Archive
Do Naps Make Kids Smarter?
When my children were infants and toddlers, nap time was a sacred part of the day—mainly because it gave me a much-needed break. I scheduled meals, play dates, mommy and me classes, and errands around their naps. I dealt with
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More Meaning, Less Stress: 8 Memory Making Christmas Traditions that Discourage Materialism
If Christmas is the backdrop for some of your fondest childhood memories, you are not alone. Many people cherry-pick their very best holiday recollections and carry them into adulthood. A recent poll found that Christmas is overwhelmingly the most popular
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How We Helped Our Sons Learn the Value of Giving Back
Giving back to others tops the list of life lessons we’ve tried to teach our two boys since they were little. To drive this point home over the years, we adopted a three-pronged approach to giving: we donated our money,
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Make Housework a Family Affair
Parents, trust me here: Society will not be pleased with you if you set your kid loose at age 18 with zero life skills (like how to do laundry without turning it all pink, or how you should take out
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Tips for Efficient Packing
Family vacations are a great way to enjoy time away from the daily routine and to create lasting memories. But if you are anything like me, packing for a family trip can be overwhelming, especially if you have multiple kids
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Holiday Traditions
As the temperature begins to drop and the end of the first semester draws near, teenagers are already planning exciting things to do over the upcoming breaks. However, it’s important for us to balance the time we spend with our
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Turkey Placemat
Materials Plain, solid colored placemat (white or light fall color) Fabric paint writers in fall colors including red, black, and white Small sponge brushes—one for each color of paint Plastic or waxed paper covered work surface, and water and paper Read More
Thankful Napkin Holder
Materials • Miniature chalkboard (about 3-4 inches) • 2 artificial fall leaves • Wooden spring-type clothes pin • Chalkboard chalk or marker • Hot glue gun and glue sticks • Scissors • Thanksgiving napkin Instructions • Trim any stems off Read More
Pinecone Christmas Tree
Materials 4-6 inch pine cone Small terra cotta pot to fit on the bottom of the pine cone 1/8-1/4 inch beads in holiday colors Glitter paper or a small star ornament Green craft paint for the tree and a holiday Read More
