Originally published on 10/28/12 but republishing because there's a winter weather emergency declared in the DC Metro area again. Something's coming our way. Something big. Something named Sandy who is bringing with her high winds, 'astronomical' tides, and rain like we've not seen in decades. I'm trying hard--hard!--not to get swept up in the hype. I'm trying hard to maintain my calm, find my zen, and be that calm, cool, and collected mom I strive to be. But I am having a really hard … [Read more...]
noticing your kids: little observations mean a lot from parents
originally published 9/17/09 but republishing now because it's worth it-- Lately, I've felt overwhelmed by Cora's 'two-year-old-ness'. Her fiery temper; her constant movement; her unceasing energy; her smiles, hugs, songs, and cuddles; her high high's, and her low low's. Some days we enjoy this roller coaster ride, and others, we all want off. But what I've also realized is that as a parent, I'm more experienced than I was when Maddy was two, but I'm not in the fog of fatigue … [Read more...]
april fools’ pranks and jokes for kids
Seriously, April Fools' Day is one of my favorite holidays, and I know that's not normal. I just think April Fools' Day gives us a good excuse to get a little silly and throw a few laughs into your kids'--and our--day. Because all too often, between homework, activities, meetings, projects, and work, I don't think we do enough silly things just to be silly. So there. I like April Fools' Day. I like good, clean April Fools' pranks and jokes for … [Read more...]
what to do when your kids find their “passion”
The following guest post is written by A.J. Juliani, an author, teacher, and 'learning addict'. A.J. is a K-12 Technology Educator who believes in #20time and #geniushour. He's a father and blogger, and you need to check him out. He's even thrown in a rockstar freebie for you. (He seriously rocks.) —————————— What to do when your kids find their "passion", by A.J. Juliani My daughter had been singing for almost two hours with no break. The song “Do You Want to Build a Snowman” … [Read more...]
teaching left handed kids to write: grasp, stages, positioning
The following guest post is written by Christie Kiley. Christie has the job I find amazing and awe-inspiring: an Occupational Therapist. The work of these professionals is absolutely incredible. Christie is an O/T and mom of two teeny-tiny ones; she writes MamaOT.com. Check it out. ——————————— I am so honored that Amy invited me to share some tips with you today about how to teach lefties to write! As a pediatric occupational therapist, I work with kids on … [Read more...]
reading tips and more: scholastic raise a reader blog
It's been an incredibly exciting 2013 so far, with all of the awesome going on over at we teach and the sweet redesign over here at teach mama. But another something totally fabulous that makes me want to sing and dance is the new role I have taken on with one of my favorite brands of all time: Scholastic. Along with my longtime pal and good buddy, Allie McDonald, of No Time for Flashcards, I am anchoring the Scholastic Parents Raise a Reader blog along with the amazing Vice President of … [Read more...]
an easy-to-build stage for the performers in your family
That's right. A stage. So your kids can totally rock it out during your spring break Staycation. Or so your house becomes THE house for playdates. Or so you and your husband can John and Olivia to some Summer Lovin'. Or whatever floats your boat. Think: a stage for plays, songs, acts, dances. Lots of pretending, lots of imagining, lots of dreaming. Maddy, Owen, and Cora woke up Christmas morning to their very own homemade stage--a gift that came complete with rockstar karaoke machine … [Read more...]
5 parenting tricks for the busy holiday season
I know I need all the parenting tricks I can carry any day of the week, let alone during the busy holiday season. Though I'm not proud to admit it, holiday time often finds me over-stressed and anxious--and often I'm not the mom, spouse, sister, or friend I really wish I could be. So I moseyed on back through my archives tonight for some parenting Quick Tricks. Little treats to keep in my back pocket this season so I'm more who I want to be and less of a holiday brat. This year, I'm … [Read more...]
water bead free play: relaxing, soothing, & so totally worth it
During the school year, my kids are tired. Their days are long, the nights are short, and quite frankly, they're just tired. Add an afternoon activity one or two days a week--which I know they need as much as they need the academic part of their days--and, well, they're even more tired. So we try to keep weekends free, and we do our best to keep at least two weeknights activity-free as well. But what I've been doing lately is pulling out some of our old favorites for a few hours on a … [Read more...]
keeping kids’ teeth clean during a candy-filled month
I am admittedly not a flosser. I rarely floss my own teeth, and I rarely floss my kids’ teeth. There. I said it. And though I am past the point of lying about it to our dentists, I still do feel really guilty about it. It’s just that there are so many things to do and remember as a parent, that I just. Can’t. Do. It. All. None of us can. So when I was invited to take my little familia on a 3-week Oral Care Challenge, I thought that maybe it would assuage my feelings of guilt … [Read more...]
morning and evening reminders for kids: easy reader style
Every day is a little bit different in our house—and everyone’s house. But deep down, we all thrive on consistency, on patterns, on schedules. I’ve always been a big fan of implementing a daily schedule for kids, even when parents are home and kids arent yet in school, incorporating some sort of routine is good for the soul. When Maddy, Owen, and Cora were younger—actually up through this past summer, even, we scheduled a necessary ‘rest time’ into our day. More for Cora, who at 5 … [Read more...]
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