A couple of weeks ago, my husband and I reached a new milestone in our lives as parents: We purchased a minivan. Many couples shudder at the thought of driving a minivan. In fact, just a couple of days before we purchased our van, I saw this bumper sticker on a minivan parked in the grocery store parking lot. I’ll concede that they … [Read more...] about Why Minivans are Really Cool Vehicles
toddlers
Kid-Friendly Soft Taco Fold
If you have young kids in your house, then chances are that mealtimes tend to be messy. Of course, some meals are messier than others. One of these meals is tacos. No, tacos aren’t messy in the same way that spaghetti in marinara sauce is messy, but the taco fillings tend to get all over the place. As soon as a child picks up a taco and puts … [Read more...] about Kid-Friendly Soft Taco Fold
5 Tips for Eating Out with Young Kids
A few weeks ago, a complete stranger stopped by my family’s table at a restaurant and asked me how I get my kids to behave so well in public. I was completely taken aback by the question! In fact, I had a hard time formulating an answer on the spot. I was inwardly cheering. Parenting is hard work. I sometimes feel like I’m a hamster on … [Read more...] about 5 Tips for Eating Out with Young Kids
Rest Time Toys for Kids Who’ve Stopped Napping
Last week I detailed why and how I instituted a rest time when my oldest child stopped napping. Toys are a key part of this rest time. My preschooler doesn’t have to sleep during rest time, but she does have to sit on her bed in her dimly lit room. As she sits there and relaxes, she may read books or play quietly with rest time toys. In … [Read more...] about Rest Time Toys for Kids Who’ve Stopped Napping
How to Institute a Rest Time When Young Kids Stop Napping
Around the age of 3 or 4 years, most kids stop taking an afternoon nap. The cessation of naps is often difficult on kids and on their parents. It’s difficult for kids because many of them aren’t ready to give up the nap entirely. They may not need a long nap, but they still need a brief period of sleep or a time of quiet rest (while … [Read more...] about How to Institute a Rest Time When Young Kids Stop Napping
16 Easy, Nutritious, and Kid-Friendly Lunch Ideas
It’s often difficult for me to get a nutritious meal on the table for lunch. I don’t always have a lot of time to dedicate to preparing lunch. When I do have plenty of time, I’m often distracted because I have two young kids vying for my attention. A few weeks ago, I began searching for easy and nutritious lunch ideas. Here are 16 of the … [Read more...] about 16 Easy, Nutritious, and Kid-Friendly Lunch Ideas
5 Ways to Keep Kids Engaged During Family Devotions
Last week we discussed why family devotions benefit our kids, even when our kids are wiggly and distracted through them. Today we’ll consider some ways we can minimize the wiggles and still their wondering minds so our kids stay engaged during family devotions. How to keep kids engaged during family devotions Make devotions part … [Read more...] about 5 Ways to Keep Kids Engaged During Family Devotions
Encouragement for When Your Family Devotions Look Like a Circus
A few months ago, as we ate oatmeal for breakfast, I read to my girls about Moses and the burning bush. My 3-year-old appeared deep in thought. When she spoke as I paused to turn a page, her statement left me speechless: “I know, mommy, let’s have doughnuts!” I wasn’t speechless because she shared some deep insight or asked an … [Read more...] about Encouragement for When Your Family Devotions Look Like a Circus
