The Mabelhood

In Parenting

DIY Kids and Toddler Halloween Costume Ideas

October 15, 2024 No Comments

With fall finally here, it’s time to start thinking about the Halloween festivities that will soon be approaching. When it comes to Halloween, there are usually several different events involved that will require a costume and who has time to go out and find all different options? October is busy for so many parents with fall/winter activities starting up, back to school finally settling down and just the regular hustle and bustle of family life. Let’s make Halloween easier by creating some fun and memorable costumes for our kids with things you should already have laying around your home! Here are some toddler Halloween costume ideas that we are loving: Rainy Day What you’ll need: rain gear (hat/jacket/boots/umbrella), cotton batting, construction paper, string How to make it: once your child is all dressed up and ready for rain, use a hot glue gun to glue the cotton batting on top…

In Parenting

Kids Getting Braces: Essential Tips for Parents

October 8, 2024 No Comments

As parents, many of us have hang-ups about braces, with the terms “metal-mouth,” “railroad tracks” and “headgear” echoing in our teen memories. However, if your child needs braces, you’ll be glad to hear that they’re extremely common now. So, if your kids are getting braces; here are some essential tips for parents to help you and your child navigate this new orthodontic experience. Easing your child’s worries about getting braces As with anything new, your child may feel stressed about getting braces. They may be concerned that they will look different and not fit in with their peers. The good news is: if you look around any middle school, junior high, or high school, you’ll see kids with braces everywhere. Your child is not alone – in fact, they’re joining a large group of classmates who already have braces. Encourage your child to talk to siblings, peers or cousins…

In Parenting

Best Sleep Schedule and Routine for Kids Who Struggle to Fall Asleep

October 2, 2024 No Comments

If you’re a parent dealing with a child who struggles to fall asleep, I get it—bedtime can feel like a never-ending battle. You might spend hours tiptoeing around, hoping that this will be the night they finally drift off peacefully. I’ve been there, too, and it’s tough. But with the right sleep routine sleep routine for kids, and some patience, you can help your little one sleep better—and in turn, give yourself some much-needed rest, too. Why a Consistent Sleep Schedule is Key Consistency in a child’s bedtime routine works wonders. Just like how we adults rely on our routines to function, kids do, too. Setting a consistent sleep schedule helps regulate their body clock, making bedtime smoother. Once they know it’s time to settle down, it becomes easier for them to relax into sleep mode. So, what does a consistent sleep schedule look like? Here are a few things…

In Parenting

How Disorganized Parents Can Teach Organizational Skills: Even When Your Own Life Feels Like a Circus

September 24, 2024 No Comments

So, you’re the parent who always seems to be running late, has a never-ending pile of laundry, and might have once lost their phone in the refrigerator (true story!). And now, you’re tasked with teaching your child the art of organization. Panic not! You don’t need to turn into a model of perfection to guide your little ones toward becoming organized superstars, disorganized parents can teach organizational skills too! With a bit of creativity, a dash of humor, and a few practical tips, and some faking it, you can help them master organizational skills for school and life—even if you’re still working on finding your keys every morning. Here are some ways disorganized parents can teach their kids organizational skills. Turn Chaos into a Learning Opportunity: First off, let’s embrace the mess. If your house looks like a whirlwind hit it, don’t hide it—use it as a teachable moment. Be…

In Parenting

How Often Should You Replace Bottle and Sippy Cup Nipples or Spouts?

September 16, 2024 No Comments

Baby bottles are a huge part of parenting, and sippy cups are super important when your little one is moving from bottles to regular cups. But you’ve got to take care of them to make sure they stay safe and work well! One big thing to keep in mind is when to switch out the bottle or sippy nipples or spouts. Here are tips on how often to replace baby bottle or sippy cups nipples and spouts, and how to know when it’s time to make the switch. How Often Should You Replace Baby Bottle or Sippy Cup Nipples or Spouts? The lifespan of sippy cup nipples or spouts can vary a lot based on the material, how often you use them, and how well you take care of them. As a general rule, it’s a good idea to swap these parts out every 1-3 months. Checking them regularly and…

In Parenting

How to Wash Your Kids Football Gear

September 10, 2024 No Comments

Football is a game of athleticism, aggression, speed, toughness…. and of sweat-soaked equipment that absolutely reeks. As a football parent, you need to be ready to battle the odor, moisture and bacteria after every practice and game. Here are some all-pro tips to help wash your kids’ football gear. How to Wash Your Kids’ Football Helmet For the helmet’s outer surface, avoid using abrasive cleaners or coarse pads that may scratch the finish. Use a soft cloth to wipe off dirt and debris. For football helmets with removable inner pads, detach the padding and set aside. Use a soft cloth, warm water, and a mild detergent to clean the helmet shell and chin strap. To clean the pads, mix warm water with mild detergent and wipe the pads gently using a soft cloth. Let them dry and use a disinfectant spray to neutralize any remaining bacteria. Once all the parts…

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 Boundaries

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…