get siblings outside, thinking, and working together
This free Get Out & Move in the 'Hood activity will get kids--siblings, even!--outside, thinking, and working together. Promise.
Sometimes it's …
behavior management
behavior management: tips, tricks, ideas, and starting points for keeping a happy household, with happy kids, and happier parents
talking to tweens about drugs: it’s time to start now
Sometimes when I actually stop to think about the fact that we have a 12, 11, and 9 year old in the house, I cannot even believe it.
I absolutely …
migraines and kids: managing the ups and downs
When Owen first started suffering from migraines, we had no idea what was going on.
He had no idea what was going on.
Out of the blue, he would be …
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, after …
noticing your kids: little observations mean a lot from parents
originally published 9/17/09 but republishing now because it's worth it--
Lately, I've felt overwhelmed by Cora's 'two-year-old-ness'. …
giving kids choices: parenting trick that saved my sanity
Originally published 1/25/09 but totally worth a re-share!
Once an a while, instead of sharing what secret little lesson I've stuck into …
how to talk to kids about alcohol and underage drinking
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My kids are not babies anymore, and I often have to remind myself of that.
I started this blog way when Cora …
results of our family’s 3-week oral care challenge
Okay, so the results are in for our family's 3-week oral care challenge.
And our findings are both good--and bad.
I have to say that our Oral …
let’s talk about learning disabilities– with the experts at NCLD
Everyone I know is touched somehow, in some way, by learning disabilities.
Whether it's a child, sibling, spouse, or parent, in my life, learning …
quick trick: how to eliminate bickering
Do your kids bicker?
About where they sit in the car. . . or who gets the last bowl of the 'good' cereal?
About who gets the first shower, the …
bullying: end it at home, school, everywhere
Thanks to The Bully Project for sponsoring my writing.
Visit their website to join the movement and learn more.
Bullying is …
new for us friday: gem jars 2.0
This New For Us Friday I'm sharing a new and improved version of one of the best things we've ever invited into our home: gem …
family paper roll dolls: a silly way to help teach emotions
I've had a really difficult time with my sweet Cora lately, and I'm not sure how much longer we can chalk her hot-headedness up to a bad case of the …
teaching kids to stand up for themselves
It's been a gorgeous fall week here, so one morning, Owen, Cora, and I spent a good while at the park with our buddies. Turns out there …
quick trick: keeping kids busy in line
This Quick Trick is one of those that works only when I use it only occasionally. It's one that helps every so often to distract Maddy, Owen, and …
making learning fun in the candy aisle
So today we rocked it with a long morning bike ride, an even longer visit to the park, and a few errands to fill our fridge after a crazy-fun, …
the special plate: celebrate success as a family
About two years ago, I ran across this huge, crazy, red, gaudy Special Plate at our local home design store.
It was a no-brainer for me to pick it …
how to listen to your kids: wait time
I am so grateful to be married to my amazing husband; he's an incredible father and a patient and loving friend, and he totally rocks as an …
spend, save, and give jars: managing money with kids
Money, money, money, mooooonnneyyy . . .
Money saving, money planning, money managing--I have to admit that I am only really good at money …
teach kids patience on their own: arm circles
Arm circles.
What are they? They're both a distractor and a way for two little ones to try to work out sharing issues.
And they make me laugh …