How to Encourage Responsibility, Time Management, and Learning Without Homework
Six simple ways for parents to reinforce academic skills, foster good work habits, and teach responsibility at home without homework.
Curb Tantrums with the Power of Visualization
The only thing young kids can do better than throw a fit is get lost in their imagination. This can work to your advantage if you know how to play it.
Top 10 Posts of 2016: #4 31 Things Your Kids Should Be Doing Instead of Homework
31 Things Your Kids Should Be Doing Instead of Homework by Jessica Smock There are many aspects of my more than decade-long career as a teacher that I’m proud of. My reputation for giving lots and ...
Top 10 Posts of 2016: #5 The Free Time My Husband Doesn’t Realize He Has
The Free Time My Husband Doesn’t Realize He Has by Brigitta Burguess The other day my husband and I got into a conversation1about free time. We both agreed that he, working 45 hours a week, could ...
How to Handle the Violent Videos at Your Kid's Fingertips
On the internet, we're never more than a click away from things that can't be unseen. How can we manage the real-life violent images on our kid's devices?
The Extraordinary Bond Between a Father and His Daughter
There's a scene in "Pride and Prejudice" that makes my wife cry every time we watch it. You might be surprised to hear that it's not the scene at the end where Mr. Darcy walks across the field to c...
Let Them Sleep: Why High Schools Should Start Later
Teens often experience a natural shift in their sleep patterns. This shift toward staying awake later is at odds with most school start times.
New Moms: Here Are 5 Ways Biology is Totally on Your Side
Becoming a mother is overwhelming, exhausting, and full of unknowns. But rest assured biology knows what it's doing.
How to Tell Your Kids You're Getting a Divorce
There is no good time to tell your child that what they know of their family life will be changing forever. But there are ways to make it easier.
Top 10 Posts of 2016: #6 19 Things I Hope I’ve Taught My Daughter Before Her 18th Birthday
19 Things I Hope I’ve Taught My Daughter Before Her 18th Birthday by Randi Mazzella In just a few weeks my daughter will turn 18 years old. In the eyes of the world she will officially be an adult...
Top 10 Posts of 2016: #7 Dear Husband: I'm Not the Person You Married
Dear Husband: I'm Not the Person You Married by Laura Birks Dear Husband, I am sorry. I'm sorry that you've been neglected for the last four-and-a-half years. I'm sorry that your needs are second...
The Hazy Days of the Baby Blues
When I had my first baby, my doctor told me it had been a storybook delivery. All things considered, the entire pregnancy was as good as it gets. I got pregnant right away, carried the baby without...
Most Anticipated Teen/Young Adult Books of 2017 (Winter/Spring Edition)
From series sequels to favorite authors and stand-alone novels, 2017 is shaping up to be a reading odyssey for maturing minds.
Don't Pump and Dump: A PSA for Breastfeeding Moms Who Enjoy a Few Drinks
The real question to answer is not should women pump and dump, it's why do women believe they should?
5 Compassionate Phrases to Help a Mom in Need (And We're All in Need)
Recognizing another mother's average, everyday struggle and stepping in to help is often a simple gesture with the biggest impact.
A Letter to My Self-Esteem on the Day My Pee-Proof Undies Came in the Mail
Hey, Self Esteem! You and I will be having the last (dry) laugh when we finally admit there's a problem and make the proper investment in undergarments.
Top 10 Posts of 2016: #8 How to Strengthen Your Child's Emotional Intelligence
How to Strengthen Your Child's Emotional Intelligence by Meghan Owenz When emotions run high, people do and say things they normally would not. When you're a young child, this is what you do all t...
Top 10 Posts of 2016: #9 World Schooling is the New Home Schooling
World Schooling is a Wild Ride That Just Might Be the Best Thing For Your Kids by Lucy Aitkenread Three years ago we sold our house and most of the things in it and yielded to the wanderlust in ou...
It may have "mom fashion" written all over it, but my mom vest is just the garment I need these days.
Most Anticipated Middle-Grade Books of 2017 (Winter/Spring Edition)
Sci-fi, mystery, humor, or stories based on real world experiences, these are some of the most anticipated books of early 2017 for middle-grade readers.
The Crock-Pot and the Promise of Having It All
The promise that I could have it all – a successful career and a family – sat on my countertop. My co-worker had given it to me on the last day before my maternity leave. “Some pork chops, a can of...
How My Kids Are Helping Me Conquer Mild OCD – And Why I Have to Let It Happen
Basically, as a parent, you have to let go of organization as you knew it. It’s all an illusion anyway.
Here's the Recipe For Preventing Witching Hour Meltdowns
The hour between coming home and getting dinner on the table can be a nightmare for a lot of families. But it doesn't have to be.
What Happened When I Stopped Praising My Child
Turning off the "good job!" autopilot in favor of interacting with our kids in a more mindful way has benefits for everyone.