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...]
how to talk to kids about politically-charged violence in dc
Today, January 6, 2021, has been a devastating, embarrassing, confusing day in our nation's history. How do we wrap our heads around what happened today? How do we explain to our children that our government building--the US Capitol--was broken into by fellow citizens? How do we discuss the terrorism we experienced today? How do we approach the fact that the law enforcement officers handled Black Lives Matter demonstrations much differently than they handled today's … [Read more...]
the learning match: connecting families with educators
The Learning Match simply connects families with educators. That's it. In this crazy, uncertain time we are all in, we all need help. So many of my friends, neighbors, and family members are waving the white flag. They are maxed out trying to parent, work, and teach from home, and they're about to lose it. The more people I talk to, the more I am asked: Can I help their kids with schoolwork? Would I be able to "coach" the parents in how to teach from home?Do I know any good … [Read more...]
holiday note gift idea for families: unique, thoughtful, and FREE
These holiday notes may turn out to be one of your family's most coveted and meaningful traditions! It's so easy for our little ones (and even adults sometimes!) to lose sight of what the holiday season is all about. So in 2008, when I saw this idea on a late-night, dvr'd Oprah, I knew I wanted to use it. With a little prompting, my family tried out Holiday Notes with both sides of the family. Even though some interpreted the exchange a little differently, it was a success overall. Most … [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...]
halloween class party: 10 quickie activities for that extra 10 minutes
Planning class parties can be a real struggle, especially when you're rolling solo as the Room Parent. But for years now, I've made it my goal to share as much as was humanly possible so that no one's stuck trying to figure out what to do with 30 kids eager for a good Halloween par-tay. If you need a full-fledged Halloween class party, you can check out: Halloween class party ideas MORE Halloween class party ideas for the whole deal. But if you just need a quickie 10-minute activity … [Read more...]
5 fun back-to-school rituals for busy families
Friends. There's no denying it. Back-to-school season is in full swing, so I thought I'd take a minute to share a few fun back-to-school rituals for busy families. I Here's the skinny. . . 5 Fun Back-to-School Rituals for Busy Families Family Camp-In No matter where in the world you live, the weather's always perfect for a Family Camp-In. A Camp-In is the opposite of a Camp-Out, of course! A Camp-In takes place in your house, in a room large enough for the whole family. And though you … [Read more...]
summer swim team: an absolute MUST for families
Summer swim has been a staple for our family for the last six years. Ever since Maddy joined the pre-team the summer before Kindergarten, we've spent the first seven weeks of summer camped out at the pool in the mornings and have spent our Wednesday nights and Saturday mornings at swim meets and Sunday afternoons at dive meets. We are grateful that our neighborhood pool is within walking distance from our home, and we definitely take advantage of it. But even if your family is not within … [Read more...]
Have outstanding student loan debt? Debt forgiveness is available to you.
Did you know that if you're a teacher, the US Government offers programs that can lower your monthly payments and even provide a path for debt forgiveness? The problem—like so many government sponsored programs—is that they're often difficult to understand and a total challenge to complete the necessary filing paperwork. TrustRight Student Loan Services has proprietary software that clearly explains all the options available to you along with a system that completely simplifies the … [Read more...]
room parent 101: 3 tricks to make the year rock (and free tools to stay organized!)
So, you're a room parent this year, huh? Whether you've been roped into it or whether you chose to take on this important role on your own free will, there are some things you must know: You will have a lot of fun. Really, you will. The kids are so cool. They are. And the parents appreciate you! You will be organized. From right now until the end of the year, friend, you must stay organized. You will need a team. So starting now, you may be the room parent, but you will have a … [Read more...]
hello teacher notes: let kids connect with teachers
Hello Teacher Notes are a quick and easy way to make back-to-school a tiny bit less stressful. This is another one of our fave back-to-school traditions, and this one involves a little bit of writing, some decorating, and a wee bit of walking. Not much walking, really. Just to the mailbox or up to the school, depending on where you live. For the last few years, we've rocked Hello, Teacher Notes to ease the transition from summer break to school year just a tiny bit easier for Maddy, Owen, … [Read more...]
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