With the weather warming around the country and kids clamoring to spend more time outside as we have more daylight hours, bike riding is a fun way to get some fresh air and exercise as long as everyone is safe. “It is important to remember that a bicycle is not a toy; it’s a vehicle!” advises…
{sponsored} REAL Change Broadcast Celebrates Teachers on Tues, Apr. 23
Chances are when you think of school, you remember friends, certain things about what you learned, and a favorite teacher. Teachers are heroes who work tirelessly to ensure that our kids have the knowledge they can draw upon for a successful future. {I am working as a consultant on the Office Depot REAL Change #TeachersChangeLives campaign…
{sponsored} Fostering Global Understanding in Kids
As a parent and former classroom teacher, I believe there is a whole world outside the classroom that provides immense learning opportunities for children. Since not all kids have the chance to visit places around the globe, teachers can foster a greater understanding of countries and cultures. The learning inside school walls provides a foundation…
Announcing the Office Depot REAL Change #TeachersChangeLives Pinterest Sweepstakes
In my former career as a classroom teacher, I spent at least $1000 of my own money each year on classroom supplies and instructional materials for the students in my first grade class. Out of pocket spending by teachers is so common that 92% of teachers report spending their earnings on materials for student use….
5 Strategies for Talking to Kids About Underage Drinking
When Little Miss Techie was a first grader, her teacher emailed us about an assignment they had completed in class that involved creating a restaurant menu. “Pay close attention to the beverage list,” her teacher wrote, peaking my curiosity. When our daughter came home and proudly presented her class work, I had to laugh. Our…
2013 Mazda CX-9: Affordable 7 Seat Crossover with Room for the Whole Family
The 2013 Mazda CX-9 is a comfortable mid-size crossover with plenty of flexible seating for up to seven passengers and trunk space to accommodate luggage for family road trips. We recently had the opportunity to try out Mazda’s newest model during our spring break trip to California with my parents where plans included picking up our…
Boston Marathon: Sharing Our Conversation with Our Kids
I lived in Boston for two years during grad school where Patriots’ Day was always a day to celebrate as runners from around the world descended on the city for the infamous Boston Marathon. On race day I loved following the action as runners started west of the city in Hopkington, traversed the famous Heartbreak…
Learning Through Play with Octonauts Toys from Fisher Price (w. giveaway)
Play is the work of children that assists them to make sense of the world around them whether navigating friendship issues, exploring roles as caretakers, or going on adventures. Fans of Octonauts on Disney Junior will love embarking on underwater missions to learn about marine life will enjoy having the opportunity to act their adventures…
momAgenda All in One Folio: Customized household organization& free customizable printables (w. giveaway)
If you’ve ever wished that you could customize your paper calendar to fit your family’s needs without breaking the bank, momAgenda’s All in One Folio is the product for you. Other customizable calendar systems can be a substantial investment once you purchase the refillable folio, calendar, and items to customize the contents but The All…
Me in a Tree: Online Communication Portal to Organize Busy Families
Despite our many digital devices that should keep us connected, the time we spend in front of screens has also been the subject of much debate. Some argue that we would have more meaningful conversations if they weren’t done through text and email but for some families, technology facilitates communication in ways that wouldn’t happen…
