We are so grateful for our local library! We borrow dozens of books each week. Because we are approaching the Thanksgiving holiday, this week we picked up numerous books about gratitude. Gratitude can be a difficult concept for young kids to grasp. Books are a great way to introduce the concept because they explain it in a variety of … [Read more...] about 14 Children’s Books About Gratitude
toddlers
11 Skills for Kids to Learn While Grocery Shopping
I use curbside pickup to obtain most of my groceries. I used curbside services a few times prior to the COVID19 pandemic, but once it began, curbside became my go-to means of getting groceries. As we’ve resumed normal activities, I’ve been reminded of just how much my kids love shopping in person and how many skills they can learn while doing … [Read more...] about 11 Skills for Kids to Learn While Grocery Shopping
Why Use Role Play When Teaching Your Kids
I can recall instances during my childhood when teachers encouraged us to use role play to practice new skills. I always felt like acting out various scenarios was super cheesy! However, now that I’m the one doing the teaching, I realize that role play is a valuable tool. When kids role play, they assume roles and act out a given … [Read more...] about Why Use Role Play When Teaching Your Kids
Is Motherhood Harder Today Than It Used to Be?
When I speak with other moms, there appears to be a growing consensus that motherhood is harder today than it used to be. Of course, it’s impossible to say for certain because many of today’s moms weren’t mothers 20-30 years ago, nor were any of us alive 200 or 2,000 years ago. Interestingly, it’s not just moms who feel that motherhood is more … [Read more...] about Is Motherhood Harder Today Than It Used to Be?
8 Realistic Ways to Help Picky Eaters Try New Foods
When my mother-in-law was visiting us a few weeks ago, we had a good laugh at an article I read that contained a list of foods to try for picky eaters. The first recipe on the list was for broccoli stir fry. The next was for calamari. We looked at each other, laughed, and wondered if the author understood the concept of picky … [Read more...] about 8 Realistic Ways to Help Picky Eaters Try New Foods
10 Benefits of Engaging in Family Traditions
Yesterday, my daughters completed a gratitude activity that we complete each year before Thanksgiving. In the coming days, they will help me prepare traditional Thanksgiving foods. Then, I’ll recount stories of past Christmases as we hang ornaments on the Christmas tree. We’ll place our handprint tree skirt under the tree after adding this … [Read more...] about 10 Benefits of Engaging in Family Traditions
What Makes a Healthy Breakfast?
While I was perusing the grocery ads this past week, I noticed that many of the items featured were related to the upcoming back-to-school season. Most of these items were foods that go well in lunch boxes, but there were also a number of breakfast foods, namely convenience items such as frozen breakfast sandwiches and cold cereals. While … [Read more...] about What Makes a Healthy Breakfast?
Printable Images for a Visual Schedule for Kids
While I’m not a fan of rigid schedules, I do find it easier to complete the tasks I need to complete each day when I have a routine in place. I believe that having a routine also benefits my children. I appreciate routines so much that five years ago I even wrote a post on how routines can make or break your day! It is a little difficult to … [Read more...] about Printable Images for a Visual Schedule for Kids