The No-Gift Birthday Party
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Chances are your kid will attend dozens of birthday parties over the course of the next few years. Instead of worrying about what to buy so many kids, wouldn’t it be great to skip the gifts? ... Read full article
Halloween 2020: No Tricks Just Treats for This Family
by Mari Walker on
“What are you doing about Halloween?” has replaced “What are you doing about school?” as the new go-to question within my parent friend groups now that we’re all pretty settled in our learning routines, whether hybrid, virtual or homeschooling. It’s ... Read full article
Halfway Thru Her Childhood
by Mari Walker on
Nine years ago, my baby girl came bursting into the world, sliced out of me in inelegant fashion. Her first moments included pooping on the doctor, craning her strong neck around the room, and in general, seeming ready to take on the world. This girl... Read full article
Pandemic Perfect on Paper But a Mess in Real Life
by Mari Walker on
“Does your house always look like this? Like, so messy?” My daughter’s friend asked innocently enough. I’ve pondered this question in the months since it was asked during that one-and-only sleepover we hosted. I was knee-jerk offended in the moment,... Read full article
Goodbye Preschool, Hello Kindergarten
by Mari Walker on
I’ve done this before, and I survived. I will do it again and survive, probably even thrive. But I’m still feeling lots of feelings about upcoming changes in our family’s life, mostly about sending our second daughter to elementary school for the ver... Read full article
Age -by- Age Birthday Guide: Pro secrets for planning a no-fuss birthday party
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Remember birthday parties when you were a kid? You draped streamers around the house, devoured cake with gooey icing and peeked while pinning the tail on the donkey. But now, there are even more options for birthday parties from bowling to tumbling. ... Read full article
A Christmas We Didn’t Expect Might Be the One We Need
by Mari Walker on
2020 has been a year we didn’t expect, so a Christmas that looks different will fit right in. In this upside down season in an upside down time, some of the Walker family’s holiday traditions can remain intact. I’m not entirely bah-humbug and am look... Read full article
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
Ultimate Birthday Bashes: How to Host the Perfect Celebration for Your Child at Home
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A children’s museum, an arcade, a petting zoo or a kid’s fitness center are fun venues for a birthday party. But why not give the coffee table a shove and turn your home into celebration central?... Read full article
It's Time to Party!
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Before your birthday girl can make a wish and blow out the candles, there’s a lot of planning to be done. Don’t worry, though! We are here to help. From choosing a theme and sending out invitations to ordering a cake and scheduling entertainment, we ... Read full article