It seems thereβs never any shortage of βmust-haveβ holiday itemsβthings marketers bend over backwards trying to convince us are essential. Cedar-scented candles, Santa-themed dishtowels, and endless strings of twinkle lights are lovely to have, Iβll admit, but itβs not illegal to celebrate the holidays without them. What is a must-have in my house, is an advent calendar. Although my kids would disagree, itβs not about the toy or the chocolate; itβs about the daily reminder that the second-most magical season of the year is upon us. (The first being back to school, obviously.) Opening that tiny, perforated square is a chance to pause and appreciate what a special time Christmas and Hanukkah are, and to build excitement not just for stockings and toys, but for time together and (if weβre really lucky), the true meaning of the season. So here are 22 of our favorite advent calendars for kids; from…
The days can feel long when the whole family gets taken out by a cold, flu (or dreaded stomach bug). Parenting when youβre under the weather is the pits, so being prepared ahead of time can help keep everyone comfortable and cozy, all while keeping your sanity intact. Keeping a sick-day survival kit can help when you need it the most. Everything from medicine to activities, youβll thank yourself. Also, being prepared is one of the best ways to avoid getting sick – itβs murphyβs law.Β You need a sick day survival kit; be prepared for cold and flu season!Β It takes a few kids and late-night horror stories for most parents to learn that this kit is essential. So, do yourself a favor and prep your equipment today- before itβs too late and youβre scrambling to find Tylenol at 2 am.Β Here is a list of things youβll want…
When sending your baby to daycare for the first time, it can be daunting to know what to pack. Daycare providers often provide a list of what to pack, but theyβre usually short on details. So, here is our list of what to pack for daycare – a little more informative. There are many things to think about, especially if you have a child with medical needs, sensitivities, or whoβs just quite emotional; all these aspects affect your packing list. So, while this list is the essentials, you know whatβs best for your child as a parent. First things first, purchase your adorable daycare labels! Β A change of clothes Your daycare may suggest you pack a change of clothes. We suggest packing two. Remember the changing weather, so while you may provide a spare onesie- great for a hot day, youβll also need long sleeves. So, we suggest packing two…
Parents are usually operating on limited sleep with their children’s unstable sleeping patterns. We all know that sleep regression, teething, and stuffy noses due to the changing weather are not fun. To top that off, having to change the clocks twice a year can get frustrating for both the parents and children. Studies suggest that it can take up to a week for our bodies to get used to the new time change. It is very common for children to struggle with their routine during this time and feel cranky and tired. However, the good news is that if we prepare for it in advance, the transition can turn out to be less tedious. Take a look at these tips to help you adjust kids to daylight savings time on November 6th, 2022. Gradually Push Your Child’s Dinner and Bedtime Ahead Children can have difficulty sleeping if they are expected…
Courageous, but tender. Demanding, yet emotional. For those of you with a little Scorpio in your houseβ¦how are you? Are you doing alright? I say this because Scorpios are not easy. All the parents of Scorpios are nodding their heads right now and saying things like βYou got that right!β or βDonβt I know it!β or βIs that why my kid is so stubborn?!β Yes! Itβs not genetics. I mean, it could be genetics, but you can totally blame it on their astrological sign. You have one passionate, determined, and independent child on your hands – and thatβs not a bad thing! Just think of the things theyβll accomplish in life! Scorpios have a combination of characteristics that are rarely seen in other signs. If youβre currently raising a Scorpio, or youβre expecting one soon, let see what the experts say! First, weβll start with the basics of the Scorpio…
It’s the time of year when moms and dads start preparing for the onslaught of sugar our little trick-or-treaters are about to receive. It seems the lead-up everywhere we go there are buckets of candy for kids to grab from. Of course, we don’t want to deprive our kids of the sweet treats, but too much sugar and they don’t feel satiated. When they don’t feel satiated, they reach for more candy. Plus, they’re not getting any added nutrients. There are ways in which you can turn that Halloween candy into a healthy treat. So instead of not allowing the candy, the best way to combat this is to incorporate it into a healthy treat. It’s also a good way to use up any uneaten candy you didn’t give away on Halloween night. Here are four simple recipes to turn Halloween candy into a healthy treat Materials for chocolate dipper…
We often discuss kids’ safety on Halloween, wearing bright colors, crossing the street, and checking candy. But as our kids become tweens, the rules seem to change, and there isn’t as much info floating around on Halloween safety for teens and tweens, especially in modern-day society. Eventually, our kids will reach a point when they wander out without adults or perhaps attend a party. The rules are different. While we want them to be independent and have fun with their friends, it’s also essential to send them into the world armed with all the tools to stay safe. Your must talk to them before going out. As painful as they may find it β it’s super important. Read safety tips to make yourself aware of and open the discussion up with your tweens and teens. Tips: Pick a route ahead of time. Make all the parents aware of this route…
You donβt have to call yourself a hard-core feminist to believe that periods shouldnβt be a taboo subject, and that we need to eliminate the shame and embarrassment attached to our cycles. Β The best way of ending this stigma, is by talking to our kids. Our boys and our girls. Our boys need to understand menstrual cycles from a young age so that they can have an understanding, build empathy and awareness. This is crucial to eliminating shame in young girls feel about their bodies. By now, we all understand that it’s important to talk to our kids, but some of us still need tips on how to talk to our kids about periods. The conversation starts at home, but for many women itβs a difficult one to broach. This comes down to how we were taught about our periods. It can bring up awkward feelings and memories and emotions…
Peaceful. Fair. Social. Cooperative. Not a fan of being alone. If this sounds like a little one living in your house, youβre most likely raising a Libra. Now, I donβt have any Libras in my house, but I know a few Libras and I was also raised by one. My Dad is a Libra and while reading up on all the stereotypical Libra traits, he seems to be pretty true to his sign. Apparently, Libras are known as being very likeable people, and I think I would have to agree with this. In addition to my Dad, I also have a good friend and a sister-in-law who fall under this sign and theyβre all very likeable. I mean, Libras are known for their irresistible charm after all. More on that soon! If youβre currently raising a Libra, youβre probably wondering what might be in store for you in the years…
I was warned that the first 6 months of daycare would be challenging. The transitions are tough, the routine is new and the illnesses are rampant. While my son was thriving in this new environment, I had no idea how sick we would be for half a year. My otherwise healthy, happy, energetic one-year-old was dealing with a new illness every week β yes, week! And so were my husband and me. How to Survive the First 6 Months of Daycare During Cold and Flu Season.