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
Eureka Springs, Arkansas
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After word had spread about the “healing” waters in the local springs, Eureka Springs, Arkansas was founded on July 4, 1879. Thousands soon flocked to the town in order to build shanties for the expected guests, and now, there are many places to visi... Read full article
Zebras on the Horizon
by Dr. Mindy Calandro, Pediatrician on
In medicine, you are taught to be on the lookout for “zebras in the horse pasture.” In other words, you should always keep in mind that the uncommon or out of place could be sitting right in front of you.... 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
A Pox on Our House: Quarantine Dreaming
by Mari Walker on
I can’t be the only one who, when first hearing about the coronavirus COVID-19 thought a two week quarantine wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world. As an overextended mom and introvert, putting pause on my life to stay home for a while is the stuf... Read full article
Teen Suicide: Personal Essay from a Teenager
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My 13-year-old cousin, Kora, passed away on January 24, 2020 due to suicide. She was found by her family when they went to make sure she was up for school. She was on life support for a few days and then her organs were donated. This is my letter to ... 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
Growing A Heart For Art
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We all remember how thrilling it was when your parents hung your latest popsicle-stick masterpiece on the fridge. “Look at our little Van Gogh!”, they may have squealed. If you were like me, your art never got any better. But I still loved art class.... Read full article
Preparing Your Child for Surgery
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My daughter was 13 months old when she needed her first surgery. I was a basketcase, but luckily, she had no idea what was happening. Still, it was hard. When she got a little older and had to have other surgeries, things were a little more challengi... Read full article