Raising Readers One Book at a Time
by Mari Walker on
A recent Baby Center email for my seven year old (yes, I still open them to read about her development!) had the headline, “How to Encourage Reading.” I laughed and read along, knowing the advice doesn’t apply to me just now.... Read full article
The Motivation Struggle
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I think back on my own life and all of the things I thought I wanted to do…and you know what? The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. So, how in the world do I motivate my kid to stick to something when I’m not sure I can do that for myself?... Read full article
The Importance of Early Reading
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As adults, we don’t fully understand the difficulties of learning to read, as it is a skill we’ve mastered over the course of our lives. We sometimes don’t even know what to look for when our children are struggling. Do we sometimes forget to emphasi... Read full article
A Playdate-Style Birthday Party
by Mari Walker on
Birthday parties for littles can add up fast. For a few Benjamins, you can take them and a few friends to a bounce place or rent a bounce house for your backyard. We didn’t start big parties like that for my older daughter until she was about five.... Read full article
Understanding and Coping with the Holiday Blues
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When I was a child, I was obsessed with Christmas, like I suppose most kids are. But, I knew that when the song, “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” came on, things would get sad very quickly. As a first generation American, all I knew were small celebratio... Read full article
Bipolar Disorder
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Regardless of outside circumstances, being a parent can be difficult, but when you do factor in those outside circumstances, things can be even more tricky. These outside circumstances can include an unexpected mental health diagnosis. For around thr... Read full article
Road Trip: Hot Springs, Arkansas
by Amy Delaney on
This Thanksgiving, we snuck off to Hot Springs, Arkansas for a little vacation. It was a great chance to spend family time together and get back to nature. Here are a few suggestions for family fun.... Read full article
Existentialism in Carpool Line
by Mari Walker on
As a mom of a first grader and preschooler, I spend A LOT of time in my car. Waiting in carpool line can seem interminable, especially with little miss who is passing time with me in the back seat. ... Read full article
Play! Create! Imagine! (and then Clean. It. Up.)
by Ellen Mecholsky on
I walk a very fine line between wanting my children to play and create and imagine...and wanting/NEEDING a tidy house to function at my best. I need order around me to feel relaxed and productive. If I wake up in the morning and I am greeted by a tra... Read full article