Though I do try to be grateful throughout the year, I really appreciate the general air of gratitude that pervades the month of November. I want to take advantage of this to boost my family’s focus on thankfulness. One easy way to do this is to engage in gratitude activities. These take many forms, so there’s bound to be one or more … [Read more...] about 14 Gratitude Activities for the Whole Family
Raising an Inheritance
Why and What to Read to Babies
It felt very natural to read to my daughter throughout her first year. Though she didn’t understand many of the words in the books, I figured that reading provided an opportunity to cuddle, to instill in her a love for reading, and to foster her intellectual development. It turns out that I figured correctly. The American Academy of … [Read more...] about Why and What to Read to Babies
How to Kindly Bring Safety Issues to the Attention of Other Moms
Several months ago my husband and I were visiting with another couple when the wife mentioned she was eager to turn her daughter’s car seat to face forward once she turned one year old. This statement concerned me because I’m familiar with the American Academy of Pediatrics’ recommendation that babies remain rear-facing in their car seats for … [Read more...] about How to Kindly Bring Safety Issues to the Attention of Other Moms
Choosing to Have Simple Kids’ Birthday Celebrations
My daughter, Amaris, will turn 1 year old in less than a month. What a bittersweet milestone! Though it may be trendy to celebrate a child’s birthday with an elaborate party that includes a bounce house, mobile petting zoo, food trucks, and party favors, we’re choosing a much simpler approach. We’ll go on an outing as a family and enjoy … [Read more...] about Choosing to Have Simple Kids’ Birthday Celebrations
Finding Peace with the Reality That You Can’t Do It All
A couple of weeks ago my husband started a new job. Instead of seeing him off on his first day with a kiss and an encouraging word, I was asleep in bed. I felt awful when I woke up and realized I had slept through his departure! My 9-month-old daughter was going through a rough phase where she was waking about every two hours. Having … [Read more...] about Finding Peace with the Reality That You Can’t Do It All
Relearning the Roles of Husband and Wife After Becoming Parents
A short time after we had our daughter, I began relating to my husband more as a co-parent than as a wife. I realized this was happening because I no longer looked forward to him coming home in the evening so I could spend time with him. Instead, I was eager for him to come home so that he could help care for our daughter! Though this … [Read more...] about Relearning the Roles of Husband and Wife After Becoming Parents
25 Outdoor Activities for Babies to Enjoy During the Summer
After being cooped up indoors for a good portion of the winter and spring, my daughter and I are loving the summer sunshine and warm temperatures. She’s not capable of running and jumping yet, but that doesn’t mean she can’t enjoy playing outside. There are a number of age-appropriate outdoor activities that infants can take part in … [Read more...] about 25 Outdoor Activities for Babies to Enjoy During the Summer
Why It’s Good for Kids to Roughhouse with Dad
When I leave them alone for a time, I often return to find my husband swinging my daughter around and tossing her up in the air. Though this is sometimes scary for me, my daughter’s smile and giggles indicate she absolutely loves it! Dads often engage in this sort of roughhousing or horseplay with their children. This is challenging for … [Read more...] about Why It’s Good for Kids to Roughhouse with Dad
