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...]
how we are saving for our kids’ college and how you can, too
When Maddy was born, we received a lot of parenting advice. She needs to sleep with you. . . . and She definitely shouldn't sleep with you. Babies must be nursed exclusively for the first year. . . . . and Babies must have rice cereal by six months. She needs to cry it out on her own so that she doesn't become a spoiled child. . . . . and Babies must be picked up every, single time they cry so that they know they're loved. Some advice was appreciated, and, well. . . some was … [Read more...]
two must-have freebies for families: books & more!
Books, a craft kit, and more--all bonus freebies for you! When I see a good deal, I want to share it, and this is one I must share. I'm thrilled to be a part of the Ultimate Homemaking Bundle this year. The Ultimate Homemaking Bundle sounds a little intimidating, but it's not--it's simply a "bundle" of eBooks, eCourses, and printables that cover everything you need to run a household, eat healthy, make time for you, and stay sane. Here's the skinny. . . Two Must-Have Freebies … [Read more...]
what can you do about gun control? start here.
Friends, it's time to stop talking and start doing. No matter which political party you stand with, the gun violence in our country has gotten way out of hand. It's time to really, truly do something. But before I get all nuts about things, I must be clear: this is not about gun control; it's about gun sense. I am by no means trying to take away anyone's 2nd Amendment right to bear arms. That's not my jam. Rather, I'm advocating for better gun sense laws--laws designed to keep … [Read more...]
support your students’ learning differences: micro-credentials for teachers
For classroom teachers, understanding your students' learning differences is important and worthwhile. Think about it: if the adults in a child's life really, truly know how to reach that child--how that child learns best--would't we be able to move mountains? Thanks to Digital Promise's Micro-Credentials for learning differences, educators today can really learn about what makes their students tick. Educators can really learn about and understand their students' learning … [Read more...]
black history month: resources for kids and families
We often talk about race in our home, but lately my kids have become more and more curious about the struggles that many so many groups have faced--African-Americans in particular--throughout our history. Yes, we have great books here, rich with information and ideas and stories, but I wanted a little more. We need a little more. So rather than fumble through their questions about race, history, and segregation, I wanted to give Maddy, Owen, and Cora some clarity--as much of the … [Read more...]
kingsmill resort for a girls’ weekend getaway (and 100 reasons you need a getaway too!)
Last weekend, I had the great opportunity to drop everything and head to Kingsmill Resort in Williamsburg, Virginia for a girls' weekend getaway with three of my dearest friends. We have been talking about getting together for a girls' weekend for years and years, and finally, we did it. Each of us have three children, spouses, and full-time jobs. Getting this organized was no easy feat. But once we did it? We were thrilled. It. Was. Awesome. Kingsmill Resort is … [Read more...]
the must-send email to teachers before holiday break (or after!)
Friends. I know for a while, we've all been thinking about gifts and gatherings and getting our families ready for the holidays, and now we're all cleaning up and returning and reorganizing and trying to be good and healthy about everything, but there's something everyone must do now. I've got a must-send email to teachers from parents for you. You need to touch base with your children's teachers. Now. Because there's no better time than now to really know how your child is … [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 … [Read more...]
Highlights State of the Kid Report 2017 #WorldKindnessDay
Have you heard of the Highlights State of the Kid Report? You can find the 2017 State of the Kid Report on the Highlights for Children website. The report was released today, on World Kindness Day! Each year, Highlights interviews thousands of children ages 6-12, and each year, parents and educators learn exactly what children think and feel about important topics. In the 2017 SOTK report, the findings centered on kindness, caring, and empathy. These are totally hot topics right … [Read more...]
strategies for handling sad, tragic news–as a family
Originally published on Dec 15, 2012 in response to the shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School but republished today because it's a message many need to hear. Today, my heart is heavy with the news of the shooting in Newtown, Connecticut, and though I am not at all close to the area and though I do not have friends or family directly affected by the tragedy, I am having a hard time knowing what to do--as a mother, as a person, and together as a family. I really want to ball up in … [Read more...]
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