School is out (or nearly so!) for the littles and parents are already wondering how they can continue to encourage, maintain and strengthen their children's literacy skills. It is great to keep the conversation about literacy going. Good reading habits take practice and need to ...read more
For many of us dance mamas, it is recital time! Time for the magic of a year's worth of hard work to culminate into two hours of dance performances of all genres. As a former dancer, I am over the moon that my girls love dance as much as I do. It is a beautiful art of expression ...read more
I have the hardest time trying to help the kiddos pick a father's day gift to give their dad. He's a hard one to shop for. If he likes something, he'll go get it. So, it leaves me struggling and scrambling to put something together or pick something out for him.I don't want to ...read more
You know what's funny about little kids? They don't feel the cold. The water temperature could be 50-degrees; when they're swimming around in a pool, they couldn't care less--purple lips and all.Of course, once they climb out and their little bodies are exposed to the air, it's a ...read more
When my little lady was a baby girl, I would go absolutely berserk buying bathing suits and bikinis and all sorts of adorably girlie and totally ridiculous (but pretty!) beach and pool ensembles.I'd have to slather heaps of sunscreen on her exposed arms and legs and back and ...read more
As an educator, I know one of the best ways to teach a child (or anyone!) is through hands-on experience. We want our children to be deep thinkers and to develop problem solving skills. In order to inspire a love of learning in our kids, we need to get them involved in their own ...read more
My little lady is about to graduate "the threes." Next year, she'll be in a "fours" program, and so this summer will be devoted to potty training! Her birthday falls on the district cusp, so even though I probably will have her in an extra year of pre-K, it's time she stops using ...read more
Finding the best bottle for your baby can be tough. I’m used to challenges though. The road to my babies coming into this world wasn’t always easy. We really went through the ringer with our second wee one, but I think the struggle made the moment that sweet little soul joined ...read more
When it comes to what the future looks like for my girls, the sky’s the limit. I think we'll get a woman president in my lifetime. And I think female pilots and engineers will help us get there. The more we see women in careers traditionally thought of as "men's work," the bolder ...read more
Did you know today, May 19th, is National Learn to Swim Day? I can't think of a better way to celebrate it than to share my thoughts on why kids should learn to swim. And boy do I have some thoughts. You see even though we live in Florida, we just bought our first home with a ...read more
Selecting a name for your child can be a daunting task. There are so many things to consider, and it's a huge responsibility for a soon-to-be parent. I had an easy timing naming my son, Grant. I liked that it was a simple, strong, and suitalble name. It means tall and handsome, ...read more
1. Foster an “Outside” Connection to LearningSummer is the perfect time to show kids that learning doesn’t just happen at school. And one of the best ways to make at-home learning fun during the summer is to take it outside! You can conduct simple experiments that may be too ...read more
My daughter's favorite thing to do everyday is dress up like a princess. Well...it's a toss up between princess and superhero. Maybe she should combine the two.But, lately her favorite has been dressing up like a princess.I asked her if she'd like to make princess hats with me ...read more
Moms need help--whether it's a babysitter for a few hours one day a week or a full-time nanny or sporadic assistance in a pinch. I was so excited to find a new sitter recently--she likes to do crafts, loves children's movies, and has tremendous energy for playing and running and ...read more
Mother's Day is less than a week away! But don't worry; we have a simple DIY that you can make in no time.Mom will feel so special with this DIY Mother's Day Serving Tray. Especially with the special art project made by the kids that will be displayed in the center.Prep the ...read more
Are you planning a Legoland trip soon? Well, then you're probably going to want to talk about what to wear to Legoland. Because the one thing you want to be when you're taking on an amusement park, is comfortable! And that goes double for the kiddos. My little ones' attitudes can ...read more
I absolutely adore my son's Kindergarten teacher. She is sunshine and rainbows and unicorns and pure magic; everything that an early childhood educator should be. As the school year begins to wind down, I want to celebrate this kind, nurturing, creative, and spirited soul and ...read more
Being a tween girl is awesome, there have never been more empowering messages for them. They can be smart, strong and creative and it's all encouraged. Now, that's not to say sometimes tweendom isn't confusing. There's puberty to reckon with and often shifting interests. My ...read more
My son has turned me into somewhat of a Star Wars fan. I cant escape his enthusiasm and enjoy finding ways to support it. Friday, May 4th is a day for all Star Wars fans to celebrate and greet their fellow fans with the fun phrase, "May the FOURTH be with you." (For our newbie ...read more
Yesterday was cloudy in the mid-50s, today will reach a high of 75-degrees. This spring weather is anything but predictable. Cold, sunny, cloudy, rainy, hot, blustery, annnnnd repeat.Regardless of the weather, Much like their mama, my little ones are ready to shed the layers, ...read more
This post contains affiliate links.Who's on the lookout for must-have spring sandals for girls?! If you aren't yet, you should be! It's that time of year again. It's sandals season! Even if the temps aren't balmy in your neck of the woods, they will be soon enough. It's time to ...read more
I've always heard people say that kids are more excited to eat vegetables they've grown themselves. I just never really thought this slice of advice applied to me and my super-duper picky kiddos. I mean, I'm lucky if I can get them to chew and swallow a whole itty bitty baby ...read more
Who has a little one at home who would be interested in fun princess activities for kids?! I certainly do. In fact, I think my baby girl has been a princess fanatic since basically birth. That could be because her mama is such a huge Disney fan and has been taking her to the ...read more
Raising a confident child is one of the best gifts you can give them. Confidence enables your child to see their dreams as a reality, stick up for their beliefs and encourages them to surround themselves with people that build them up and support them. Confident children are far ...read more
April 26 is national take Our Daughters And Sons To Work (TODASTW) Day and we can't wait to partake in this special day. Take Our Daughters And Sons To Work (TODASTW) Foundation is celebrating its 25th annual Take Our Daughters And Sons To Work Day on April 26, 2018. This ...read more
Tis the season to go outside and get on a bike. Wheels on the ground, breeze in your hair, and thrill of the downhill glide making your heart race and eyes smile. Time to teach those little ones how to ride a bicycle for themselves. We're sharing a few tips from Sir Chris Hoy and ...read more
Kids these days. I know my two littles come home from school and all they want to do is eat snacks, watch TV, and play phone games. What about exercise, fresh air, and activity? ... Despite the groans, as soon as we go outide and start kicking the ball around, my children seem ...read more
My son comes home from school every day with all types of "treasures." Sometimes it's a homemade slingshot (insert eye-roll), other time, it's a totally new invention. You see, his favorite free-time activity in his Kindergarten classroom is "make and create." Basically, he's ...read more
Some of my happiest memories growing up include digging in the garden. I remember my mom working hard to prepare the soil, plant the seeds strategically and tend to it lovingly. We started an organic no-till garden nearly 10 years ago and the bounty we reap every year is ...read more
Big mom moment here... My youngest is heading off to Kindergarten in mere months and I can not wrap my head around it. In fact, the school has called three times (insert embarrassed emoji here!) to remind me to register her. To quote the director of enrollment, "Mrs. S, this is ...read more
I love shopping for new moms. There is something so heartwarming about selecting a special gift for a new little life. The thing is: I've been blessed to see many babies come into this world. From my sister, to my closest friends, to colleagues...I've bought a LOT Of baby gifts ...read more
I went to a big trend-spotting media event back in December, where they tried to claim that the unicorn was no longer in vogue; and that the uni-explosion of the past few years was getting old, getting tired, and getting over played... But, um, if you ask my three-year-old ...read more
Although we keep joking about "sprinter" and impatiently waiting for the season to catch up with all we know and love about it, we are keeping positive with a keen eye for the latest spring trends for the kiddos. Our calendar is filling up fast with garden parties, communion ...read more
Who could use some helpful tips for picky eaters? I'm certainly in that boat! My kids used to eat everything and then literally overnight one day, they seemed to want nothing. They're both naturally very thin just like the hubs and I were growing up so I feel helpless when it's ...read more
We are blowing through this first part of the year and have found ourselves already at spring break. If you're planning to "hug the hearth" as they say, we have five fun-filled spring break staycation ideas to avoid the ever-daunting, "What are we going to do tooodaaaaayyyyy?" ...read more
Who needs some last minute Easter basket filler ideas? Never fear...I'm here to help. I can totally relate to you busy Easter bunnies who haven't quite nailed down your baskets yet. Now, if you're a parent, you've probably found that your kiddo has many aspects to her or his ...read more
We are ready to welcome spring for real and not just because the calendar says so. Thanks to our latest blast of snow, we are still digging out our walkways instead of digging up our gardens. But we are beckoning spring to shower us with its fresh scents and lovely awakenings and ...read more
As a parent and educator, toys that inspire curiosity, imagination, problem solving all while being engaging, entertaining and fun are always on my radar. It's a tall order to fill especially when you eschew battery eating, noisy toys that can be a nuisance to parents and too ...read more
We had so much fun making this DIY Easter Bunny Basket and Carrot Hunt Command Game. The kiddos really enjoyed hunting for carrots and acting like bunnies.Easter is two weeks away. So, we have been prepping for all the fun festivities!We have been doing alot of activities ...read more
March is Women's History Month and as a mom who is raising two girls, as well as a son, I am always eager to learn tips to navigate a path that builds my girls up, raises them to believe in themselves and challenges them to see their reflection as one deserving of equality. The ...read more
How do you raise digitally savvy kids? That's a question that weighs heavy on most parents' minds these days. Am I right? Screen time has become such a polarizing topic the past few years. No matter how we feel about it, the fact is our kids are being raised in the age of ...read more
My kiddos love holidays—every holiday! They don’t discriminate. So, even if we aren’t technically Irish, we still make a big deal of St. Patrick’s Day. We wear green, we chase Leprechauns, we hunt for that veritable pot of gold, and we eat ALL the corned beef and cabbage. (It’s ...read more
It is getting so close to St. Patrick's Day. And this year, we wanted to do more than just wear green and bake Irish soda bread muffins. To celebrate, we have been reading How to Catch a Leprechaun by Adam Wallace.My kiddos learned how quick leprechauns are, how mischievous they ...read more
The wind is howling the rain is pelting the snow is falling... somehow all at the same time! It's a noreaster and one last big blast of winter here on the East Coast. Schools are closed, and the kids are home. Keep cabin-fever struck kiddos entertained and engaged with a few easy ...read more
How will you be celebrating tomorrow? For what, you ask? Tomorrow, March 2 is the birthday of the zany, talented and beloved author, Theodor SEUSS Geisel, known to everyone as Dr. Seuss. We have rounded up a few of our favorite ways to celebrate the man that made reading fun for ...read more
March comes in like a lion and out like a lamb, right?Welcome to a confusing month! The weather is going to be all over the map here on the east coast, but that's okay--if it means spring is approaching! Yes, the official countdown is on, and we're ready for longer, sunnier days! ...read more
Our local library is incredible. Almost every weekend, they host a free art, STEM, or learning workshop for the kids in our small community. They get to make crafts, build towers, and socialize with friends--and there's almost always a take-home treasure. A few weeks ago, my five ...read more
Three, four, and five year olds are like sponges. They are eager to learn, excited to experience, and perpetually asking questions. They are curious answer-seekers, and that makes this time the perfect opportunity to kick start their education. “Young children have the capacity ...read more
As the parent of a child with certain needs, I can tell that you preparing for a meeting to advocate for his rights was and still is a daunting thing. After countless bouts of tears and heart wrenching agonizing, I finally realized that his dad and I were his only chance to ...read more
Did you know there are over 3.5 million children who sustain sports-related injuries every year? Fortunately, you can help your school-aged athlete avoid injury and burn out, resulting in a longer love of and participation in sports.As a personal trainer and the owner of SAPT ...read more