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how to prepare your child for kindergarten — summertime prep
This time last summer, we were gearing up to send off my sweet boy to Kindergarten, and this year, it's my baby's turn. Cora will walk into those elementary school doors this time, and then it will just be me. I'll walk home by myself, to an empty house, with a happy dog, until the kids' day ends at 3 o'clock. I can't even begin to think about it, or I swear I'll bawl my eyes out. But what's been keeping me focused this summer, along with our crazy swim and dive schedules, trip to the … Read More...
create summer sparks with everyday acts of kindness
Sponsored by author T.A. Barron and the Spark Goodness Program. If you want my expert opinion, teaching our kids about the importance of being a good, kind person is the greatest lesson we could teach them. It's the absolute biggest, most important lesson ever. And it's not like we can just say, "You've got to be kind to others," and we're done. Nope. Teaching our kids about kindness is something we need to do nearly on a daily basis from the time they're toddlers until they … Read More...
how to teach kids the ABCs: 5 fun ways
Let's face it: the letters of the alphabet are the building blocks of the English language. They are. The ABCs are among the most important things our children will learn when they're young, and the good news is that they're something that families can very easily help children learn. But how should you teach kids the ABCs? Where should you begin and when should you start? What kinds of supplies do you need? How much time do you need? Really, it's pretty simple, friend. … Read More...
where to find inexpensive books for your kids
I'm so thankful that my mom is always looking for inexpensive books for my kids. From the time my kids were born, she's been on the hunt for great, new reads for Maddy, Owen, and Cora. She searches for their favorite authors at her local library's book sale each time it's held. She keeps an eye out for books at yard sales. And when she finds them, she sets them aside to bring to Maryland, or she keeps them at her house for when we come to visit. It makes a difference. It really, … Read More...
unplug to play and learn: 4 quick and easy ideas
Guess what? It's time to have our kids unplug. Yep. Right now. Right this very minute. Turn off the television, the tablet, the phone, the laptop, the whatever. Believe it or not, there's a world of fun to be had when kids unplug to play and learn. There's no denying that we are raising kids in a digital age. Everywhere you turn, there's a screen, a swipe, a beep, or a buzz. That means that it's super important that we, as parents, do what we can to make sure that our kids … Read More...
what your kids MUST know about plants (hint: they’re a big deal)
Disclosure: This post was sponsored by BLOOM! to spread the word about its Educational Resource Toolkit. All opinions and stories are my own. Did you know that: half of the top 100 most prescribed medicines come from plants? spinach is being used to replicate human organs? simply looking at flowers and nature can improve your mood? 39% of the annual horticultural job openings are unfilled due to lack of qualified applicants? Guess what, friends? Plants are super important. … Read More...
5 ways to get your kids psyched for summer reading
Believe it—summer is around the corner. Woo-hoo! Around the corner! As in like just a few weeks away! It’s May! Pools open in May. Weather warms in May. Swim team registration starts in May. We buy bathing suits in May. Wait. How can we even talk about ways to get your kids psyched for summer reading when school isn’t even out yet? Many of us still have assessments to think about, big projects coming though, and a whole lot that has to happen between now and the time those … Read More...
quick and easy flower wish boxes
It's amazing how easily you can create sweet and easy gifts sometimes when you have a bit of inspiration. Sometimes it's a walk in the craft store. Sometimes it's a stroll through the park. Sometimes it's a glance through a photo album. Sometimes it's a movie, tv program, or book. These quick and easy flower wish boxes were inspired by a book series that we've recently discovered. It's a book series that Maddy and Cora have devoured, and it's a series that I love as … Read More...
make this summer rock: Smart Summer Challenge 2018!
Next up? Summer. I'm over the moon thrilled and elated that summer is right around the corner! This year, I've got something so cool planned. So totally awesome and fabulous, I can't stand it. I've just finished up--after months of drafts!--the plans for our Smart Summer Challenge 2018. And it's going to rock. Totally, 110%, completely going to rock. Here's the skinny. . . Smart Summer Challenge 2018 -- an invitation to learn, play, create, and invent -- on their own … Read More...
help kids stay in touch with friends when school’s out: autograph sheet
I can't even believe it, but school's almost out for my kids. Though I'm totally psyched to begin our Smart Summer Challenge this year, I'm also always a little sad when the school year ends. It means my kids are getting older and that time continues to move . . . quickly. This year, especially I feel like I'm having a difficult time as Maddy moves into the wilds of middle school leaving Owen and Cora behind in elementary school. It has been a true joy for me to have all three kids … Read More...
