Author

Mabel's Labels

Browsing
In Seasonal

How to Pack (And Label) For Day Camp

No Comments

Many working parents are transitioning from school mornings to camp mornings and will quickly discover that it’s no less chaotic than the school year.  Your morning will look different depending on the camp, the daily activity and even the weather. It’s not as easy as the school year when you’ve settled into a routine. Here are some things to consider packing and preparing in the weeks leading up to camp to help yourself have smooth mornings. This list is everything you’ll need to know for how to pack and label for day camp. Labels:  Firstly, you need a label pack! Everything that goes back and forth each day will need to be labelled. These are all new kids, and there will likely be look-a-like items. Plus, with new kids, they can’t easily tell who’s is who. Labels are essential and often mandated at camp. The best pack for day camp…

by
Keep Reading
In Parenting

How to Introduce Kids to Gardening (With Free Printables!)

No Comments

(Updated March 2023) Veggie and herb gardening is a great way to get your kids outdoors and excited about a project! It’s an activity that requires their planning, regular upkeep and the best part? It has a reward at the end for all of their hard work. It’s also not very difficult, so with a little parental guidance and supervision, kids of any age can be involved in the process in some way. So, how to introduce kids to gardening in a way that’s enjoyable and interesting for them? Read on! Getting Your Kids Involved in Gardening Get them their own tools Kids love having their own set of tools, especially when they’re made specially for smaller hands! Kids’ gardening tool sets aren’t that expensive and easy to find online. Grab them a set and give it to them as a gift, or maybe let them help you pick one out.…

by
Keep Reading
kids at summer camp
In Seasonal

2023 Sleepaway Camp Pack List (and fun non-essential bunk junk kids love)

No Comments

Camp season is equal parts excitement and stress. Your kids may be nervous, and you’re probably overwhelmed. It can be tricky to know what exactly to pack for your kids. Here is a 2023 sleepaway camp pack list that may reduce your stress a little bit; the list comprises notes from experienced camp moms and kids. Labels– Before ANYTHING goes into your bag, make sure it has a name label! This is non-negotiable. Here’s the best option. TOILETRIES: Toiletries Caddy– A waterproof caddy for bringing all their items to the showers; it’s ok if it gets wet. And it means they always have everything they need for the shower with them. Bug Spray– make sure it’s something you’ve used before so your child doesn’t discover an irritation at camp. Hydrocortisone– or something similar to soothe itchy skin. Sunblock– Don’t leave home without it, ever. Make sure it’s waterproof (not just…

by
Keep Reading
In Mom Moments

Ten Ways Moms Benefit from Sending Their Kids to Camp

No Comments

We often hear about the benefits of sending kids to camp. Even here in the Mabelhood, we talk about it a lot. Like this, and this. Sleepaway camp is indeed so beneficial for kids. But what about moms? Being a mom is hard, and we rarely talk about how we need a break. So summer camp also has enormous benefits for parents, and it’s okay to admit that. Here are the ways that moms benefit from our kids going to camp.  1) Recharge  Relax, take a walk, meditate and do the things you always dream of doing but never have the time or the privacy to do.  2) Eat what you want   Enjoy the chance to cook meals that you love without complaints. Eat the spicy foods, the healthy meals, or the junk food you want without needing to share!  3) Reconnect with your spouse   Go on dates, enjoy the…

by
Keep Reading
Best TV shows for kids
In Parenting

Best Educational TV Shows for Kids 2023

No Comments

We’re often trying to limit screen time, we’re trying to be the parents who don’t use the TV as a babysitter, but let’s be real, sometimes we just need to finish up work, do the laundry or make dinner and the TV can be the best babysitter to allow us to do that.  Instead of feeling guilty about doing that, know that everyone does it, and select Tv shows that make you feel a bit better. Here is a list of the best educational TV shows for kids in 2023 that you know they can watch guilt-free! 1) Storybots Answer Time Little Kids Rated ***** on Common Sense Media Netflix Every episode answers questions sent in by real kids, questions and life and the world that kids are curious about. The Story Bots work together to find the answer to the kids’ questions. The show includes fun musical elements; in…

by
Keep Reading
In Parenting

Video Games; How Much Is Too Much, and Can It Be an Addiction?

No Comments

 It’s great to have hobbies, but hobbies such as video games seem to be creeping into some dangerous territory for many parents these days. Many parents, especially after lockdown days, have been seeing an increase in screen time, and have been asking themselves about video game addiction, how much it too much? It’s difficult for parents to know when a harmless hobby is no longer harmless. How much is too much and can gaming become an addiction?  Recently, on a Facebook moms’ group, the question was raised, how do I know if my son is addicted to video games, the comments came flooding in. This is a concern in many families. It’s difficult to know when your child is crossing into the area of no longer controlling themselves or whether they enjoy the game.  During pandemic days, screen time has significantly increased. However, with families spending so much time together, sometimes…

by
Keep Reading
tips and gadgets for traveling with babies in 2023
In Parenting

Tips and Gadgets for Traveling With Babies in 2023

No Comments

Spring is here, and all we can think about is traveling! Of course, it isn’t as easy for new parents as it used to be. But it can also be rewarding to travel with littles! Babies have lots of baggage, which can seem overwhelming, but great products and tips can make it stress-free (ish). Whether you’re flying or driving, we all want to save space, yet we don’t want to be caught without something we rely on. So, we’ve gathered our favorite tips and gadgets for traveling with babies in 2023. You’ll want to get your hands-on these before you leave! Here are all our top tips, pack lists, and devices for traveling with a baby in 2023. What to pack: Here are a few additional items to make sure you have on your list for 2023; investing in travel-friendly items may be the best decision, but these items will…

by
Keep Reading
In Uncategorized

Unique Loot Bag Ideas That Kids and Parents Will Love

No Comments

Let’s be honest, kids’ parties are expensive, and the host often spends a lot of money on the most controversial part of a birthday party – the loot bag. Why are we sending kids home with a load of junk that will be thrown into a landfill days later!? Can’t we all agree that we need to change this with some unique loot bag ideas? I’m not sure where the trend of giving away plastic junk started, but it’s become out of hand. Each holiday my kids come home with little plastic bags of erasers, games, or candy. None of them get used; they clutter up the house for a week and then end up in the landfill, not to mention all the packaging!   Here are our choices- we can either agree that a loot bag isn’t required, let’s prepare our kids not to expect one (let’s stop feeling guilted…

by
Keep Reading
Girls in STEM
In Parenting

Unique Toys for Girls with an Interest in STEM

No Comments

Encouraging girls to pursue careers in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) is important for promoting gender diversity and equality in these fields. Studies have shown that girls often have a strong interest in STEM subjects but may be discouraged from pursuing them due to societal stereotypes and lack of female role models. February 11 was proclaimed by the United Nationals to be the International Day of Women and Girls in Science to safeguard access to and participation of women and girls in science. Programs such as STEM education in schools, mentorship opportunities, and encouraging girls to participate in STEM competitions and activities can help to promote their interest and participation in these fields. But what about when they’re younger? How do we encourage them to be interested, stay interested and carry that through into their adult life?  Here are some toys (great recommendations from our friends at Mastermind) as…

by
Keep Reading
Finding your child's love language
In Mom Moments

Finding Your Child’s Love Language: Loving Your Kids How They Need to Be Loved.

No Comments

We know that a child’s deepest need, above all else, is to feel loved. Kids who feel loved grow up with fewer mental health challenges and are more emotionally stable. Kids who feel valued are more likely to find an emotionally healthy relationship. We often assume that our unconditional love is enough for our kids. We tell them we love them; we hug and kiss and say I love you daily. But what if we express love isn’t the same way they receive love? What if all the I love you’s don’t have the effect we think they do? Parents can often fall short of loving when we’re not doing it right for each kid. Parents tend to show love to their kids in the ways they wish to receive love themselves. The same goes for siblings; each child will receive love differently, and what makes one child feel loved may not…

by
Keep Reading