Few things are more cathartic than clearing out the old at year’s end. Taking a little time to declutter before the holidays makes a stress-free Christmas so much easier to attain. Whether you’re trying to get ready for Christmas, or just hoping to declutter for the new year, this step-by-step “declutter home checklist” will help […]
Declutter For Christmas: Your Step-By-Step Guide Read More »
Let’s face it: Kids like playing in the dirt. Toddlers are fascinated by making mud puddles. Preschoolers and school-age kids like to make them, then play in them. And older school-age kids take this love of mud to a new level: they play soccer, baseball, softball, or football. Which means that at some point in
How To Get Mud Out Of Clothes Read More »
So you’ve got the Halloween costumes ready to go. And you’ve bought out the candy section of your local store. But have you checked trick-or-treat safety off your list yet? Think about it: Little people are tiny. A lot of creepy Halloween costume ideas (vampire, witch, spider, etc.) are dark. And in many places, trick-or-treating
Halloween Must Haves: Trick-or-Treat Safety Tips for Parents Read More »
Now that we’re moving past the worst of the pandemic, are you ready to hit the road again with your kiddos? Or perhaps even take to the skies with them? Or maybe you’re just getting out and about in taxis more. Whichever of these scenarios fits best, having the best travel carseat will make your
Best Travel Carseat Ever (Hint: it’s not a carseat!) Read More »
If you’re reading this, chances are you’re a parent. And chances are good you’ve already acquired some earplugs. I’m talking the maximum-decibal-blocking kind. If not, you need some. ASAP. I’m typing this post as I work from my temporary home office in the living room, because my regular home office is currently full of stuff
Why All Parents Need Earplugs (In Bulk!) Read More »
Does your child help around the house? No matter what their age, if a kid can walk, they can help. (And even infants can “practice” things as a game.) Unless you have a maid or a cleaning service, getting help around the house from family members is essential. However, it’s also easier said than done,
How To Get Kids to Help Around the House: 21 Hacks Read More »
> Those of you celebrating Easter in the weeks to come (or at least taking part in Easter egg hunts) may find yourselves inundated with hard-boiled eggs soon. Deviled eggs are a definite kid-pleaser, in my house at least. And this recipe makes the YUMMIEST deviled eggs I have ever eaten. Moreover, deviled eggs are a
Julia Child-Inspired Dijon Deviled Eggs (Easter Appetizer) Read More »
As I sit down to write this post, it’s a cold and dreary January in our corner of the northern hemisphere. We’re barely back from our latest visit with family, and I haven’t even had time to unpack, let alone get to the supermarket. So I’m snacking on cheesy toasts. Correction: WAS snacking on – I polished
Recipe: Cheesy Toasts Read More »
Give Your Kids’ Closet A Makeover This Weekend With DIY Shelving: Looking for kids’ closet makeover ideas? Wondering what to do with a small closet? The best DIY closet makeover ideas don’t have to be expensive, take forever, or require the pros. This DIY kids’ closet makeover is a low-budget weekend project that’s easier than you’d think, and is great
Weekend Kids’ Closet Makeover With DIY Shelving (Easy Weekend Project) Read More »
How do you make a leprechaun trap? Ask your kids! Having your kindergartener or preschooler make a leprechaun trap is one of the most educational March crafts for kids I’ve ever found, as well as one of the most fun St. Patrick’s Day activities for kids. But just how do you make a leprechaun trap? Leprechaun traps for
How To Make A Leprechaun Trap (Fun STEM activity!) Read More »
How To Make the Ultimate Family Winter Emergency Car Survival Kit: You’ve got the summer car essentials down pat – but what about winter preparedness? Especially for emergencies? It’s never too late to prepare your family’s winter car emergency kit – unless, of course, you’re facing an emergency situation and realize you FORGOT to prepare.
The Parents’ Winter Car Emergency Kit Checklist (Free Printable!) Read More »
Easy Weeknight Recipe: Sweet Cabbage Skillet Dinner or Side Dish Think your kids (or you) don’t like cabbage? This sweet sautéed cabbage skillet will change your minds. Full of fresh fall flavors, this sweet fried cabbage recipe is naturally gluten- and dairy-free. Make it as a vegan side dish, or add your favorite sausage (meat
Mama’s 30-Minute Sweet Cabbage Recipe (GF Side or Main Course) Read More »
(UPDATED FOR 2022) As I’ve written elsewhere, once upon a time I was the Queen of Getting Things Done. Then I had kids, and my productivity mojo vanished. It’s taken a long time for me to reclaim it. But now that I have, I can’t wait to share with you the secret of how to
How to Reach Your Goals This Year (Free Printable!) Read More »
Making homemade Christmas ornaments with your children is a great way to spend time together, while practicing critical learning skills. These adorable button snowman ornaments are a great way to help your littles build fine motor skills and coordination while practicing sorting and measuring. And DIY Christmas ornaments make great gifts for the special people in their
Cute & Easy Button Snowman Ornaments (DIY Christmas Ornaments!) Read More »
Wondering How To Raise A Grateful Child? Read These Tips: Teaching kids to be thankful is a lifelong project that works best as a year-round activity, not just something to practice in the days or weeks around Thanksgiving. But for many of us, raising a grateful child may not be as second nature as we’d like. Raising
Easy Ways to Teach Your Child Gratitude (All Year Long!) Read More »
I first saw paper clip angels a few years ago at our church’s holiday bazaar and thought, “Oh, how sweet!” There must be a gazillion versions of paper clip angels on Pinterest, but every time I do this craft, it’s new to everyone who sees it. Originally published Dec. 9, 2016; last updated November 2020
Paper Clip Angels (Cute Homemade Christmas Ornament) Read More »
Wondering How to Raise Healthy Children? These Tips WORK! Every parent wants their child to be as healthy and happy as possible. With chronic health issues on the rise, from asthma to allergies, doing everything we can on this front as parents is critical. But raising healthy children often feels like an uphill battle: As our
Raising Healthy Children: Everyday Tips for Parents Read More »
Old-Fashioned Baked Apples Recipe: Perfect Prep-Ahead Holiday Dessert, Easy and Delicious There’s nothing like the scent of oven baked apples cooking to make your home smell warm and cozy at the holidays. “Baked” apples are a ten-minute everyday breakfast treat in our home, thanks to the microwave. But when I’m making a lot of baked
Old-Fashioned Oven Baked Apples Recipe (Easy & Healthy) Read More »
With Thanksgiving just around the corner, here’s a question for all you U.S.-based parents. Have your kids learned yet why we celebrate this holiday, and what the story behind it is? Need help? This Thanksgiving Bead Bracelet is a sweet craft to do with your preschoolers or elementary-school students, while teaching them about the first
Thanksgiving Bead Bracelet Craft & Poem (Free Printable!) Read More »
When I was growing up, each day began with a good breakfast. And breakfast always began with a serving of fruit. On chilly mornings, my favorite breakfast fruit was my mother’s delicious homemade baked apples. Originally published Oct. 5, 2017; last updated October 2020. My mama baked apples the old-fashioned way, in the oven. Usually
Healthy Microwave Baked Apples Recipe (Ready in 10 Minutes!) Read More »
