A nasty sinus infection left me down for the count recently, leaving my wife to hold down the fort while I did my best to get well. Then, one night around 10 p.m., our son screamed from his bed as if he just found a cobra hiding in his pillow.
Imagination is the Best Medicine Read More »
The 2014 Winter Olympics officially takes place in Russia in February, but my family has already started our own family Olympics of sorts right here at home. No, we’re not skiing or speed skating. We live in Northern Florida, so that would be kind of hard. Instead we’re doing push-up challenges, timing our planks, and more all in the name of fun!
Family Fitness Activity: Planning a Winter Olympics Challenge Read More »
New Year’s Eve is always a fun night for adults but the fun doesn’t have to stop when you have kids. Over the years planning a fun New Year’s Eve has been challenging, especially when the kids were toddlers-an age where they wouldn’t last until midnight, and loud noise or music would keep them up or wake them up.
Celebrating New Year’s Eve With Children Read More »
In recent years, a peculiar character has found his way into homes, mesmerizing young children and adding yet another facet to the “magic” of Christmas. The Elf, the character in question, has been seen getting into mischief and sometimes letting curiosity get the best of him. Love him or hate him, The Elf on the Shelf is back this holiday season.
Five Charitable Elf on the Shelf Ideas Read More »
This time of year some parents face a serious challenge when it comes to Christmas shopping. Not only do they have to figure out what the kids want (and will play with), but they also have to figure out how much to spend. This can be harder to agree on than you may initially think.
How to Agree On a Christmas Budget for Your Kids Read More »
Most days the hours between 5 and 7:30 p.m. are a warzone in my house: a flurry of homework, dinner, play, clean-up, arguing, baths, teeth-brushing, and more arguing. Several rounds of sibling spats with at least two full-blown meltdowns serve as toppings to this mayhem sundae.
Stop and Smell the Diapers: Savor Every Moment Read More »
We are in the final weeks of the holiday gift buying season and I have had so many people email, text, Facebook message, and down right stop me on the street to ask me what toys and games I think they should buy the kids this Christmas. As a toy and game “TV segment girl”,
TODAY Show: Playthings That Entertain and Educate Read More »
It’s the most wonderful time of the year—or so they say! If you are anything like me, then you may be under some stress planning holiday parties and soirees that take place in your home. During this time of year, I entertain a lot in my home, and I am often the one who does
Fun Ways To Get Kids Involved in Holiday Party Chores Read More »
With busy school days comes what is for most parents their least favorite activity to do with their kids—homework.
If you loved Meredith’s ideas for Thanksgiving fun, here are some free printables from her segment on the Today Show!
Meredith Sinclair on The Today Show: Thanksgiving Family Games Read More »
As we head screaming into the holiday season, our kids are already circling, cutting, and dissecting the sales pages and catalogues that appear on our doorstep. Their only goal is to make sure that we are aware of what they want. Because that’s what the holiday season is all about, right? Well, at least to
5 Ways to Encourage Kids to Give More Than They Receive Read More »
Many families pick up and go during Thanksgiving and winter break. That means many parents may want ideas on how to keep the kids entertained before the vacation begins. With a little planning, you can avoid a trip full of whining or fighting kids and hearing “Are we there yet?” on a loop. With these tips, the fun will begin before you arrive.
Five Tips to Keep Kids Happy on a Family Road Trip Read More »
We are almost in the full throes of the holiday season, and with that will come the hustle and bustle of the most wonderful time of the year. It is also a time when many of us create family holiday greetings that are shared among loved ones and friends on their mantles, desks, shelves, etc.
5 Creative Ideas for Family Holiday Cards Read More »
As longtime Chuggington fans, we’re no strangers to Brewster, KoKo and Wilson’s adventures. In fact, we’ve hosted a few of our own trainee-themed play dates and parties. I’ve always loved Chuggington’s storylines and the trainees’ relevant lessons, which make for fun themes for the preschool set. Not surprisingly, the themes from Chuggington translate well into
Preschooler Birthday Party: Partying with Chuggington Read More »
I stood at the fence watching a few dozen children play America’s pastime and took a deep breath. One boy, no more than 4 years old, pounded his mitt with determination while another one stared aimlessly into the air at a bird. The organized T-Ball league was into its third week and most of the
Patience Saves the Game Read More »
For years my husband has raced home from work early on Halloween night so that he, our two boys, and I could walk the tree-lined streets of our neighborhood trick-or-treating together. Over the last 15 Halloweens with kids, we’ve hauled costumed infants in baby carriers strapped to our bodies, pulled toddler tricksters in wagons in case they got tired, and watched our boys race from house to house as fast as their little legs could carry them. We never took these trick-or-treating marathons for granted, knowing that one day they’d be too old for it all and our candy-collecting chaperone duty would be over.
Three Halloween Activities for Teens Read More »
My youngest son is Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Soy Free and finding candy that isn’t Taste Free is tough. Especially with Halloween coming up. Trick-or-Treating with a child with food allergies can be quite challenging. Here are a few tips to make this spooky holiday a little less scary when it comes to candy.
Trick-Or-Treating When Food Allergies are Present Read More »
As we push through day after day of raising young children, we sometimes forget that the end goal is to raise them into awesome adults. But how do you really do that? You can read all types of books, watch multiple parenting shows, and listen to the foremost experts and still feel like you’re lost
The 3 Biggest Things I Want My Kids To Learn Read More »
Every Tuesday morning, his smile radiates the minute he sees his developmental therapist walk through the door. Each week, she brings an oversized bag filled with toys, which might as well be magical to my 1-year-old. As we continue to navigate Joshua’s ongoing medical issues and developmental delays, I learn more and more about his
Sensory Play Helps Toddler Development Read More »
The scent of pumpkin spice lattes at your favorite coffee shop may be telling you that autumn has finally arrived, but to me it means one thing: time to prepare for the long winter ahead. When you’re a parent, especially of younger children, that requires more than having the kids try on their snow pants
Keep Your Family Active This Winter Read More »
If your child is anything like mine, then he or she is probably competitive. My daughter loves to play games, especially those that have scores or teams, and I like that she has fun playing team sports. But during these types of play, there is usually always a winner and a loser, and it can
5 Ways to Help Your Child Be A Good Sport Read More »
The last week of September is National Dog Week. When we became pet parents, it was a big deal. We had three kids, a busy life, and we loved to get away for a weekend. Much like having a baby, there is learning and adjusting to having pets around. You have to house train them,
The Benefits of Playing with Your Dog Read More »
With each Megazord tower, my son stacked a primary-colored Duplo brick on top of another with precision. Like a skilled mason, he took pride in his craft and carefully secured each brick, committing to make each tower taller than the last. But when it reached its summit and couldn’t withstand the weight and pressure of
Why Redshirting Kindergarten Made Sense for Us Read More »
My wife and I are entrepreneurs who own and operate a family business. Our children know that we own a business, and we make sure that they understand the purpose of our business. We want business ownership to be a viable option for them in the future, if they choose. With that being the case,
Tips for Raising a Young Entrepreneur Read More »
