families who care: small acts of kindness make a really big difference
Recently I shared a few ways that family members can show each other they care, and the post has been a huge, huge, huge hit.
Thousands and …
family life
learning on the go: 3 ways that busy families can make learning a priority all year long
I really feel like one way to really rock it as a parent is to be prepared. For anything and everything.
That may mean something …
8 things all kids must hear their parents say
You guys, I’ve said this before, and I’ll say it again: this parenting gig is hard. I mean hard.
Yes, it’s the most awesome thing …
win at the family game: getting past the fights and mess
Confession: I often feel overwhelmed when I look at the mess in our house.
Confession: Many days, I feel like a failure as a mom.
Confession: …
show your kids how to study: 5 easy ways
One thing I have come to realize, after years of teaching and tutoring, is that kids really don’t know how to study.
We may tell them to study …
syrian refugees: what families can and should do NOW
What is happening in our world right now with Syrian refugees is insanity.
Absolute insanity.
Heartbreaking.
Awful.
Sad and infuriating.
Have you …
where to go for free homework help: Homework Help Desk
Now more than ever, I feel like I need a lifeline when it comes to helping my kids with their homework.
Honestly, the concepts are …
everything I wish I knew before I started middle school: a letter to my rising 6th grader
Maddy,
I have a hard time believing it’s time to send you off to the wilds of middle school, but here we are, my friend.
It seems like just yesterday …
what to consider when choosing a school for your child: parent checklist
Now that my kids are 11, 10, and 8 years old (gasp!), I feel like there’s a lot I wish I would have known when it came to …
school supply shopping: our NEW way to teach kids to be smart consumers
Every year, we try to somehow involve our kids in back-to-school shopping.
When Maddy, Owen, and Cora were emerging readers, I created …
easy, engaging fun for kids: tabletop surprises
This summer is literally moving at the speed of light.
I can’t even believe we’re nine weeks in. It’s insane.
And it has been so …
talk with kids about emotions: ‘inside out’ mini-book and card game
With an 11, 9, and 8 year old, you’d think that we would be over talking about and identifying emotions over here, but we’re not.
In fact, …
smart apps for busy families: get ready for back to school! #BTSTech chat
I can’t even believe it, friends, but (gulp!) school is around the corner.
And before we know it, our schedules will be kicked into high gear. …
need something fun and unplugged for kids?
Friends.
We’re rocking and rolling this summer.
We’re doing just about everything we can to keep ourselves smiling and sane in between 50 …
outdoor adventures for the whole family: Shenandoah Valley
My crew is always up for a little adventure, especially when it’s outdoors.
So when Trekaroo invited us to visit and explore …
summer fun for kids: week 3 #tabletopsurprises
We have had one wild week here, friends.
Our Owen headed to his Nanny and Pap’s for baseball camp, and our Maddy and Cora were stuck here with …
anchored: finding hope in the unexpected: a book for all parents (giveaway! #AnchoredHope)
Confession: There are days I don’t appreciate my life the way I should.
I stress over a sink full of dishes, crumb-covered counters, and …
get kids to play outside: 4 tips for summertime playground fun
Sometimes, getting kids to play outside is no easy feat, especially in the summer.
Because here in the DC Metro area, it’s …
fun summertime learning for kids: tabletop surprises
Week two of tabletop surprises is in the books, and it was a blast!
Because my crew was busy fighting off some pretty awful summertime colds, we did a …
fun summertime learning for kids: tabletop surprises
Every weekday in the summertime, I start the day by sharing a #tabletopsurprises post.
Just one quick picture of what’s in store for …