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Good Idea: Busy Bag Swap

March 21 by Steph (MPMK Founder)

Ever since sharing with you guys about parents swapping cliff notes (and your resounding positive response to the idea), I haven't been able to get it out of my mind.  So here's the good news, tomorrow I'll have some bona fide cliff notes for you from a very special guest poster, Whitney of Rookie Moms.  And who knows, it could be just the beginning of a whole new venture here.   Before we get to that, though, I've got something else to share today.  I've been thinking about other great … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Project Organize Your ENTIRE Life, Quiet Time, Simple Ideas Tagged With: busy bags, Project Organize Your ENTIRE Life, quiet time activities for kids

Good Idea: Parenting Books Cliff Notes Swap

March 8 by Steph (MPMK Founder)

The books pictured above have been taking up residence on my nightstand for as long as I can remember, and I haven't gotten past the first chapter on any of them.  I have a 3 year old and a 19 month old, I just don't have time in my life to crack open a book (and the 7th grade bookworm version of me just died a little with that sentence).  So there they sit, mocking me each night before I turn off the light.  I'm confident they're filled with the secrets to totally nailing this parenting thing, … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Simple Ideas

In Support of Hands-On Play (and Defense of Myself)

March 5 by Steph (MPMK Founder)

I apologize to everyone tuning in today hoping for some playtime fun (soon!), but I've got to start this week by getting something off my chest.  Ever since publishing the post We Need to Talk: Kids & Screen Time, I've been tossing and turning in bed over the response.  On the one hand I was really happy that the post generated a (mostly) constructive discourse on the topic of kids and screen time.  On the other hand, though the conversation was a good one, it wasn't the one I meant to … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Parenting Tagged With: children's apps, kid apps, screen time, screen time for children, screen time for kids, STEM

On Being Stuck at Home with Sick Kids

March 2 by Steph (MPMK Founder)

'Tis the season of the runny nose.  The worst part about this time of year isn't the sick kids, it's being trapped at home with little ones who are too contagious to be unleashed onto the world but still too spunky to stay in bed and sleep it off.  If you find yourself in that particularly frustrating position, you might want to check out my momtastic post, 10 Activities When Sickness Has You Stuck at Home.  Then, once you've adequately tuckered out the little guys, read this post, snuggle them … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Simple Ideas

We Need to Talk: Kids & Screen Time

February 23 by Steph (MPMK Founder)

Not to be overly dramatic, but I read the most fascinating New York Times post the other day and it completely changed my thoughts on kids and screen time.  If you have kids, then you have surely been bombarded with the news that TV is not great for them.  Your pediatrician likely recommended nixing the boob tube completely until the age of 2 and keeping viewing to a limited amount after that.  And if that didn't sink in, you've probably run into at least one mom eager to share links between too … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Parenting

Parenting Happy Kids

February 21 by Steph (MPMK Founder)

photo via The Busy Budgeting Mama   I've got something very exciting to announce: "The meal plan is coming! The meal plan is coming!".  My friend Mel (who's a healthy cooking rock star) is currently training and raising funds for Team in Training.  So I suggested she make a 12 week meal plan, which I'll put up here along with a link where everyone can show their appreciation by donating to help fight blood cancer (completely at  your discretion and no minimum amount required).  … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Simple Ideas

Everything You Need to Know to Pick the Right Preschool

February 2 by Steph (MPMK Founder)

How to find the right preschool for your child.

I recently realized it's that time of year again... preschool picking season!  I can't believe it's already been thirteen months since we went through the frustrating/exciting/overwhelming process that is enrolling your child for their first school experience.    Just in case you're in that boat this year, I wanted to re-post all the good info. I gathered up back then and also to remind you that I've written about our experiences with an all outdoor preschool. Hope it … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Parenting Tagged With: finding the right preschool, how to find the right preschool, parenting styles, preschool options

Giving your child P.R.I.D.E.

January 30 by Steph (MPMK Founder)

Giving your child P.R.I.D.E.

Did you know it only takes 5 minutes of quality time a day with your child to give them a sense of emotional connection with you?  That's it!  Just 5 minutes of down-on-their-level, one-on-one time per day - you can do that right?  And to make that time even more valuable, mix in the 5 things mentioned above: praise, reflection, imitation, describing behavior, and enjoyment.   If you're wondering where all this is coming from, it's one of the simplest things I learned in that Love and … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Parenting, Printables

DIY Projects Just to Make the Kids Smile

January 25 by Steph (MPMK Founder)

One look at The Make & Play Vault and you know I'm not one to shy away from a good DIY.  For playtime, for learning, for getting organized, for sprucing up the place and etc.... but how about DIYing for no other reason than to make the kids smile?  Isn't that a lovely thought?  Today I've got a handful of projects which, while they may not revolutionize your life, your little ones will be sure to think are pretty darn special.   I love everything about the space on the top right … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Design with Kids in Mind, Parenting

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