The Mabelhood

In School

School Supply Checklist by Grade for 2023- 2024

June 5, 2023 No Comments

Believe it or not, Back to School is upon us just around the corner, and it’s time we start thinking about what we may need to purchase for our kids. As experts in the back-to-school arena, we’ve often been asked what each grade requires for school. It’s tough to answer as each school district and each teacher is so different in what they’ll require. But if you’re starting to shop before your school list comes out, you can look here at what the most common items are for each grade level; it’s a good starting point and give or take a few items, this 2023-2024 back-to-school supply list will be a good reflection of what you may need. Another thing to keep in mind (for all USA residents) is to consider doing your shopping on tax-free weekends. A full list of 2023-2024 tax-free school supply shopping weekends can be found…

In Mom Moments

Kids at the Pride Parade; Why I Bring My Kid and You Should Too!

May 30, 2023 No Comments

June is Pride Month! We plan on celebrating, supporting, and learning. We have attended the Pride Parade for many years and are excited to participate again in 2023. My daughter will be 6 this year, and I’m excited to have her attend. But we’ve put a lot of thought into attending and ensuring that we’re doing it respectfully. Pride is a big deal for the community and not one to take lightly or use simply as a costume party. Here is a guide to some things to consider about attending Pride; why I bring my kid, and you should too! Firstly, it’s important to understand why you’re going. So many people have fought for the right to be at the Pride Parade. It’s not just a day for glitter and rainbows. So make sure that your reason for taking your child is genuine and not to play dress-up. Make sure…

In Parenting

Transitioning Your Toddler to a Big Bed, 5 Tips to Make It a Success

May 18, 2023 No Comments

Congratulations on your toddler crossing another significant milestone! While transitioning your little one from a crib to a toddler bed can be overwhelming and scary for many parents, there are ways to help make it smoother. Generally, toddlers are ready to transition to a big bed between the ages of 18 months to four years. However, parents and caregivers of the kids know best when they are ready for this big move. If you are wondering whether your child is ready for this transition, it would help if you asked yourself: Is my child consistently trying to climb out of the crib? Is the crib getting too small or tight for my child? Is my child showing interest in a big kid bed? Do I need the crib for a new sibling? If you answered yes to these, it may be time to transition to a big bed! Check out…

In Seasonal

How to Pack (And Label) For Day Camp

May 9, 2023 No Comments

Many working parents are transitioning from school mornings to camp mornings and will quickly discover that it’s no less chaotic than the school year. Your morning will look different depending on the camp, the daily activity and even the weather. It’s not as easy as the school year when you’ve settled into a routine. Here are some things to consider packing and preparing in the weeks leading up to camp to help yourself have smooth mornings. This list is everything you’ll need to know for how to pack and label for day camp. Labels: Firstly, you need a label pack! Everything that goes back and forth each day will need to be labelled. These are all new kids, and there will likely be look-a-like items. Plus, with new kids, they can’t easily tell who’s is who. Labels are essential and often mandated at camp. The best pack for day camp…

In Parenting

20 Tips for First-Time Camping Families

May 7, 2023 No Comments

Planning your family’s first-ever camping trip? Forgive the tent-related pun, but you might be feeling like the stakes are high, with the trip’s success resting entirely on you. However, there’s no need to (brace yourself for tent pun #2) get in a flap about it! We’re here to help with practical tips to ensure you have a tent full of happy campers from start to finish. Read on for 20 tips for first-time camping families. Before you go Limit the distance. Don’t venture too far on the first trip. If you keep your travel time reasonable, it will be easier to head home if there is bad weather or someone becomes sick or injured. Search for a nearby location with convenient amenities and family-friendly features like a beach or playground. Talk about it. Since this will be a new experience for some (or all) family members, chat about what to expect. Camping…

In Parenting

How to Introduce Kids to Gardening (With Free Printables!)

May 2, 2023 No Comments

(Updated March 2023) Veggie and herb gardening is a great way to get your kids outdoors and excited about a project! It’s an activity that requires their planning, regular upkeep and the best part? It has a reward at the end for all of their hard work. It’s also not very difficult, so with a little parental guidance and supervision, kids of any age can be involved in the process in some way. So, how to introduce kids to gardening in a way that’s enjoyable and interesting for them? Read on! Getting Your Kids Involved in Gardening Get them their own tools Kids love having their own set of tools, especially when they’re made specially for smaller hands! Kids’ gardening tool sets aren’t that expensive and easy to find online. Grab them a set and give it to them as a gift, or maybe let them help you pick one out.…

In Parenting

5 things to consider when choosing a water bottle for kids.

April 25, 2023 No Comments

While keeping hydrated is essential for children all year round, it’s especially important that your child drinks enough water during a hot summer day. Summer calls for lots of outdoor activities, including summer camps. Therefore, having a good water bottle tag along the kids’ bag pack would ensure they always have water handy whenever needed. Having two toddlers of my own, I used to find my kitchen closet full of different kinds of bottles, struggling to find the perfect one for each of them individually. While many of the bottles were brutally rejected by them, we eventually found a good fit for their respective needs. To help other moms going through a similar struggle, here are 5 things to consider when choosing a water bottle for kids this summer. The Opening and Closing Style of the Lid: Bottles come with different ways to open the lid, and you would not…

In Seasonal

2023 Sleepaway Camp Pack List (and fun non-essential bunk junk kids love)

April 18, 2023 No Comments

Camp season is equal parts excitement and stress. Your kids may be nervous, and you’re probably overwhelmed. It can be tricky to know what exactly to pack for your kids. Here is a 2023 sleepaway camp pack list that may reduce your stress a little bit; the list comprises notes from experienced camp moms and kids. Labels– Before ANYTHING goes into your bag, make sure it has a name label! This is non-negotiable. Here’s the best option. TOILETRIES: Toiletries Caddy– A waterproof caddy for bringing all their items to the showers; it’s ok if it gets wet. And it means they always have everything they need for the shower with them. Bug Spray– make sure it’s something you’ve used before so your child doesn’t discover an irritation at camp. Hydrocortisone– or something similar to soothe itchy skin. Sunblock– Don’t leave home without it, ever. Make sure it’s waterproof (not just…

In Pregnancy

Here’s What I’ve Learned After Six C-Sections

April 14, 2023 No Comments

April is Cesarean Awareness Month. Considering I’ve had six of the damn things, I thought I’d take some time to share my learnings.

In Parenting

Outdoor Toys for Spring and Summer 2023

April 12, 2023 No Comments

You know you’ve turned the page into spring when you pull out the seasonal storage bin, to re-discover the outdoor toys that have been out of sight, out of mind all winter. Goodbye, snow shovel – hello, Frisbee! Your kids’ activity and gear choices will vary from year to year, depending on their age and interests. Here’s our round-up of can’t-miss outdoor toys for spring and summer – coming soon to a park or sidewalk near you! Toddler Bubbles. Chasing bubbles has always been, and will always be, a hit with young kids. Be prepared to draw a crowd if you’re playing in a public space. Get more bang for your bubble by choosing an oversized wand or a battery-operated bubble blower. If your bubble liquid supply is dwindling, try mixing up a DIY recipe at home. Wheeled transportation. A sturdy wagon, jogging stroller, or bike trailer is handy to…