Parenting

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

Daycare

How to Make the Most of Your Daycare Name Labels

Parenting

Sandwich Generation Stress: What It Feels Like to Be Pulled in Every Direction

Uncategorized

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

In Pregnancy

6 Things You Need to Know About March Babies

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March has a such great feeling about it, doesn’t it? Maybe it’s because we know Spring arrives this month. Maybe it’s the fun and festivities of St. Patrick’s Day. Maybe it’s because some of us take some time off to spend March or Spring break with the kiddos! Whatever it is, March has a great vibe. It even has some super random, but FUN, days to celebrate including National Goof Off Day, National Chip & Dip Day, National Puppy Day, and National Take a Walk in the Park Day. Sign me up for chips and dip! If you’re expecting a new addition to the family this month, you have even more to celebrate! Those born in March are known for being happy little babies and they’re also eternal optimists. Pretty awesome, right? So, if you’re counting down the days until your little one arrives, or you already have a little…

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In Parenting

8 Tips for Smooth Covid-Era Travel

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Here’s a riddle: What has two feet, carries a backpack full of documents, and cries constantly? Answer: Me, travelling during a pandemic. For the past two summers, my two kids and I have travelled from our home in Las Vegas back to Ontario, Canada, where we’re from. Each trip ended the same way: with me swearing I will never, EVER, travel during a pandemic again. From cancelled flights and pricey rental cars to the multiple covid tests, grumpy customs officers, and mandatory quarantine, pretty much every step was a nightmare. Oh, and did I mention we were travelling with a dog? Pandemic Gods willing, this will not be our reality this summer because – fingers crossed – there’s no new variant on the horizon and restrictions are easing. But that’s not to say travel will return to its pre-pandemic state anytime soon (when everything was just a major inconvenience and…

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In Mom Moments

Keeping our Kids Humble

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I love that my kids are confident. I love that they’re kind and they’re successful. But it’s important through all of it to keep them humble. I saw this come across my social media feeds, and it triggered a few feelings about staying humble and teaching our kids the same—especially these days with positive parenting. Of course, we want to be gentle and positive parents, but too much telling them they’re brilliant isn’t positive, because are they? Or are they just the same as everyone else, no better- no worse, just different. Value them I don’t think we have to make our kids feel like they are the most extraordinary creatures that ever existed. Instead, we should have conversations and show that we value them for who they are and what they’re passionate about. But, again, it doesn’t have to be spectacular. They are just humans – as incredible and,…

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In Mom Moments

Thanks Tips… On Dropping the Mom Guilt

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We all have mom guilt at some point. I don’t know one mother who hasn’t felt the pressure of balancing relationships, childcare, career, etc. and feeling that we’re falling short of what’s expected of us. Guilt is a moral emotion that occurs when a person believes or realizes—accurately or not—that they have compromised their own standards of conduct or have violated universal moral standards and bear significant responsibility for that violation. Guilt is closely related to the concept of remorse, regret, as well as shame. But where do these standards come from? Why do mothers have so much guilt? Who set the bar? Our society and culture have taught us guilt. Our community has set expectations of what we’re supposed to do and accomplish, and there unrealistic. These expectations were set in the 1950s before women entered the workforce and lost our villages. Then, women entered the workforce, got paid…

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In Parenting

6 Fascinating Facts About February Babies

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We’re already into the second month of the year! Crazy, right? It always feels like these first couple months of the year go by in slow motion, but we’re already halfway through February and there is so much to look forward to! I mean, I can almost smell Spring! Almost. For those of you expecting a February baby, you have even MORE to look forward to! Not only are you bringing a beautiful baby into the family, but those born in February appear to be pretty awesome. After doing a bit of research, I’ve learned a lot about babies born in the month of love and football! They’re known for being compassionate, frank, and honest. All good things, right? They’ve also been known to have a bit of a rebellious streak so…consider this your heads up. (Sorry, I’m just the messenger!) If you have a February baby at home, or…

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In Parenting

8 Books to Help Kids Fall in Love with Reading

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Many young students struggle with reading, which is why it’s important to help instill confidence and a lifetime love of learning. Here are some suggested books to help kids love reading. I fell in love with reading upon the discovery of Anne of Green Gables, and it has been a deep friendship with books ever since. Working in education, I write extensively on this topic and have many reading tips to share. To start with one of my favorite suggestions, try making it enjoyable by tapping into interests. So where do we start? I am a huge fan of capturing the mood of the month and connecting it to great reads. We are in luck that February has rich themes of love, friendship, and family with many festivities to celebrate. This includes the Lunar New Year, Valentine’s Day, Family Day (observed in several Canadian provinces), and President’s Day just to…

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In Parenting

Tips and Tricks for Bringing Home New Puppy

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If you find yourself thinking about getting a new puppy or even talking about it with your family, there are many things to consider. Don’t make the mistake of rushing the decision, a new puppy is a big change and there are many considerations to make. Here are ten tips to ensure a positive transition for both you and your new friend. Do you really want a dog? The most important tip for anyone thinking about getting a puppy is to look long and hard at their life, expectations, and comfort. If you despise the cold and rain, you are certainly not going to want to take a dog out for daily runs. The same is true for those who don’t have a lot of spare time. A puppy will turn your life upside down, in positive and negative ways. Shelters are overrun with unwanted dogs and cats that were…

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In Uncategorized

Top Fundraising Problems; and How Mabel’s Labels Solves Them

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Fundraising is inevitably a necessary burden to keep schools, clubs, and organizations running these days. From needing to cover travel costs, uniforms, equipment for kids to overall helping under-funded programs up and running. The benefits of fundraising are so great for kids; you need to understand the most effective way to raise money for the kids’ school or organization. The big downside to fundraising is that it’s a BIG job. It’s a full-time job and can add to already busy and stressed parents. Whether you’re asking parents to sell chocolate bars, wrapping paper, or magazine subscriptions, parents get tired of the time-consuming burden of fundraising, and organizers get tired of the planning, distribution, and overall logistics. There are many flaws with fundraising programs, but we’re here to show you how we’ve created the most straightforward way for both parents and organizations to raise funds without needing the added burden. Our…

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In Mom Moments

Six Fun Facts about January Babies

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It’s a new month! A new year! A new beginning! And maybe for some of you reading this…a new baby! Starting off a brand-new year with a brand-new bundle of joy is super exciting. January always has that feeling of a fresh start where we can put the past year behind us and look forward to what’s to come. That’s especially exciting if the previous year wasn’t all that great. And let’s be honest…it probably wasn’t, am I right? Well, if we’re being completely honest here, the last TWO years weren’t all that awesome. But hey – that’s all behind us now! It can only go up from here! *crosses fingers and toes* If you’re expecting a new baby this month, you have plenty to look forward to in the coming year! Lots of exciting changes and milestones, and since January is right in the middle of winter, you get…

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