The Mabelhood

In Parenting

How to Help Your Kids Wind Down After School: Tips for a Relaxed After-School Routine

September 3, 2024 No Comments

The school day is a whirlwind of activities, lessons, and social interactions, and by the time your kids get home, they might be feeling a mix of exhaustion and excitement, resulting in the dreaded after school-restraint collapse. Helping them wind down properly can make the transition from school to home smoother and more enjoyable for the entire family. Here’s a guide to helping your kids wind down and relax after school to kids decompress and recharge in a way that eases the effects of the after-school restraint collapse Why do kids struggle with the after-school transition? Kids often struggle with the after-school transition because it can be a big shift from the structured school environment to the more relaxed (or chaotic) atmosphere at home. The sudden change can be overwhelming after a day full of lessons, rules, and social interactions – the sudden ability to let it all go,…

In Daycare

What to Look for When Choosing a Daycare

August 28, 2024 No Comments

Daycare or preschool is your little ones’ first step on the education journey! It’s an essential place for children to develop educational and social skills and build self-confidence. Here are some things to look out for when choosing a daycare provider, and what to look for when choosing a daycare? What to look for when choosing a daycare? It can be overwhelming to know where to begin when starting to sit down to look at options. When first starting to look at daycares in your area, here are a few things to consider looking into before you book a visit: Location, how does it work for you? Close to home or close to work? Look for a daycare that offers diverse activities throughout the week. A good mix of play, learning, and physical activities can keep your child engaged and aid their overall development. Appropriately qualified teachers Music, physical activities…

In Parenting

Balancing Homeschooling and Life; How to Set Boundries

August 21, 2024 No Comments

In recent years, homeschooling has surged in popularity, driven by various factors, from flexibility in education to customization of learning experiences. While homeschooling can be very beneficial, it also brings forth a unique challenge: setting boundaries between homeschooling and personal life. Finding this balance is crucial for students’ academic success and the well-being of parents who manage the homeschooling journey and the family as a whole. Here’s a closer look at how to effectively balance homeschooling and life. Understanding the Need for Boundaries: Homeschooling blurs the lines between home and school environments, creating a situation where work and personal life can easily overlap and become awkward for kids and parents. This overlap can lead to burnout, stress, and a feeling of being constantly “on duty.” Recognizing the need for boundaries is the first step in maintaining a successful homeschooling experience. How to Set Boundaries with Homeschooling: Establish Clear Daily Routines:…

In Uncategorized

Practical Ways Dads Can Be Supportive During Pregnancy

August 13, 2024 No Comments

Pregnancy is one wild ride filled with ups and downs. While moms-to-be take on the physical and emotional rollercoaster, dads are crucial in offering support and comfort during this exciting time. Here are some practical ways dads can be supportive during pregnancy: Being the Emotional Rock Pregnancy brings a ton of emotions for both partners. Dads can be the solid support by actively listening, offering reassurance, and being understanding. Little things like showing excitement about the baby, affection, and endless patience during mood swings make a difference. Book Prenatal Classes & Learn Together Getting informed about pregnancy can strengthen the bond between couples. Hop online or call and research prenatal classes in your area to find out the details. These classes book quickly, so check the dates and confirm with the mother-to-be; she’ll melt in admiration as you share your research and take this off her to-do list. Sharing this…

In School

Kids’ School Shoes; Everything You Need to Know About Buying, Sizing, and Replacing Shoes

August 9, 2024 No Comments

With the back-to-school rush just around the corner, parents everywhere are frantically shopping for supplies, clothing, and new shoes. Choosing the right footwear is not just about style (although your kids will likely disagree); it’s about ensuring your child’s comfort, health, and readiness for the school year. Your kids will be spending up to 8 hours a day in their shoes, so it’s really important they fit well – take care of your feet, and your feet will take care of you! Here are some tips for buying kids’ school shoes. Tips for Buying Kids’ School Shoes: Getting the right fit is crucial when buying school shoes. Poor-fitting shoes can lead to discomfort, blisters, and even long-term foot problems. Here are some tips to ensure your child’s shoes fit correctly: Toe Room: There should be about a thumb’s width (approximately half an inch) between the end of the shoe and…

In School

Top Backpack Picks for Kids Who Love to Carry Everything to School!

August 4, 2024 No Comments

As school creeps up, there is one thing on our minds: back-to-school shopping! If you are big on pre-planning like me, you must already be thinking about school supplies. If your pint-sized scholar insists on lugging around their world in a backpack, you are at the right space. Fret not, my fellow parents, and read along to help you pick that special bag that can handle all their treasures while keeping them comfy. Top backpacks for kids. Here are the top picks for the kiddos who love to carry everything to school: JanSport SuperBreak Backpack JanSport has been a trusted brand for ages, and their SuperBreak Backpack is a classic choice. It’s lightweight yet sturdy, making it ideal for kids who like to fill their bags to the brim. With a roomy main compartment and a handy front utility pocket, there’s plenty of space for all their essentials. Plus, it…

In School

Tips for Kids Starting at a New School

July 30, 2024 No Comments

Going back to school is a big deal – and it can be an even bigger one if your child is starting at a new, unfamiliar school. We’ve got tips for kids starting at a new school, and strategies to help ease the stress, for both you and your child. Things to do before your child starts at a new school As always, you know your child best and are the most qualified person to customize these ideas for them. Some kids will benefit from lots of advance information, while others are better off taking each moment as it comes. Here are some proactive steps you can take before your child sets foot in the new school: Talk it through. This may be especially important for older kids who are more attached to their existing school and need time to wrap their heads around the change. Adopt the role of…

In School

Best Strategies for Transitioning Back to School

July 29, 2024 No Comments

Hey there, fellow moms! As the days stretch longer and the lazy vibes of summer start to fade, it’s time to gear up for that inevitable transition back to the school routine. If you’re anything like me, you know that getting back into the swing of things after a carefree summer can be a bit of a challenge. But fear not! I’ve got some out-of-the-box strategies up my sleeve to help make this transition back to school a little smoother. Fun ways to ease the transition back to school Create a Countdown Calendar with a Twist: Sure, countdown calendars are nothing new, but how about adding a fun twist? Instead of just marking the days until school starts, why not make each day a mini celebration? Have a themed movie night, a backyard campout, or a DIY spa day.Not only will this keep the kids excited, but it’ll also make…

In Parenting

Understanding Teen Slang in 2024

July 19, 2024 No Comments

“What on earth are they saying?!?” It’s a question I ask myself quite regularly as a mom of two teenage boys. It mostly occurs when they’re on their headsets gaming with friends. I’ll hear laughing, yelling, squealing, and then there will be conversations that I swear are in a different language. It’s like a secret teenage code. A code…that I’m about to crack! As parents, I feel like we should at least have an idea of what our kids are talking about, right? So, with a little help from my kids and a few Google searches, I now know what they’re saying – and so do you! Let’s dive in, shall we? “Sty” You know how our parents always called us lazy? Well, it’s like this generation said “Here, hold my Root Beer”. If you overhear your child saying things like… “He’s got so much sty!” or “That’s so sty!”,…

In School

Making the First Day of Homeschooling Special

July 18, 2024 No Comments

As the new school year begins, we’ll see the adorable “First-day” chalkboard signs, cute outfits, and photoshoots. Many families are embarking on a homeschooling journey. Whether this choice was made out of necessity, preference, or a blend of both, one thing is sure: the first day of homeschooling can also be made incredibly special with a little creativity and thoughtful planning. Here are some ideas to make the first day of homeschooling feel special. Set the Stage with Excitement Start the day with a positive and enthusiastic tone. Create a special morning routine that differs from your everyday activities this summer. Consider preparing a delicious breakfast together or having a small celebratory treat. Setting the table with decorations or special dishes can add a festive touch. Create a “First Day” Tradition for Homeschool Traditions provide a sense of continuity and excitement. Establish a tradition that marks the beginning of each…