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!

Parenting Styles: Why Can’t The Kids Sleep In Their Clothes?

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  My kids changed schools this year, and that means they no longer have a dress code. One of my selling points for the new school was that my sons could wear T-shirts and sweat pants every day—and after spending their entire school career in polos and khakis, they are reveling in the pure enjoyment of casual wear. Sweatpants are wonderful things. They are soft and warm and don’t need ironing. Sweats are so delightful that you can sleep in them quite happily. Which my children do. … [Read more...]

Parenting Styles: Hot/Cold Friends Are the Worst

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I have two daughters, and once upon a time I was a grade school girl myself. I knew girl drama was in the cards, but I was deluded enough to think that between an almost-nine-year-old and a three year old, I had years before we’d be dealing with that. Surprise! Seems everything starts earlier these days, because third grade has been rough. There are twelve or thirteen girls in my daughter’s class, and G has known most of them since kindergarten. One new girl - older and with a mean streak … [Read more...]

4 Keys to Picking the Right Summer Camp

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Image Credit: © Camp Art Nature | Summer Ete 2017 | CC by 2.0 I know it sounds nuts, but summer camps really are already starting to fill up! I also know that sending your kids away to summer camp can be stressful for parents, especially newbies. Below is a helpful checklist from a bonafide summer camp aficionado to ensure that you choose the right camp for your family, so you can relax and enjoy the summer... and speaking of summer and camps, don't forget to also download our free … [Read more...]

Parenting Styles: Busy Little Lives, Times Four

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About four years ago, when we had a seven, six and three-year old and a six-month old baby, I thought life was busy. Between first grade, preschool, diapers and not nearly enough sleep, I did a lot of running around. And I had this idea that things would get easier as all these kiddos got older. I pictured a time - and I’m almost there, actually - when no one would be in diapers and everyone would be in school and able to keep themselves occupied in a non-destructive way that wouldn’t involve … [Read more...]

We’re Hiring – Could You Be Our Next Contributor?

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MPMK turned 7-years-old this month guys, I can hardly believe it! And as the blog has grown, so too have my kids and the kids of my contributors... which means, I'm on the lookout for some new contributors to cover the baby beat. If you have a baby, or are expecting a baby, and have experience with writing and photography, I'd love to hear from you! We're looking for writers to cover the daily aspects of life with a baby, baby product reviews and, hey, if you can take a pretty picture … [Read more...]

New Year’s Resolution: Better Meal Planning – Finally

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When it comes to getting meals on the table, are you tired of: scrambling to make something decent out of what’s in your fridge resorting to compromise or convenience foods because you’re short on time battling weight gain and feeling discouraged that the family isn’t eating better wasting money on restaurants, food that goes bad, and too many last-minute grocery runs and feeling like cooking is a burden instead of a joy? I totally get it, because I’ve struggled with those … [Read more...]

MPMK Gift Guide: 50+ Toys that are $20 or Less!

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This could be one of the most useful pages you've come across on the internet for Christmas and the rest of the year in a long while! Once your kids are a certain age, you find yourself spending a good number of your weekends at other kids' birthday parties... and that can get expensive! Wouldn't it be great to have on hand a list of toys that the birthday boy or girl will truly love AND will cost you less than $20 a pop? Best Gifts for Babies Under $20 First 100 Words $4.99 (9 months – 3 … [Read more...]

Winter Thriving: A Parent’s Guide to the Holiday Season

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Christmas is almost here guys, followed closely by New Year's Eve and all of the resolutions that come with it. Here today to help us out with the overwhelm that can often come with both are my favorite nutritionists from my favorite detox program,  They're going to be sharing their fail-proof 5-step plan to winter thriving for the whole family. Before we get to that though, make sure you take a second to check out their revolutionary Prescribe 20 program which is 20 days just for feeling … [Read more...]

MPMK Gift Guide Glimpse: Top Games for Playing Alone

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Did you know that within each of the 15 MPMK 2017 Gift Guides, there are several mini-gift guides? Actually, let me back up a second and say how much I've enjoyed all the comments I've already been getting from all of you on this year's guides. For example: These are awesome! I've waited to make Christmas lists until they came out- and now I"ve shared with all my friends. The past two years I've used them and the gifts are ALWAYS a hit! -Ellen and this one's another … [Read more...]