Is it just me, or is spring break awesome?And not the college kind of spring break, which, if memory serves me here, was fun in an alcohol-specific way.But I’m talking about spring break in my mid-thirties, four kids deep, when two weeks off of school doesn’t even mean a vacation. Instead, it means three things that I’ve come to deeply appreciate:No alarm clocks (except for my husband, and we all feel terrible for him). No making school lunches, and for some reason, this feels … [Read more...]
The Ultimate Guide: Protecting Your Kids Online
Image Credit: © zeitfaenger.at | ...next generation | CC by 2.0Children using the internet is a modern parenting dilemma.How can we let them enjoy and benefit from this world-changing, infinitely educational tool that can span the globe in seconds while also protecting them from its potential dangers? Setting aside the issue of how much “screen time” children should have, here we will look at how to make that screen time safe, fun and productive—whether you are thinking of letting your … [Read more...]
Mom Rant: Stop Calling Your Husband Your Biggest Kid
I'm so interested to know how you guys feel about Jessica's post today- she certainly has some strong opinions!Do you agree? Not agree? Does the whole thing just make you smirk? Stop by our facebook or instagram pages and let me know... I saw something on Pinterest the other day, one of those e-cards or memes or whatever that had a picture of a goofy guy in his 30s giving a thumbs up and the caption, “Your husband will always be your biggest and oldest child that requires the most … [Read more...]
How to Set Up a Successful Homework Routine with Your Kids
Image Credit: © John Bolland | homework | CC by 2.0 With a brand new year, many of us are looking for a fresh start so today I've got a professional organizer with us to help! She's going to teach us all about how to help our kids become more independent in their homework routines.I love her suggestions and practical tips and have been using them at home with great success. Here's Lea with everything else you need... Eventually, most parents want to stop doing homework. At least, I know I … [Read more...]
Back-to-School Must-Read: The “Me, Me, Me” Epidemic
You guys know I've been a long time fan of positive parenting expert Amy McCready.My family has used her positive parenting eCourse for years and we've collaborated several times to offer free webinars on positive parenting topics like getting kids to listen without nagging or yelling (look for our next free webinar coming next month).Last year Amy released a brand new book: The Me, Me, Me Epidemic: A Step-by-Step Guide to Raising Capable, Grateful Kids in an Over-Entitled World I was … [Read more...]
Parenting Styles: My Son is a Slob
I adored this latest submission in our 'Parenting Styles' series- because this is TOTALLY me! It's taken a long, long, LONG time but I've finally realized that being such a big believer in teaching my kids to do for themselves means that it's not going to be done up to my standards. And that's ok. In fact it's as it should be.I've finally realized it, but living it and being cool with it is something I'm still working on. Every. Single. Day. The struggle is real people.Here's Jessica with … [Read more...]
Why You Should be Spring Cleaning Your Parenting Each Year
I've got a fantastic positive parenting guest post today from Annie of Motherhood and More. I discovered Annie through her hilarious and insightful facebook posts and was instantly smitten.I absolutely love her idea of spring cleaning your parenting each year. It can be so easy to get stuck in our habits and routines without putting much thought into what we're doing.By putting a parenting spring clean on the calendar every year, you're ensuring that you're not parenting on auto-pilot! … [Read more...]
Parenting Styles: When is the Right Time to Start Kids in Sports?
Jessica is back today discussing her parenting style when it comes to extracurricular activities. More specifically, her experience enrolling her son in a martial arts program at age 4.When and where to start enrolling your kids in activities has to be one of the most personal choices of parenting.There doesn't actually seem to be a lot of routinely recited advice on the topic (other than to always, always - Dear God, Always! - be weary of over-scheduling). So I love to see what other … [Read more...]
Parenting Styles: Saying No to Tween TV
What's your parenting style when it comes to kids and TV ? It's so much more simple when your kids are really young isn't it? When you can turn on Sesame Street every once in a while and they're happy?Can't we just stay in this place forever? According to our parenting contributor, Jessica, no- no we cannot. But that doesn't mean we're without power.Here she is with her take on the dreaded "Tween TV". She's got some pretty strong feelings on the subject. I'm curious, what's your take? Is … [Read more...]