Last fall, as Thanksgiving neared, I was reading to my children numerous books on the topic of giving thanks. I was pleasantly surprised when we opened one of these books and saw that it featured a mixed-race family. Up until that point, I had seen very few children’s books that feature families like mine (a black parent and a white … [Read more...] about 18 Children’s Books that Feature Multiracial Families
school-age children
Take Heart, Mama: 5 Truths that Will Transform Your Mothering
All around me I see fellow moms who are struggling. I see stay-at-home moms who wonder if they would be contributing more to society if they worked and working moms who feel guilty because they spend so much time away from their kids. I see moms who are worried that their choices regarding discipline or schooling will ruin their children. I … [Read more...] about Take Heart, Mama: 5 Truths that Will Transform Your Mothering
Why Board Games are Beneficial for Kids
I have many fun memories of playing board games with my sister when we were growing up. We’d play for hours, sometimes laughing as we made up our own rules and sometimes glowering as we engaged in intense competition. Regardless of what approach we used, we ended up bonding and having fun. Until recently, my little ones were too young … [Read more...] about Why Board Games are Beneficial for Kids
6 Tips for Having a Successful Family Photo Shoot
We recently headed out to take family photos. We’ve captured some less-than-ideal photos when we’ve done this in the past, so I wanted to do everything I could to make sure we got great shots this time. Based on my experience, there are a number of pretty simple things we can do to increase the chances that our family photo sessions are … [Read more...] about 6 Tips for Having a Successful Family Photo Shoot
Raising Kids Who Love to Read
I’m absolutely delighted that both of my kiddos love books. They constantly bring me books to read to them. If I happen to be busy cooking or cleaning, they’ll often sit and look through books on their own. The reason this delights me so much is because reading is one of the most valuable skills a person can have; the benefits of … [Read more...] about Raising Kids Who Love to Read
Pizza-Themed Clothespin Number Match
My preschooler loves to count objects. She counts the carrots sticks on her plate, the socks she has pulled from the laundry basket, the books stacked on the table, etc. I’ve taken advantage of her interest by giving her several clothespin number match activities. These come in a variety of formats, but most are circular in shape. The … [Read more...] about Pizza-Themed Clothespin Number Match
Fall Scavenger Hunt Printable
My daughters and I have been seeing fall sights as we walk through our neighborhood: Changing leaves, pumpkins, families playing football in their yards, squirrels carrying acorns, etc. I decided to make a fall scavenger hunt worksheet for my preschooler. She carries this and a pencil with us as we walk, marking off each item as we … [Read more...] about Fall Scavenger Hunt Printable
Comprehensive List of Life Skills for Ages 2-18
I hear a lot of talk these days about teaching life skills to children. I’m pretty sure my grandparents, great-grandparents, and the scores of generations that came before them never used the term “life skills.” They taught children the sort of things that we refer to as life skills because these are the things people needed to know in order … [Read more...] about Comprehensive List of Life Skills for Ages 2-18
