Most nights, the four kids and I arrive home, exhausted from another busy day. October seems like a long month. Sports, activities, and homework have kicked in and there are no major holiday breaks. I want to use everyone’s time wisely. I really don’t want to yell or berate any of my kids although I could easily come up with a thousand reasons to do so. Food left in the car, forgotten homework, late for a pick-up that made all the other pick-ups late, bickering, and a hundred more. So many things do not go as planned every day that it’s unproductive to dwell on them and instead push through. Read More
Kiss and Go
At my son’s Kindergarten orientation, the principal put a name to the thing I’ve reluctantly been doing for the past three years: in order for my kid to be successful in independent endeavors, I’ve had no choice but to kiss and go. I don’t like the quick embrace and the quicker release; I would love to be the mom who lingers for photos, who chats it up with the other parents, but I can’t be that lady. As much as it kills me to admit, my son does better without me. Read More
Does Peaceful Parenting Mean Letting Kids Do Whatever They Want?
Often, parents get confused about peaceful parenting. They think that if they stop punishing, their child will do whatever he wants. But that assumes there are only two choices — being permissive or punitive. What about holding to your expectations while at the same time offering your child understanding, and support to meet your expectations? Read More
7 Ways to Use Media and Tech to Raise Bilingual Kids
Whether you speak Spanish or just want your kids to learn it, raising bilingual kids is a big commitment. But even though it can be challenging, it’s definitely worth the effort. Many studies confirm the multiple benefits of bilingualism. Read More
DIY Homemade Halloween Costumes for Kids
Let me guess, your kids love Halloween. And why shouldn’t they? They dress up in fun costumes and get more candy in one night than they see in the rest of the year combined. Of course, your kids probably aren’t aware of how expensive those cheap plastic costumes can be. This Halloween, why not make your own? Read More
Weekly Roundup: Best Books, Toys, & Games of Sept 27 – Oct 5
Looking for new books or toys? For the perfect birthday gift? Have you started Christmas shopping early? We’re here to help! Every week companies, publishers, developers, and inventors send us media, products, and services from all over the world. We pair each submission with five evaluators. The best products and services earn our award. Our evaluators are not only experts, they are parents and educators just like you, so they … Read More
Bully Awareness & Cyber Security – What You Need to Know
October is the month of witches, ghouls and goblins, and all things scary. School is clearly underway by now, bringing our daily routines back on track. October is also the month to take a step back and examine some of our behaviors- both online and off.
Cyber Security Month and Bully Awareness Month are both observed in October, and while they both go hand in hand, we’d like to reflect on ways we can all be better citizens both IRL and digitally. Read More
Teaching Kids Royal Manners
Once upon a time there was a little girl who was chosen to represent her class and give flowers to the King of Sweden.
To prepare for the royal visit, she brought a lovely dress, got a haircut, practiced shaking hands, giving a courtesy, walking with good posture, and speaking politely. Read More
8 Mosquito Bite Facts and Myths
What’s more dreadful than the blistering heat in the summertime? How about feeling like a real-life mosquito magnet every time you go outside? Read More