Several years ago, I wrote about how to make the school year a smashing success, or. . . actually how to make the school year as successful as humanly possible. It included 10 easy steps that any family could follow in order to start the school year off on the right foot. I just looked back at it, and I decided it's totally worth sharing again, because, well, with a little prep and a little thought, every family can start the school year off on a positive note. Every one of us wants the … [Read more...]
gifts that give back: ideas for kids and family #givingtuesday
Did you know that today is Giving Tuesday? It's a really simple concept: give. Any way you are able, to anyone. Give. The concept of giving is especially important at this time of the year, and lucky for us, many organizations have made it super easy--and so meaningful!--to give at holiday time. Looking at my kids' bedrooms and our playroom, I see we need very little. So I'm encouraging all of our family members to do something this year that packs a bit more of a punch: buying gifts that … [Read more...]
5 ways parents can show thanks for teachers and schools
Between Election Day, parent-teacher conferences, and field trips, it always seems like things get nutty in November. The novelty of the new year has worn off, and kids—and parents—start slowly slipping into the mid-year blues or pre-holiday anxiety. And if things are crazy for our family, I can only imagine how difficult things can be for our teachers. So November is a great time for us all to step back and extend a bit of thanks to those teachers with whom our children spend hours and … [Read more...]
tuition insurance: not even kidding–3 reasons you NEED it
It’s crazy, all of the things we need to think about as parents, isn’t it? Healthcare, school community, family dynamics. Vaccinations, online safety, and friendships. It can be so much. So, when I come across something that is recommended to me by a reliable source or good pal, I tend to go with it. I didn’t have the bandwidth to do the legwork and research needed to find an orthodontist, so when we realized that Maddy was in dire need of some teeth-straightening, I … [Read more...]
help for you to start saving TODAY for your kids’ college education
Did you know: When you open a Maryland Senator Edward J. Kasemeyer College Investment Plan Account, you could be eligible for a $250 or $500 State contribution. I’d say that’s worth checking out, wouldn’t you? But that’s why I’m thrilled about what’s happening over here in the State of Maryland. You can seriously put your kids’ future in motion with the Save4CollegeState Contribution Program. Here’s the skinny. . . Help For You To Start Saving Today For Your Kids’ College … [Read more...]
lent for modern catholic kids | daily reflections and prayers
Cards have been updated to reflect dates for the 2021 Lenten season. Enjoy! We're one week into Lent this year, and I feel like we kind of struggled for the first week. Our parish priest stressed to us the importance of 'not giving up chocolate' again and instead challenged us to really make this Lent count. So we agreed. We wouldn't give up chocolate. But honestly, after so many years of doing just that--giving up sweets--for Lent, it felt strange not to. And we … [Read more...]
be nicer than necessary notes: lunchbox love to help us stop bickering
We're in a mad winter funk over here. A serious winter funk. Lots of snow days and delays grey skies and dreary days and indoor recess at school means that there's been a lot of grumpy, grouchy kids at our house. And parents. No matter what we do to mix things up, it seems like we've all been doing more arguing and bickering than I care to admit. And it's not just the kids--sure, of course, it's the kids. But it's also my husband and me. The dog. The birds and fish. We're all a little … [Read more...]
thank you delivery people: free printable for families
This time of the year is insane. We're moving so quickly, our to-do lists are nuts, and often we're totally forgetting to breathe. At least I am. So when I saw my sweet and smart friend Danielle Smith, of Pretty Extraordinary, take a minute to say "thank you" to the delivery people, I stopped and smiled. This is so simple. But it can really make someone's day. Here's the skinny. . . Thank You Delivery People -- Free Printable for Families It's a simple "thank you" that you can … [Read more...]
back-to-school deals at staples that families don’t want to miss
This past weekend, Maddy, Owen, Cora, and I did our annual Back-to-School Supply shopping extravaganza only at Staples. But this year was a wee bit different than other years. And? It was an absolute blast. This year, we went to Staples, and we shared our school-supply haul live on Facebook--and we were live on Instagram. If you joined us, thank you. If you missed it, no problem. I have it all here, and I'm highlighting a few of our fave deals--deals that families don't want … [Read more...]
back-to-school eye exams: get kids ready for the school year
This post was written as part of a partnership with MyEyeDr. Did you know that kids should have their eyes examined each year before school begins? Did you know that back-to-school eye exams will help to ensure that children's eyes are performing their best for academic success each school year? It's true. And honestly, I'm embarrassed to admit that back-to-school eye exams are something that I never, ever thought of for my kids. Ever. Until now. So along with … [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...]
- 1
- 2
- 3
- …
- 16
- Next Page »
