crafts for kids, easy crafts for kids, ice cream dough, ice cream dough recipe, play doh recipe, play ideas, playdough recipe, rainy day play, sponsored, tactile DIY for kids

St. Patrick’s Day Treat: Rainbow Drinks

March 4 by Janssen

Such a quick and easy way to celebrate St. Paddy's Day with the kids - love the sherbet version at the end of the post!

I love celebrating the holidays with my kids - they have such a knack for getting excited about each and every one. But that doesn't mean I want to stay up all night frosting cupcakes! Simple but special treats that take under 5 minutes to prepare are much more up my alley. Here's Janssen with a great one... Last year, I made some of that rainbow jello that's floating around on the Internet to celebrate St. Patrick's Day. It looked great, but it took hours to make (because it had to set between … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Holiday Projects, Janssen, Seasonal Fun Tagged With: kid snacks, kid treats, rainbow dessert, rainbow fruit drink, recipe, st patrick's day, St. Patrick's Day dessert, St. Patrick's Day treats

My Family Lives in the Coronavirus Epicenter in the U.S. – Here’s How We’re Handling It

March 2 by Steph (MPMK Founder)

As the coronavirus continues to spread across the country, more and more families will have to deal with its effects. Today, I thought I'd share with you my experience so far as a mom of three elementary-aged kids living in the center of the U.S. outbreak. I live 10 minutes away from the hospital where the six American Coronavirus deaths occurred. Two of my three children were born there. My husband was actually a hospital administrator there for 5 years before switching hospitals last … [Read more...]

Filed Under: The Everyday Tagged With: coronavirus epicenter, family prep for coronavirus, family preparation for coronavirus, talking to kids about coronavirus, washington coronavirus

Why I’m Making Breakfast Our New Family Meal (and You Should, Too!)

February 25 by Steph (MPMK Founder)

Thank you Honey Bunches of Oats® Frosted Cereal for sponsoring this post. Now available at major retailers nationwide! This time of year, my kids’ after school activities start to really take over our schedule, especially All. The. Sports.  Skiing for all three is wrapping up, we just had little league baseball tryouts for my oldest son, AND my daughter decided to start basketball. No joke, in the spring we’re often gone during dinnertime as many as four out of five weeknights. That means we … [Read more...]

Filed Under: The Everyday Tagged With: cereal, frosted cereal, honey bunches of oats frosted cereal, kids breakfast

My 7 Nordstrom Winter Sale Picks Not to Miss!

February 20 by Steph (MPMK Founder)

Only three days left of the Nordstrom Winter Sale- have you check it out yet?! Today, I've rounded up the 7 pieces every on-the-go mom can use in their closet this spring. I hope you love them all as much as I do (and that you grab a great deal!!) #1 - Button Ankle Skinny Jeans $135, Now $81 MADEWELL These are my FAVORITE jeans. I wear them all the time- they're super comfy and flattering and I get so many compliments. Such a great way to easily change up your wardrobe … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Mom Health, Beauty & Style Tagged With: capsule mom wardrobe, capsule wardrobe, minimalist mom wardrobe, mom wardrobe, nordstrom sale

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