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...
How to Make Monster Pancakes
I am NOT a Mom who goes all out during the holidays, but I do try to make a few things special for my kids like making jack-o-pizzas on Halloween night (pumpkin shaped pizzas that we decorate with topping faces) and heart-shaped sandwiches on Valentine's day. If you've been to Happily Ever Mom before, you know that I like to set traditions that I KNOW I can do year after year. Life can get continue reading...
To the Mom in Public with a Screaming Toddler
Hey there Momma with the screaming toddler, I see you. I see you barely holding on over here. Carefully holding back the tears, or maybe even your own screams, as you watch your toddler unravel into something unrecognizable. You’re done. He won’t listen. You’ve had as much as you can take. As he throws himself even further towards the ground, threatening to take his tantrum to a whole continue reading...