It was during the Thanksgiving and Christmas seasons of the years before I met my husband that I was most keenly aware of my single state; I longed to share holiday traditions and rituals with a husband and children of my own. I was so interested in sharing traditions because I remembered enjoying a number of these when I was growing … [Read more...] about 10 Ways Traditions and Rituals Benefit Families
toddlers
14 Gratitude Activities for the Whole Family
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
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
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
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
Overcoming the Anxieties of Motherhood
It wasn’t until I saw a second line appear on a home pregnancy test that I began to understand just how much anxiety is associated with motherhood. At first it was concerns about the possibility of miscarriage, preterm labor, or stillbirth. These concerns soon gave way to fears about SIDS and apprehension about whether or not to sleep … [Read more...] about Overcoming the Anxieties of Motherhood
55 Non-Candy Easter Egg Stuffers
I have friends who used to joke that I was so health-conscious that I would someday find a way to put vegetables in Easter eggs. We all laughed at this, of course, but it’s really not a bad idea! After all, Easter eggs filled with chocolate bunnies, jelly beans, and chick-shaped marshmallows can send kids on candy binges. Fortunately, … [Read more...] about 55 Non-Candy Easter Egg Stuffers
