Mabel's Labels, Author at The Mabelhood

In Summer Camp

How to Label for Sleepaway Camp

April 10, 2026 No Comments

Labeling your kid’s clothing for camp can sometimes feel confusing. With so many items of clothing and accessories to keep track of, and no parental guidance once they arrive, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Fortunately, Mabel’s Labels makes the process simple with a variety of labeling options that actually hold up to camp life. Here are our top ways to label your kids’ clothing for summer camp, so you can feel confident their things are coming back home and not ending up in someone else’s pile. Why Labeling Sleepaway Camp Items Is Important Summer camp can be one of the trickiest times to label for. Items like swimsuits, towels, and flip-flops are not always easy to label, and basic solutions like markers or tape rarely last. Camp days are messy, active, and unpredictable, so having labels that are designed to stick through it all makes a big difference. The Sleepaway…

In School

April Lunch Swaps: Easy Ideas to Survive End-of-Year Lunch Packing

April 9, 2026 No Comments

We are all just packing vibes and croutons, right? There’s a very specific kind of energy that hits parents sometime in April. It’s not quite burnout, not quite chaos, more like quietly standing in front of the fridge, wondering how you got here. You started the year feeling like Ina Garten. And now… you’re at a loss for ideas, welcome; you’re among friends. So instead of reinventing the wheel, let’s just freshen things up with some April lunch swaps for kids. Crunchy Veg Lunch Reset: If you usually pack… Try this instead… Why kids go for it Baby carrots (again) Sugar snap peas They’re sweeter and actually fun to crunch Plain cucumber slices Mini cucumbers Less soggy, more bite Nothing (because… effort) Pre-cut rainbow peppers Bright colours = more appealing Carrots + nothing Shredded carrots + dip Dip makes everything better 🍓 Fruit Swaps That Might Actually Get Eaten: If…

In Summer Camp

How to Label for Day Camp

April 6, 2026 No Comments

As the summer season approaches, parents everywhere are preparing to send their kids off to day camp. Whether it’s a sports camp, music camp, or another type of summer program, one thing is essential: labeling your kids’ belongings. Clear labels ensure items don’t get lost or mixed up with others, keeping your child’s things organized and safe throughout the day. With items coming back and forth every day, labeling your kids’ gear is crucial. Here’s your complete guide to the easiest way to label everything for day camp. The Day Camp Label Pack: Everything You Need The Day Camp Label Pack is a value pack designed to make labeling simple. It includes all the labels you need to cover backpacks, lunch boxes, clothing, shoes, water bottles, and more. With every item labeled, you can rest assured it will come home at the end of each camp day.What’s Included in the…

In Parenting

Gardening with Kids: How to Get Them Excited About Growing Veggies!

March 31, 2026 No Comments

Veggie and herb gardening is one of the easiest ways to get kids outside, learning, and excited about a long-term project. It’s hands-on, a little messy, and incredibly rewarding. The best part? Kids get to watch something grow because of their effort…and eventually eat it. Gardening with children doesn’t need to be complicated or time-consuming. With a little guidance, kids of almost any age can help plan, plant, water, and harvest. Along the way, they learn responsibility, patience, and where their food actually comes from. If you’re wondering how to introduce kids to gardening in a way that keeps them interested, here are some simple ideas that work. How Do You Get Kids Interested in Gardening? The best way to get kids excited about gardening is to make them part of the process from the beginning. Let them choose what to plant, give them their own tools, and turn garden…

In Parenting

The Best Educational TV Shows for Kids in 2026

March 12, 2026 No Comments

Let’s be real. Most of us didn’t plan on raising kids in a world where screens are everywhere, but here we are. We can limit them, guide them, and set boundaries, but completely avoiding screens in today’s world just isn’t realistic. And that’s okay. Because the goal isn’t zero screen time. It’s better screen time. When kids are going to watch, the best thing we can do is offer shows that actually teach, inspire curiosity, and support their growing minds. Best Educational TV Shows for Toddlers (Ages 2–4) Gentle pacing. Real learning. No frantic animation. At this age, kids are learning language, emotional regulation, routines, and cause and effect. Slower, calmer shows help their brains actually absorb what they’re watching. Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood What it teaches: Emotional intelligence, routines, social skillsWhy parents love it: It gives kids words for big feelings and parents helpful phrases tooWhere to watch: PBS Kids,…

In Parenting

Kids’ Birthday Party Etiquette: The Awkward Truth

February 28, 2026 No Comments

There’s a moment at almost every kids’ birthday party when parents pause, scan the room, and quietly ask themselves: Am I supposed to stay… or go? If you’ve ever second-guessed your exit timing, hovered awkwardly near the snack table, or wondered whether you committed a major faux pas just by being yourself, welcome! Kids’ birthday party etiquette is one of parenting’s great unsolved mysteries, and no one is brave enough to spell it out. Let’s talk about it. Kindly. Honestly. Without shame. The Early Drop-Off Parent One minute you’re trying to hang streamers or blow up balloons, and suddenly your venue has kids whose parents apparently think your party setup time is free babysitting. But here’s the truth: early drop-off parents usually aren’t trying to be rude. They’re just managing real life. Maybe there’s a baby at home who skipped a nap, a work call that can’t be missed, a…

In Mom Moments

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

February 7, 2026 No Comments

We know that a child’s deepest need, above all else, is to feel loved. Kids who feel loved tend to have fewer mental health challenges, are more emotionally stable, and are more likely to build healthy, emotionally secure relationships as they grow. Many parents assume that unconditional love is enough. We say “I love you,” hug, kiss, and show affection daily. But sometimes the way we express love doesn’t match the way our child receives love. Even repeated “I love you’s” may not have the effect we hope for. Each child experiences love differently, and as parents, we may unintentionally miss the mark. Why Parents Need to Be Intentional About Showing Love Parents often show love the way they themselves prefer to receive it. The same goes for siblings; what works for one child may not make another feel loved. Understanding your child’s love language can transform your relationship, improve…

In Parenting

10 Ways to Show Love to Our Kids on Valentine’s Day (No Toys Needed)

February 6, 2026 No Comments

Valentine’s Day can easily become about baskets, chocolates, and tiny toys, but what our children really want is to feel deeply known, cherished, and loved. Research shows that a meaningful parent–child connection is linked to children’s emotional well-being, resilience, and self-esteem. This Valentine’s Day, let’s go beyond the glitter and focus on moments and words that whisper “You are loved, truly.” 1. Look Them in the Eyes and Say Their Name Slowly When you call your child with full attention, eye contact, soft voice, and no rush, it tells their heart they matter deeply to you. 2. Tell Them What You Love About Who They Are “I love how curious you are,” “I love how you make others laugh.” Specific, genuine praise tells a child you see them, not just what they do. 3. Ask Them What Makes Them Feel Loved And really listen. Some kids feel love through words,…

In Parenting

10 Tiny Things That Make a Big Difference in Baby’s First Year

February 5, 2026 No Comments

Being a new parent can feel like juggling all the balls at once. But sometimes it’s the little things, the tiny tweaks and clever tricks, that make the biggest difference. Here are 10 surprisingly simple ideas that can make your first year with baby a little smoother, a little brighter, and a lot more fun. Warm the Crib SheetsNothing says cozy like a soft, warm bed. Pop a hand warmer or heated blanket on the sheets for a few minutes before bedtime, then remove it before laying baby down. That tiny touch can make crib time instantly inviting. Scented Comfort ObjectA small cloth or lovey with your worn t-shirt tucked nearby can be magic. Your scent is comforting and familiar, helping your baby feel secure even when you’re not in arm’s reach. Mini Hand MassagesAfter bath time, spend a minute gently massaging your baby’s hands and fingers. Not only does…

In Parenting

What “Low-Dopamine Parenting” Really Means (And What It Doesn’t)

January 16, 2026 No Comments

You’ve probably seen it trending on TikTok: low-dopamine parenting. The term gets tossed around as the “cool new way” to raise kids, but like most viral parenting ideas, it’s often misunderstood. Here’s the truth: it’s not about being boring, outdated, or cruel. It’s about helping kids (and parents!) navigate the modern world’s sensory overload, screens, and overstimulation in a healthy, balanced, normal way. What Is Dopamine? Dopamine is a chemical in the brain that helps us feel motivated, rewarded, and focused. Think of it as your brain’s “feel-good messenger.” It spikes when you eat a tasty snack, win a game, or get praise, giving you a little burst of happiness or excitement. Screens provide this same dopamine hit through bright colors, fast movement, notifications, and instant feedback: likes on social media, points in a game, or new content constantly appearing, giving the brain frequent bursts of stimulation. Too much of…