kids
How to Host a Gingerbread-House Decorating Playdate
Decorating a gingerbread house is one of my children's favorite holiday traditions. I, on the other hand, have never been a huge fan. First, there's all the sugar and candy and frosting and dye. Then there's the fact that the traditional kits are nearly impossible to complete. ...read more
The Most Creative Macaroni Crafts
Camp Mom is in session. While my almost six year old big boy goes to our town's summer recreation program, my little lady bug is stuck at home with yours truly. She loves me and all, but I know my social butterfly would want to be playing and crafting and singing and running with ...read more
Where to Eat in DUMBO, Brooklyn
I'm lucky to have called DUMBO, Brooklyn home for more than 16 years. This waterfront neighborhood has changed immensely in the time I've lived here. We're lucky to have had an influx of great restaurants in the neighborhood. Use this Where to Eat in DUMBO, Brooklyn post on your ...read more
We Found the Best Dollhouses for Your Kids
I still remember the Christmas my parents brought out The Dollhouse. Mine was all wood, constructed from a kit my parents are bought and painstakingly put together. It was plain and unadorned, but in that house, I brought to life all kind of stories and sagas. Want to give your ...read more
Water Safety Tips
With so many of our kids making waves this summer in the pool and ocean, we are happy to share these very important safety tips from the United States Swim School Association. This is especially important since on average, 3,533 people die as a result of drowning each year, and ...read more
What to Do After the Epilepsy Diagnosis for Your Child
In the spring of 2020, right in the early panic days of the COVID crisis, my daughter had a seizure. It scared us to the core. We called 911, got an ambulance and essentially that was when we started our epilepsy journey. 18 months later, I've learned a lot and want to help other ...read more
Easy Halloween Bat Paper Craft
Do you love making crafts with your kids? This season we're trying to resurrect the bat as a beloved Halloween icon. COVID in large part was responsible for generating some serious ill will towards our flying bat friends, but with our new Halloween craft, we think you'll start ...read more
Sparkly Shoes for Dress Shoes for Girls for the Holidays
Playing dress up at the holidays is one of my favorite things. That means putting some sparkle on from head to toe. Velvet dresses and bows are are part of the pictures, but don't forget about the details. I'm sharing my favorite girls' sparkly dress shoes for the holidays to ...read more
Thanksgiving Outfits for Kids
I see a big hole in the holiday fashion market. There are plenty of Christmas outfits for children and loads of Halloween options, but a very small slew of Thanksgiving-themed attire. Sure, you can find one or two styles for your wild little turkeys, but the pickings can be super ...read more
3 Ways to Get Kids Excited About Gardening
Spring is here; time to get out in the dirt, and foster that green thumb! Want to get your kids excited about planting and growing and building beautiful gardens. We're sharing three child-friendly activities! DO YOU DIG IT: Start ‘em young! Kids as young as 18 months love ...read more
5 Steps to Calm Kids and Overcome Tantrums for Good
Parents are spending a lot of time with their children these days. With parks, classes, and even playdates off the table, moms and dads are finding themselves at home all day facing bored, under-stimulated, and tech-addicted kids who are showing their own frustration with ...read more
Teaching Gratitude to Kids
After a challenging year navigating the unknown, this holiday season is the perfect time to reflect on what we are thankful for. As you may know, learning about gratitude and thankfulness begins at the earliest age and serves as a powerful foundational and bonding tool between ...read more
Five Tips for a Successful Back to School Bedtime Routine
We've been lax about bedtime this summer... to say the least. With a focus on carefree fun and sun, our usual routine has gone out the window, and our turndown time has gotten way, waaaaaaaaay later than intended. Related: Be prepared for back to school with the right first aid ...read more
Why We Love the Easy Soda Stream Carbonation System
We've been using SodaStream for a decade and the love affair continues. Did you know that Americans drink over 40 gallons of fizzy drinks per capita each year, and we spend about $40B annually on packaged soda? Since our love affair with fizz isn't going away anytime soon, it's ...read more
How to Make Perfectly Fluffy Slime
Fluffy slime (or any slime) is not only fun to make and play with, it's also for a great way to pique a child's interest in science. After all, the ingredients work together to actively create a textural reaction! Related: Camp mom summer ideas All you need to do is mix up three ...read more
Amazing Water-Play Activities to Turn Your Backyard into a Water Park
Water play all day! (I think I need to hashtag that!) It’s been insanely hot in New York. Sunny, stifling, sticky, and humid as H-E-Double-Hockey-Sticks. Related: Screen free summer activity ideas for kids And, let me just tell you, my two babies do not take well to the heat. ...read more
Weekend Craft Ideas: Confetti Popper Toilet Paper Tubes
Looking for a fun craft for the weekend? We discovered this fun Confetti Popper Toilet Paper Tubes from Elmer's and the craft blogger, Smashed Peas and Carrots. They are a great way to upcycle empty toilet paper tubes into a fun summer craft perfect for small hands to make and ...read more
It's a Party: Easter Tablescape, Baskets and Bunnies!
The weather is finally getting warmer and that means one thing - Easter is almost here! With baskets, bunnies and bonnets galore, Easter is a wonderful time to celebrate family and enjoy the beautiful spring weather. With a simple Easter tablescape and fun Easter basket goodies ...read more
Six Wellness Tips to Help You Fight the Flu
We aren't out of the winter cold yet, but don't fret we will soon be featuring oodles of spring coverage in the works to brighten up your day. For now we are talking about sickness and flu prevention. Stay healthy with these top tips from health experts. And if it's too late, ...read more
How to Deal With Cheating in Youth Sports
Cheating in sports is a hot button issue these days with major headlines hitting the news. But what if you catch your kid cheating in the middle of the big game, or see a child from the other team cheating when the ref’s back is turned? How can you respond in an approachable and ...read more
Helpful Potty Training Tips for Frustrated Parents
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
6 Ways to Encourage Young People to Sew & Quilt
Creating quilts is a way of showing love. You can make them as gifts; they are forms of expression, works of art, and charity pieces. Quilting brings excitement, purpose, and a meaningful way to spend time, Yet, for many young people, sewing--let alone quilting--is not a regular ...read more
10 Ways to Get a Dose of Nature in 10 Minutes
If April flowers bring May showers, we should be reaping the rewards any day now. And dryer, sunnier, warmer weather can't come soon enough. I don't know about you, but I'm desperate for some Vitamin D and Vitamin Sea! I had a baby six weeks ago--so I'm finally emerging from my ...read more
The Spring-Cleaning Technology Challenge
There is no denying that, these days, technology is a big part of our kids' lives. We live in digital world, and our children are constantly surrounded by screens and sounds and sights and gadgets and gizmos. With this truth in mind, the American Speech-Language-Hearing ...read more