This post is sponsored by the Center for Parent and Teen Communication When my kids were little, I looked forward to all the firsts, but as a parent of a high school senior, those milestones are dwindling. These days I find myself looking backward and forward, suffering whiplash because of how quickly time has passed….
Lifestyle
7 Favorite Resources for Teaching Digital Safety to Kids
Every year I’m asked to speak to our school PTA about digital safety. Teaching digital safety to kids isn’t easy, especially when cell phones, laptops, and tablets provide convenience and connectivity that we need. We want our kids to be connected to us through their cell phones if they need us but that also means…
6 Conversations About Digital Safety Every Family Should Be Having
This post is sponsored by TextNow My day often starts with my two sleepy teens making their way to the breakfast table with phones in hand. They’ll catch up on TikTok or respond to texts or Snaps before it’s phones away as we eat. Sometimes one will send me a text with a link to…
3 Tips for Communicating with Your Child’s Teacher
This post is sponsored by TextNow After spending so long learning virtually, being back in school is a welcome change. Kids are adjusting to the new normal of in-person learning during a pandemic and settling into familiar routines. As parents, we’re relieved. We’re so glad our kids are in the presence of caring and capable…
How to Prepare for a Return to In-Person Learning
This post is sponsored by TextNow Back to school season is here and while we’re excited for the return to in-person learning, this year comes with a mix of emotions. Our kids may seem happy and well-adjusted but living and learning during the pandemic has been stressful. We can’t expect our kids to remember everything…
I Never Thought I Could Be a Minivan Mom Until I Became a Dog Mom
Confession: I’ve never been a minivan mom. We currently drive a station wagon that’s the same age as my daughter (17!) and a hybrid sedan. As we look to replace our aging station wagon, the 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid hadn’t been a contender until recently. And I credit Goldie, our 2 year old Golden Retriever…
5 Ways to Teach Tweens to Say No to Underage Drinking
I’ll never forget the day that my 9 year old daughter asked me for a beer when we were at a ballgame. I could have been shocked that my elementary schooler tested me with such an outrageous question in public, but I turned it around into a teachable moment. Having the knowledge to provide a…
How Fair Trade Gifts Support Women in Haiti and Iraq
This post is sponsored by How we spend our money matters. We can choose to support retail giants, small businesses in our community, or buy fair trade gifts that support women in other countries. Personally, I love shopping small and for fair trade goods whenever possible, so the money I spend supports families. Keep reading…
12 Favorite Food Finds at Epcot International Food & Wine Festival
We’re a family that loves to eat around the world. We collect stamps in our passport based on foods we love and global flavors we want to try. We often think about what we’re having for our next meal before finishing our current one. So when Walt Disney World invited me to the 2021 Epcot…
How to Use Video Games to Connect with Your Kids
Screen time. It makes many parents groan, especially during the summer following over a year of online and hybrid school. Unplugging is important and so is the down time that allows our kids to find and foster their own interest. But if their interests center around gaming, use this to your advantage. Use video games…
