Five years ago while attending Disney Social Media Moms, Disney executive Amy Foster, talked about 18 summers and reminded that our time with our kids is limited. 18 summers. That’s all we get with our kids before they’re off to college. At the time, Thomas was 6 and Emily was 8 and I remember thinking…
Parenting
How to Talk About Healthy Relationships with Tweens and Teens
This is a sponsored post Throughout pregnancy, infancy, and even through the toddler years, I diligently read to prepare myself for the various ages and stages that were to come but those years were easy compared to now! As a parent of an 11 and 13 year old, my kids have transformed from children to…
4 Ways Parents Can Teach Kindness to Middle Schoolers
This post is sponsored by Staples When I taught first grade, academic subjects were part of my core curriculum, but it was also important to teach my 6-year-old students character education. Lessons on compassion, kindness, empathy, positivity and what it meant to be a good friend were essential to their learning as reading, writing, math, social…
How to Plan an Outdoor Get Together to Renew Friendships Before School Starts
August always feels like the last hurrah of summer with days dwindling as a new school year approaches. Back to school shopping infringes on the season’s unstructured days, final weeks of camp, and attempts to cross remaining items off the summer bucket list. But as you officially say goodbye to summer and resume school year…
5 Tips for Balancing Video Games and Summer Fun
A guest post by Patricia Vance, President of Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) Summer is here, which means school is out and the kids have more screen time. But are you ready? Video games and mobile apps can be a great way to entertain kids during a long road trip or on a rainy summer day. Before…
Is Your Child’s Bike Too Small? Tips for Shopping for a New Kids’ Bike
One of my best strategies for keeping my kids off screens is finding something they love and for Thomas, it’s bike riding. We’ve always been a family who loves to bike so I’ll seize any free moment to invite him to choose our destination. Sometimes he wants to take the old rail trail turned bike…
Why CVS Curbside Pickup is a Busy Parent’s Lifesaver
This is a sponsored post It’s that time of the year where everything is converging and we parents are busier than ever. I’m finding myself in the middle of planning celebratory events as Thomas says goodbye to elementary school, shopping for end of the year teacher gifts, and attending final sporting events and team parties…
What You Need to Know About Pads to Help Your Daughter Feel Empowered About Her Period
This is a sponsored post as part of my partnership with Always When you shop for pads, do you: Do a quick scan for familiar packaging, grab it, and run. Send your husband or significant other with a photo of your product of choice. Shop at your closest big box store because hooray- limited choices…
Everything, Everything: 3 Things to Discuss with Teens After the Movie
“Mom,” Emily said breathlessly waving a copy of Everything, Everything at me from the couch. “This book is SO good. You have to read it before we go to the screening!” Emily is an avid reader who devours books but her new love of Everything, Everything is right up there with her obsession with The…
DC Moms: Find and Book a New Favorite Sitter with Chime
This is a sponsored post Six months ago my 13 year old, Emily, became a Safe Sitter Certified babysitter. In a short time she’s become a neighborhood favorite, often receiving multiple requests a week for after school coverage, weekend date nights, and last minute playdates when busy parents find themselves needing an extra set of hands…
