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Alina Hodkinson

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In Parenting

DIY Kids and Toddler Halloween Costume Ideas

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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…

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In Summer Camp

Sleepaway Camp Shoppable Pack List

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Summer is approaching quickly (I can feel it in the air) and it’s never too early to start preparing and looking ahead. Most camps are already close to being fully booked up and are anxiously awaiting their campers.  Although it might be pulling at your heartstrings a little bit thinking of sending your little ones off to their first sleepaway camp, or even if you’re a seasoned overnight camp sender, the list of things to pack can be daunting to come up with on your own. With all of the lists we have to make as parents (the grocery list, the to-do list, all of the wish lists), we need all the help we can get! We’ve broken it down into 4 easy categories to better aid you when it comes to planning your shopping trip in advance. When we think outdoor camp you may only have things like bug…

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In Parenting

Unique Kids’ Birthday Gifts That Aren’t Toys – Gift Ideas for Kids

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The idea of adding more toys to the never-ending pile sitting in your living room corner can seem daunting, and with your child’s upcoming birthday, you can’t imagine receiving even more. Who said all birthday gifts have to be toys, though? We’ve got the best ideas for birthday gifts that aren’t toys and we know you’ll want to share this with your friends and family before the next birthday hits your house. Take a look! Monthly subscription kits! There are so many options when it comes to a subscription kit. Many companies have specific kits geared to all different ages and there are many different kinds that you can choose from based on the interests of the child you’re purchasing for. Some that we love are: Lovevery, KiwiCo and Little Passports! Adventure experiences! What kid doesn’t love to get out for a day and do something fun? The options are…

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In Daycare

How to teach your kids to share

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When you welcome a new baby into the world, there are a lot of milestones that we’re told as parents to watch out for. Things like rolling over, standing on their own, and walking are just a few of these – but one milestone we tend not to think too much about is the ability to share. Can you imagine your 6-month-old taking their first steps? No! Just like there will come a time when your child is developmentally ready to share, and it’s normal for it not to happen right away. There are a few ways how to teach your kids to share and help them eventually reach that goal.  But don’t stress, they’ll be sharing with their peers and siblings when they are ready to do so. Why is it important to learn how to share? Sharing with family and friends can help your little one build stronger…

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In Seasonal

How to Make Your Kid’s December Birthday Special

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When it comes to having children, we can’t always plan the most perfect birth date for them which can sometimes lead to November, December and even January birthdays. With a birthday so close to the holidays, it feels like making it special for them is an impossible task. While family and friends may be heading into their busy season, we’ve compiled a list of a few different things you can do that might help that holiday baby feel celebrated, no matter the time of year! How to make your kid’s December birthday special: Plan Ahead for your child’s birthday With so much going on at this time of year, it’s important to have a plan ahead of the big day. Start planning as early as you can so that you can ensure other people (if you’re including others) have plenty of time to make sure they can attend as well.…

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In School

After School Snack Ideas

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School days can be long and exhausting – not only for your kids but for us parents too! Even though you fill their lunch boxes daily with healthy, nutritious, and delicious snacks… they somehow come home starving, and they seem like they won’t breathe another day if they don’t immediately get some sort of food item in them. It’s hard to not only keep it healthy but also satisfying enough that it will keep them full until dinner rolls around. Here are some of our favorite After-School Snacks that are easy for mom and yummy for the kids; make sure you add these ingredients to your grocery list! Ants On A Log Cut celery into sticks Fill with cream cheese Top with raisins as your “ants on a log” What to add to your grocery list: celery, cream cheese, raisins. Apple Nachos Cut apples into thin chip-like wedges Whisk together…

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In Parenting

Best Pacifiers & Soothers for Babies Who Spit Them Out

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It’s no secret that new parents need a break from time to time. Whether it be some quiet travel time or just a short break from some of the fussing, pacifiers can come in handy when you need them most. It’s important to know that ALL babies are different, and unfortunately, pacifiers are not a one-size-fits-all all type of product. Have no fear. We’re here to help when it comes to deciding which ones you might want to spend your money on! Don’t forget to pick up your Pacifier Labels especially important when heading to daycare! If your baby spits it out often, you don’t want a germy mix-up when they’re popping it back in your baby’s mouth! Here’s our Top 10 List for best pacifiers & soothers for babies who spit them out: Phillips Avent Soothie Pacifier Why do we love it? – the Avent Soothie Pacifier is…

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In School

Starting School Checklist for Little Kids

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With the start of the school year right around the corner, there will be lots of little ones starting their first year of school in Senior or Junior Kindergarten. While it can be stressful for your kids, this is also a really hard time for you! All summer long you spend your days wondering if you’ve prepared them enough to finally head out on their own in the big wide world of elementary school and the truth of the matter is: no child can ever be completely prepared for this big step, but there are definitely some things we can make sure we’re seeing in our children before September rolls around. We’ve made it easier for you both by creating a fun checklist for you and your kiddo to work on this summer. The list is below, and here is a FREE Kindergarten Readiness Checklist for your little one to…

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