*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...]
My Kids’ Schools Have Been Shuttered for Almost Two Weeks- Here’s What I’ve Learned
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...]
10 St. Patrick’s Day Books for Kids
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...]
My Glamour Article on Our Coronavirus Forced Homeschooling
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...]
Super Special Sensory Play: Ice Cream Playdough
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...]
St. Patrick’s Day Treat: Rainbow Drinks
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...]
My Family Lives in the Coronavirus Epicenter in the U.S. – Here’s How We’re Handling It
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...]
Why I’m Making Breakfast Our New Family Meal (and You Should, Too!)
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...]
My 7 Nordstrom Winter Sale Picks Not to Miss!
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...]
Rainy Day Play: Gum Drop Engineers
With cold days persisting and school breaks coming up, I thought now would be the perfect time to share one of my all-time favorite indoor play ideas... Have you noticed the big emphasis on both creativity and STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) skills for kids lately? At first glance these two things may seem to be in opposition, but in reality creative thinking and innovation are necessities to scientific and technological advancement. So how do we foster these … [Read more...]
Making Snowmen… Inside!
You know how we love a good messy sensory art project here at MPMK. So far we've tackled Jell-O Play Dough, DIY body Paint, and even Dr. Seuss' Oobleck. So what's next? Why, indoor snowmen of course! Kaley's here today sharing with us... I always think of sledding and building snowmen as the quintessential wintertime activities. Unfortunately, we don't live anywhere near snow. I didn't want to rob my little one of all that winter fun, so I had to get a little creative. With a few boxes of … [Read more...]
My Favorite Valentine Activity for Toddlers
Valentine's Day is just a couple weeks away and it can be hard to think of an engaging way to celebrate with young toddlers. I told you I was going to help you grow better eaters and the holiday is the perfect time to try something new! So today I've got a fun activity your kiddo will enjoy- and will produce lots of cute pictures too ;) When introducing new foods to new eaters, it’s important to go slow. Just like adults, young toddlers eat with all their … [Read more...]
Easy and Healthy To-Go Snacks for Toddlers
Running around with young toddlers is challenging for a number of reasons. There's the dreaded task of having to work around nap time. Not to mention the mountain of stuff you need to bring: diapers, changing pads, and- of course - healthy snacks! Today I'm sharing 7 of our favorite healthy snacks that you can make ahead of time and can grab-and-go without worry. #1 - The Roll Up Simple to make and easy to create lots of different varieties, the roll up is a great snack (or … [Read more...]
10 Immunity Boosting Recipes for Keeping the Family Healthy
It seems like this time of year my family (and basically every family we know) gets hit with some serious sick bugs. One of the worse seasons I can remember lasted for more than a month. I won't get too much into the gory details. Suffice to say that it was a stomach bug/flu that hit everyone, except for me, for over a week at a time (some of us multiple times). It. Was. Awful. And it was somewhere around the moments I was alternating between rubbing the back of my 21-month-old while he slept … [Read more...]
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