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Inspiration

Move Over Marie Kondo. Swedish Death Cleaning is Where It's at

The Swedish believe in a practice called death cleaning. It's both as depressing and invigorating as it sounds.

Learning Young boy playing chess, staring at pieces on board,close-up

Why Teaching Kids to Play Chess Is Worth the Time and Effort

The skills kids learn in chess extend far beyond the black-and-white checkerboard.

Learning series of CD's

Rad Interactive Books for Creative Kids

Forget what you know about books. These take the format to a whole new awesome level.

Parenthood baby with blue eyes

When You and Your Spouse Disagree About How to Raise the Kids

The first year or two was mine to call the shot. But as they became toddlers, I had to cede control.

Parenthood young girl next to a doll house

7 ‘chores’ your toddler will love (while becoming more independent)

If there is one thing to know about doing chores with your toddler, it’s this: You need to plan for it to take twice as long while looking half as good. Even if that makes the Type A side of you br...

Parenthood woman crying

I’m That Mom Who Cries at Everything

I cry happy tears every day, and I encourage you all to do the same. Let's all meet up in the tissue aisle one day, okay?

Parenthood Parents: You Can Play Hooky, Too

Parents: You Can Play Hooky, Too

A couple of weeks ago, I woke up and began preparing myself for a day of parenting in quarantine, otherwise known as Extreme Multitasking: 2020 Edition.

Inspiration Seven Ways to Help Your Child Find Genuine Joy During Times of Uncertainty

Seven Ways to Help Your Child Find Genuine Joy During Times of Uncertainty

When times of uncertainty hit, it can throw you and your family’s life off-balance. For example, life amid the current pandemic isn’t easy.

Learning young mom with kid in bed

To Build Your Child's Emotional Intelligence, Try These Phrases

As a parent, you are your child’s first teacher—responsible for their introduction not only to STEAM subjects, but also for helping them develop emotional intelligence.

Wellbeing Children jumping on a sofa

Which Type of Exercise Best Improves Kids' Moods, According to Study

Parents often feel overwhelmed by trying to schedule in exercise because of time constraints and child willingness. A new study can help with the guesswork.

Wellbeing Boy sitting on a shoulder by holding US flag

It's Time to Reverse the Bucket List

Let's dump out all the accomplishments of the previous year into one long pat-me-on-the-back list to appreciate.

Inspiration Girl is standing in a open field holding a dog

Why Choosing Me Was the Least Selfish Decision I Could Make

Laying on the paper-covered vinyl exam table I stared up at the ceiling pretending I was anywhere else.

Inspiration Cartoon of depressed lady

The Growth of Failure

We all want our children to be successful but many times in order to really achieve greatness the kids have to fail a few times.

Inspiration Person holding drinks bottle

Measuring My Best Self in Number of Drinks

I now measure days and weeks and years instead. Four years of sobriety and the work has only just begun.

Wellbeing young girl combing mom's hair

Tender Both Ways: When Pain Becomes Precious

My emotional posture toward that time is one of holding it close to my heart. In short, I am discovering that pain can be precious.

Inspiration cartoon of woman holding a baby surrounded by paper

How a Shift in Mindset Can Help Moms Make More Money

Sometimes, it's the in between stuff that gets brushed under the rug as unimportant. But it's the side hustle that we need to celebrate.

33 No-Tech, Super Fun Activities to Keep Kids Busy on Winter Break

It's time to get (modestly) creative with cheap, tech-free activities for elementary school-aged kids.

How to see this year's Perseid meteor shower with your kids

It's been a month since we hauled our families out into the night to watch fireworks light up the sky. The summer's own natural celestial fireworks - the Perseid meteor shower - starts this weekend...

Wellbeing cartoon of pan holding a light

Just a Little More Time Dad

Could those instances and visions had been hypoxia of some sort? Did my mind refuse to let go of my brain because of the love I have for my children?

Wellbeing kid at a table holding a bowl of cereal

Why I Continue Fussing over an Age-Old Chicken Soup Recipe

When I expressed a desire to learn the secrets of the soup, I didn't realize the recipe's benefits would go beyond the culinary preservation of tradition.

Learning Mobile charger tied with hand

How Smartphone Addiction Is Affecting Teens' Brains

A recent study found that being addicted to smartphones creates a chemical imbalance in the brain linked to depression and anxiety in young people.

Wellbeing Relationship expressing by holding hand

The Little Things That Will Make or Break Your Relationship

As if on cue, he hears the back door open. His wife is home, and somehow she’s more chipper than ever.

Parenthood kid standing on mothers's feet

Conducting These 3 “Mom Audits” Made Me a Better Parent

It’s easy to identify when my children misbehave. One child says “I want that toy” and yanks it from her brother’s hands.

Parenthood young girl sad as she is bullied a younger boy

How to Get Your Kids to Listen

When I call my kids' names I am met with silence. My voice no longer makes their ears turn on.