I admit that I didn’t know a lot about childhood cancer until I visited St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis 4 years ago. I had no idea that childhood cancer, or pediatric cancer kills more children in the United States than any other disease. I didn’t realize it is the leading cause of death…
How to Keep a Love of Space Science Alive After Apollo 11 Anniversary
As the sun set on another record setting day of heat in Washington, DC, I found myself searching for a spot of grass big enough for my family in the shadow of the Washington Monument. Earlier in the day I wasn’t sure that we’d venture down to the National Mall for the Apollo 50: Go…
What You Need to Know When Buying a Gaming Laptop
This post is sponsored by Intel, but opinions expressed are my own With a new school year underway and a busy fall ahead, the holidays aren’t that far away. Savvy shoppers who like to get the most for their money know that deals can pop up at any time and now is the perfect time…
How to Teach Your Kids to Unplug in Favor of Digital Wellbeing
This post is sponsored by Google Every family struggles with screen time. You’re not alone in telling your kids to put down their phones, issuing reminders about dwindling minutes when gaming, and feeling frustrated when requests to get off the computer fall on deaf ears. Some of us have tried to limit minutes using devices…
8 Reasons to Upgrade Your Bluetooth Speaker to a SoundBucket XL
This post is sponsored by Best Buy There’s a wide array of portable Bluetooth speakers on the market but not all are created equally, and you definitely get what you pay for. You could order a cheapo unknown brand from another E-tailer but buyer beware! The SoundBucket XL Waterproof Bluetooth Portable Speaker ($199 at Best…
Get Ready for Kindergarten with Practical Tips, Tricks, and Tools
By Common Sense Media If you’re spending the waning days of summer prepping your kindergarten-bound kid for the first days of school, you’re not alone. Kindergarten is a formative year for families, as kids acquire the foundational skills they’ll build on for a lifetime (and parents learn the value of healthy home habits and encouraging independence)….
Why HundrED Selected Pittsburgh to Share Unique STEM Learning with the World
This post is sponsored by The Grable Foundation As we start a new school year, how will your kids engage in STEM learning this year? Last week my teens received their class schedules that are filled with STEM classes. The teacher in me knows that the most way to engage students in learning skills they…
Can Tech Make Your Workout Better? Bowflex Max Trainer Says Yes!
I am a work in progress, especially when it comes to my physical fitness. Four years ago I signed up to run my very first half marathon as St. Jude Hero to fundraise, train, and run for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Having a fundraising goal was the only way I felt I could commit…
These Free Resources Will Help You Raise Confident Digital Citizens
This post is sponsored by Google As parents, we’re constantly reinforcing the importance of being smart, alert, strong, kind, and brave to our kids. The conversations about kindness and friendship we have with them extend beyond the real-life face to face interactions in school hallways, classrooms, and during extra-curricular activities to virtual ones that occur…
4 Important Life Lessons Sleepaway Camp Teaches Kids
What makes a good summer? The answer differs for everyone but for my kids, the hallmark of a great summer is spending more time sleeping in a sleeping bag than in their own beds. I’ve always known that camp experiences were important for our kids, but there are important life lessons sleepaway camp can teach every kid,…
