Two weeks ago we looked at the research on how screen time impacts young kids. Based on the research findings, I feel pretty confident saying that it is a good idea for us to limit how much time our kids spend in front of screens (watching TV, using apps on tablets, playing video games, etc.). Exactly how much we should limit this … [Read more...] about Realistic Screen Time Guidelines for Kids
Archives for 2019
Healthier Spinach Artichoke Dip
As far as appetizers and snacks are concerned, spinach artichoke dip isn’t that unhealthy. After all, it contains a couple of veggies! However, you consume about a billion calories when you eat traditional varieties of it, so I’ve been tinkering with my spinach artichoke dip recipe in order to decrease how many calories it contains and … [Read more...] about Healthier Spinach Artichoke Dip
Why Don’t We Help Ourselves?
A couple of weeks ago, my middle daughter (who is nearly three years old) was curled up in a ball on the kitchen floor complaining that she was cold. I felt her to make sure she didn’t have a fever. She didn’t, so I’m pretty sure she felt cold because the air conditioning had just kicked on and she was directly beneath a vent. She was also on … [Read more...] about Why Don’t We Help Ourselves?
5 Reasons to Have Breakfast for Dinner
Fluffy pancakes drizzled with warm maple syrup. Buttery toast. Crispy hash browns. An omelet overflowing with melted cheese and savory sausage. I feel hungry just thinking about these foods! Breakfast has long been my favorite meal of the day. Of course, I’m not talking about the cold cereal that many folks eat for breakfast; I’m … [Read more...] about 5 Reasons to Have Breakfast for Dinner
Should We Be Concerned About Young Kids’ Screen Time?
Whether on the news or in conversations with your friends, you’ve likely heard references to screen time. Screen time is time spent in front of electronic screens (televisions, tablets, smartphones, etc.). There is a lot of discussion regarding screen time in general and kids’ screen time in particular because of concerns regarding how it … [Read more...] about Should We Be Concerned About Young Kids’ Screen Time?
Lemon Sugar Cookies
I love the flavor of lemon. However, as I’ve noted before, my husband tends to prefer bland foods. These cookies are a great compromise. They’re similar to traditional sugar cookies, but they have a hint of lemon. My girls will eat just about any cookie, so these are a hit with the whole family! Ingredients (Adapted from this recipe.) 3 … [Read more...] about Lemon Sugar Cookies
Managing the Stress of Motherhood
Last week I noted a number of stressors that moms encounter regularly. I also noted that it is perfectly normal for moms to feel stress because challenging tasks, including parenting, increase the demands put on our bodies and minds (stress is our physiological and psychological response to these demands). We’re not at our best as … [Read more...] about Managing the Stress of Motherhood
The Best Baby Toys for Developmentally Appropriate Play
One of my most popular printables is a guide to developmentally appropriate play for babies (you can see the original version here and an updated one here). This guide describes what types of activities foster a baby’s development at ages birth-1 month, 2-3 months, 4-6 months, and so on. This guide describes many activities and mentions … [Read more...] about The Best Baby Toys for Developmentally Appropriate Play
