I love Surprising my kids during the Summer. When my daughter and I were chatting about an upcoming road trip this summer, I told her that I had a few surprises planned for us. Her response? "You always have surprises, Mom." It's not what she said that threw me off, but it's how she said it. She brushed her hair off her shoulder and added a little eye-roll, as if to say - surprises are SO continue reading...
5 Game-Changing Skills Every Parent Needs To Know
My baby shrieks in my arms as I try and make scrambled eggs one-handed with just enough "fluff" that my toddler will eat it. But, fast enough that my daughter can enjoy them before carpool. Whew. It's hard work taking care of my little people. Before I let myself get overwhelmed with the details of taking care of my kids, I remind myself of these five little secrets and take a deep breath. continue reading...
When You Have Kids Who Never Listen: 8 Positive Strategies That Work!
Over the years, I've worked with lots of kids who didn't listen to me. Everything is a battle. Everything is a test of wills. It can be exhausting. I always took comfort in knowing that I wasn't alone; that many other caregivers, teachers, and moms have dealt with a defiant child alongside me. But, I have to say, that didn't make it any less difficult. The thing is, I had to remind myself continue reading...
How to Avoid Wanting MORE During the Holidays
I watched my daughter write a Christmas list that looked nearly identical to last year's list and I realized that we have a problem in our house: My daughter didn't seem to remember what she received for Christmas last year. She wanted MORE of the same things this year without realizing that she already had them. In fact, I checked. Here's what this year's Christmas list looked like: a continue reading...
Our Children Become Who We Are
"Everyday is a new day to be the person we want our children to become." Think about when our children trigger a negative response from us: They refuse to put their shoes on when we're rushing to get to the car. They won't eat the breakfast that you woke up early to make. They spilled milk because they insisted on pouring it themselves. All of these little things can lead to a big continue reading...
The Newest Mo Willems Book Have Kids Laughing Out Loud!
My kids ripped open the package as soon as they dragged it in from the front porch. They knew that it was another Mo Willems book. We've come to love The Thank You Book and We Are Growing! Nothing could stand between my kids and reading another book from Mo... This time, we received Nanette's Baguette. It's such a sweet story about a little girl who goes to get a warm baguette, but worries continue reading...