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 …Read moretalking to tweens about drugs: it’s time to start now
say something week: prevent violence or suicide in YOUR child’s school Did you know? When it comes to violence, suicide and threats, most are known by at least one other individual before the incident takes place. …Read moresay something week: prevent violence or suicide in YOUR child’s school
for all the tired moms out there: here’s your lifeline I realized that I was stretched too thin when I showed up for Maddy’s orthodontist appointment a week early. I realized that I was stretched …Read morefor all the tired moms out there: here’s your lifeline
national fire prevention week: sparky’s firehouse game for kids No matter the age of your children, my friends, we’ve got to talk to them about tough topics. Age-appropriate, of course, but you get what I …Read morenational fire prevention week: sparky’s firehouse game for kids
Harris Teeter ExpressLane and Gatheredtable saves our family’s sanity: teachmama fab find Friends. If you are like me and were spending an hour–or more!–each week roaming the aisles of the grocery store, then this is for …Read moreHarris Teeter ExpressLane and Gatheredtable saves our family’s sanity: teachmama fab find
teachmama fab finds: a must-read for every parent — (really, it’s a life-changer) For years and years I have had a copy of this essay printed out and taped to the inside of a cabinet door. I first read it in 2004 when I think it …Read moreteachmama fab finds: a must-read for every parent — (really, it’s a life-changer)
how to make back to school fun for kids: 10 tips from a 12-year-old who knows This week marks the official end to summer, but if your kids are unusually cranky, maybe it’s not all because of the school bell. Maybe …Read morehow to make back to school fun for kids: 10 tips from a 12-year-old who knows
delaying kindergarten: our experience as parents and educators Should I send my 5-year-old to Kindergarten, or should I wait a year? What are the benefits of ‘redshirting’ my child for …Read moredelaying kindergarten: our experience as parents and educators
swim ribbon garland: what to do with summer swim ribbons Originally published in August of 2014 but republished because we’re making these same swim ribbon garlands today! Our swim and dive season has …Read moreswim ribbon garland: what to do with summer swim ribbons
I’ve had enough of gun violence, so this is what I’m doing You guys. It’s pretty much time that we do something. I don’t care if you’re a Democrat or a Republican. An Independent or …Read moreI’ve had enough of gun violence, so this is what I’m doing
an open letter to my neighbors during the last month of school Hey Neighbors– I feel like I need to explain something to you. There’s been a whole lot of noise and chaos and crazy coming out of …Read morean open letter to my neighbors during the last month of school
cool, interactive tool for teaching kids financial literacy Oh, friends. How I wish I were better about teaching my kids to budget, to stay on top of finances, and to save money. It’s not my …Read morecool, interactive tool for teaching kids financial literacy
how to prepare your family for a weather emergency (especially in the dc metro area) Originally published on 10/28/12 but republishing because there’s a winter weather emergency declared in the DC Metro area …Read morehow to prepare your family for a weather emergency (especially in the dc metro area)
free 2016 calendar download: start the year off right! Oh, friends. I am so excited about 2016. I really am. I’ve got so much planned, so much on my mind, and so much in the works, that I …Read morefree 2016 calendar download: start the year off right!
background and resources: he named me malala I am always on the hunt for strong role models for my children because goodness knows there are enough people out there in the …Read morebackground and resources: he named me malala
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 …Read morefamilies who care: small acts of kindness make a really big difference
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 …Read more8 things all kids must hear their parents say
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: …Read morewin at the family game: getting past the fights and mess
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 …Read moreeverything I wish I knew before I started middle school: a letter to my rising 6th grader
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 …Read moretalk with kids about emotions: ‘inside out’ mini-book and card game