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In School

What to Expect From Your Kindergartener in the First Month

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You’ve done the school supply haul. You’ve labeled everything (yay!) You’ve taken the “first day of school” photo (three times because they blinked). And now… you wait. What no one really prepares you for? The emotional, behavioral, and even biological whirlwind your child is about to enter. That first month of kindergarten can feel like your once-sweet kid morphed into a mix of a gremlin, a teenager, and a baby giraffe learning to walk—all rolled into one adorable tornado of a kid. 1. Expect the After-School Meltdown They held it together all day. And now? You’re the safe zone- they unleashed the after-school restraint collapse. Your kindergartener may walk through the door and crumble: tears, attitude, dramatic declarations like, “I’m NEVER going back!” This is normal. School requires them to regulate all day—sitting still, sharing, remembering routines. When they get home, the emotional floodgates open. How to help: Don’t pepper…

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In Parenting

Are We Coddling Our Middle Schoolers? 15 Things They Could Be Doing on Their Own (But Probably Aren’t)

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There’s no shame in being a hands-on parent. But somewhere between preschool pick-up and middle school lockers, a lot of us forgot to put down the metaphorical bubble wrap. Back in the day (sorrym but here comes the nostalgia), 12-year-olds were babysitting their siblings, cooking Kraft Dinner solo, and walking home from school without tracking apps. Today, many middle schoolers can’t find their own soccer cleats without texting mom. So, what gives? It’s Not Just the Parents Let’s be fair: the world has changed. School pressure has ramped up. Extracurriculars are intense. Social media is a minefield. And we’re all parenting in an age of what-if anxiety, where independence sometimes feels like recklessness. But experts say we may be swinging too far in the other direction. In fact, research shows that overparenting can hurt kids’ mental health, leading to lower resilience, less confidence, and even higher levels of anxiety and…

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Homeschooling 2025
In School

Why Does Homeschooling Still Feel Controversial?

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Why is Homeschooling Still a Hot Topic? Back-to-school season comes with sharpened pencils, nervous energy, and, for some families, raised eyebrows. While homeschooling has been steadily growing for years, there’s still an air of “Wait, you do what now?” around it. Why does homeschooling still feel controversial? Even in 2025, when flexible learning options are more accessible than ever, homeschooling can trigger strong opinions. Some people assume it’s a lifestyle only for the ultra-crunchy. Others question whether kids will grow up lacking social skills or basic math. And let’s be honest, there are still folks who picture homeschooled kids churning butter in Little House aprons and bonnets. Spoiler: that’s not the reality for most families. Where the Stigma Comes From Let’s rewind. Historically, homeschooling was often associated with fringe ideologies, mistrust of public education, or families seeking to avoid curriculum they didn’t agree with. In other words—it got typecast. Even…

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In Parenting

“Let Them Rest” vs. “Keep Them Learning”: The Great Summer Slide Debate

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Is summertime the reset kids need—or an academic setback? Parents and teachers are divided, and it’s easy to see both sides.  What Is the Summer Slide? The summer slide—also known as summer learning loss—is the decline in academic skills that can happen when kids take an extended break from structured learning over the summer months. For many students in the early elementary grades, this slide can mean starting the new school year already behind where they left off. Studies show that students can lose up to two months of math and reading skills during summer vacation if they’re not engaged academically. But what happens when those same kids have been burning out under academic pressure all year long? That’s where the debate begins. Some parents argue that summer is a much-needed pause for mental health and development—while many educators see summer learning as essential to keeping kids on track. So…

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In Daycare

Ways to Label Kids’ Clothing (That Actually Stay Put in the Wash)

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Let’s face it: keeping track of your child’s clothing is practically a full-time job. Between school, daycare, sports, and summer camp, items seem to disappear into the void, never to return. The good news? There are genius ways to label kids’ clothing that actually work, even after dozens of wash cycles. Whether your little one prefers tagless tees or you’re knee-deep in camp prep, Mabel’s Labels has a lineup of solutions designed to stay stuck—and keep your sanity intact. Why Labeling Kids’ Clothes Matters Peel & Stick Name Labels for Clothing: The Game-Changer How to Use the New Peel & Stick Labels Tag Mates™ Stick-On Clothing Labels: The Classic Choice Custom Clothing Stamp: Fast and Fuss-Free Iron-On Labels: A Classic That Still Has Fans The Right Label for Every Kid and Every Closet Why Labeling Kids’ Clothes Matters Sure, it might feel like an extra task—but labeling your kids’ clothes…

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In School

What Happens After the IEP Is Signed? What Parents Need to Know Next

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So you finally got the IEP signed—after weeks (maybe months) of evaluations, meetings, and hard conversations. You were told, “Now the support begins.” But what if the services don’t show up? What if the accommodations are forgotten, or your child is still struggling just as much? This is the part no one prepares you for: what happens after the paperwork is signed.  An IEP is just a starting line, not a finish line. You need to know how to implement the IEP after it’s signed. While it’s a powerful legal document, it’s not a magic wand. Signing the paperwork doesn’t guarantee that every support will be delivered as written or that your child’s school experience will immediately improve. The real work often begins after that last signature. Table of Contents Your IEP Is a Legal Document—But Implementation Varies Common Gaps Between Plan and Practice How to Monitor IEP Implementation Without…

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neurodivergent child reluctantly eating lunch
In Parenting

My Neurodivergent Kid Doesn’t Eat at School (and What You Can Do About It)

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You lovingly packed the lunch. Cut the crusts, added a note, even include a fancy snack you swore they’d love. And yet, the lunchbox comes back untouched. Thermos full. Note still folded. You ask yourself, Why is my neurodivergent kid not eating at school? If this is happening on repeat, you’re not alone—and no, it’s not because your kid is “just picky.” For many children, especially those who are neurodivergent, there are a lot of invisible barriers to eating at school. Medication side effects, sensory overload, social anxiety, even the structure of lunchtime itself can all get in the way. Let’s unpack why it’s happening—and what you can actually do about it. Why Isn’t My Kid Eating at School? It’s More Than Just “Picky Eating” Appetite-Suppressing Meds Make Food Feel Like a Chore Stimulant medications like Adderall, Ritalin, and Vyvanse are commonly prescribed for ADHD and other conditions, but they…

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In Daycare

How to Make the Most of Your Daycare Name Labels

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Why Labeling for Daycare Matters Labeling isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s a must. When your little one heads to daycare, every single item needs a name on it. Not convinced a tiny label makes a big difference? Here’s why it does: Keeps pacifiers, bottles, and utensils out of the wrong mouths Helps daycare staff return lost items quickly Prevents mix-ups with clothes, shoes, and blankets Makes drop-off and pick-up smoother and more organized Makes a super practical gift for new parents! Most licensed childcare centers mandate labeled items for health and safety. It keeps kids’ stuff separate, reduces the spread of germs, and helps caregivers stay organized. If you have to label everything (and you do), you might as well make it cute. Durable, waterproof, and daycare-approved—Mabel’s Labels are practical and adorable! Wait—Labeling is Required? Yep. Most child care centers mandate that every single item be labeled with your child’s name.…

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In Uncategorized

Best Kids Name Labels on a Budget: 3 Label Packs That Save Money (and Sanity)

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Looking for affordable name labels that actually stick? We’ve got you covered with the best kids’ label packs on a budget that help you stay organized without overconsuming labels you won’t use. Table of Contents Why Budget-Friendly Kids Labels Matter The 3 Best Budget Kids Label Packs Why Mabel’s Labels Are Worth It (Even on a Budget) Why Budget-Friendly Kids Labels Matter Raising kids is expensive—like, where did my paycheck go? You’re constantly replacing things between school supplies, sports equipment, and those must-have water bottles that disappear. Lost items = lost money. That’s where kids’ name labels come in. Durable, personalized labels keep items out of the lost-and-found pile and, more importantly, avoid costly repurchases. But not all labels are created equal. Cheap ones peel, and bulk ones waste. The sweet spot? Budget-friendly labels that are made to last without paying for extras you don’t need. The 3 Best Budget…

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In Summer Camp

How to Create an Allergy Action Plan for Summer Camp

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Sending your child off to summer camp is an exciting milestone, but it brings with it a lot of anxiety (homesickness!) But for parents of children with allergies, this anxiety can feel huge. The good news? With the right preparation and a solid Allergy Action Plan, your child can have a safe and memorable camp experience. A well-thought-out plan ensures that everyone involved—from camp counselors to medical staff—knows exactly what to do in case of an allergic reaction. Here is how parents can prepare an allergy plan for Summer Camp that ensures peace of mind. Choosing an allergy-friendly camp or one that takes food sensitivities seriously is key but it’s not always accessible for everyone. When selecting a camp, consider things like staff training, emergency protocols, and whether they can accommodate your child’s specific needs. It’s also important to weigh the camp’s location, cost, and activities to ensure it still…

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