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Kristi York

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In Summer Camp

Helpful Tips for Day Camp Rookies

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Sure, sleep-away camp is great with its bunk beds and bonfires, but why should it get all the hype? Day camps can also provide exciting and memorable experiences for your kids this summer. Here are some tips for day camp rookies, and advice from the YMCA camp staff. The benefits Day camps offer a practical solution for working parents, as well as kids who may be prone to boredom at home. Here are a few compelling reasons to register: Close to home. While some kids crave the adventure and independence of overnight camp, others may prefer a familiar environment where they sleep in their own bed. More affordable. A Monday-to-Friday day camp typically costs less than a sleep-away camp that involves extra travel and amenities. High structure. If your child thrives in predictable routines at school, they will likely transition well to the similar format of day camp, with an…

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In Parenting

Ten ways to encourage kids to go outside for a much-needed break

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Here’s a sound bite from my house: Me: “Hey kids, let’s go outside!” Kids: “Groannnnnnnnn. No thanks.” I have a theory about this reaction. It’s not that they’re lazy or dislike being outdoors (I know for a fact that they do). It’s just that kids need a compelling reason – even a small one – to step outside. Of course, that reason can’t be: “Well, it’s good for your overall health and mood, plus it gives you a much-needed break from screen time!” No one is leaping out of their seat after that boring sales pitch. It might take a bit of creativity to motivate kids to head outside, but it can be done. The secret? Create a purpose. Invent a task. Introduce a prop or accessory. Add something (anything!) to give the experience a sense of importance or accomplishment. Here are some of my kid-tested ideas to promote outdoor…

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Happy mom at Holidays
In Mom Moments

25 Ways to Rise Above Holiday Stress This Year

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Every year, I tell myself that I’m not going to let the holidays stress me out. And every year, despite my best efforts, I end up frazzled and fatigued. Maybe the problem is that I’m setting a random goal but not doing specific things to create a different outcome. This year, that’s going to change. I have compiled a list of 25 small but impactful steps that you (and I) can take to keep things on track and enjoy the season more. That said, I’m guessing you don’t even have time to read this whole list. The tips are organized into 4 categories – prioritizing, shopping, coping and connecting – so feel free to jump to the section that interests you. There, you’ll find some suggested mini tactics to help ease your holiday burden. PRIORITIZING Pause and reflect. Time for some big-picture thinking. Can you clearly identify which holiday traditions…

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In Seasonal

5 Step Guide to Sending Holiday Cards

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Holiday cards can present an annual dilemma. Life is crazy-busy in December, and your to-do list is longer than Santa’s beard. But, you also want to send warm holiday wishes to the people you care about – something more meaningful than liking their latest post on Instagram. An old-fashioned holiday card is always a thoughtful gesture, and it might be even more meaningful this year. If you like the idea of sending out cards but aren’t sure where to start, read on for our step-by-step guide. Step 1: Make Your List The goal here is to establish who is on your “snail mail” list, since you’ve got to allow more prep and delivery time for them. You may choose to contact some friends and family by e-mail, text or social media, but you also instinctively know which ones will genuinely enjoy ripping open an envelope and unfolding a classic holiday…

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