I made my oldest daughter a flannel activity board last fall. I’d been wanting to make her one for some time because there are so many fun and educational flannel board activities that parents can make for their toddlers and preschoolers to enjoy. In addition to being the foundation for so many activities, flannel boards are affordable … [Read more...] about DIY Flannel Activity Board with House Scene
preschoolers
The Best Ways to Ease Symptoms of Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease
My toddler woke from nap with a fever one day this last fall. By the next morning, she had sores in her mouth and red spots over a good portion of her body. A quick visit to her pediatrician confirmed that she had hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD). Unfortunately, she wasn’t the only one in our family who developed the disease. Within … [Read more...] about The Best Ways to Ease Symptoms of Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease
Thriving Amid the Messes of Motherhood
Being a mother means facing one mess after another. There are poopy diapers, floors covered in toys, appliances covered in greasy handprints, backseats strewn with snack crumbs, and bedsheets soiled with vomit. When I work to get one of these messes cleaned up, you can be certain my kids are busy making the others! Literal messes are … [Read more...] about Thriving Amid the Messes of Motherhood
Cleanup Songs for Young Children
It’s critical that we teach our young children how to pick up after themselves. Not only does this help us keep our homes clean, but it provides our kids with a solid foundation for other important life skills. As you’ve likely discovered, keeping kids on task while they clean up isn’t easy. One way to help them remain focused is to use … [Read more...] about Cleanup Songs for Young Children
Getting Time with Your Spouse When You Have No Babysitter for the Kids
One-on-one time with your spouse is beneficial in any marriage relationship, but it takes on new importance and is particularly elusive for parents of young children. At first glance, it seems like finding alone time is simple: Just leave the kids with a sitter for a few hours! However, for many couples, this is easier said than … [Read more...] about Getting Time with Your Spouse When You Have No Babysitter for the Kids
6 Things Children Can Learn From Gardening
We finally have a yard large enough to accommodate several raised garden beds. With the clumsy help of my toddler, I recently moved my plants from their starter pots into two large beds. I’m thrilled to be introducing my daughter to gardening because there are so many lessons—truly crucial lessons—that our children can learn from … [Read more...] about 6 Things Children Can Learn From Gardening
Why Today is So Important for Your Kids
So much of motherhood is about just surviving today. I can have patience today when my toddler throws a fit. I can manage to get the kitchen mopped today. We can make it through the grocery store without incident today. At the same time, so much of motherhood is about looking forward. When will my child reach the next developmental milestone? … [Read more...] about Why Today is So Important for Your Kids
Making Fond Memories When Family Events Don’t Go As Planned
Several weeks ago we attempted to take cake smash photos for our daughter’s first birthday. Everything was “picture perfect” except our daughter’s response. One taste of the frosting on the cake and she had a meltdown! When this happened, I felt a little disappointed. After all, my husband and I wanted wonderful photos to help us … [Read more...] about Making Fond Memories When Family Events Don’t Go As Planned
