There are things your kiddos DO need. Like broccoli, the occasional bath and 12 hugs a day. Then there’s all the junk you can buy for them online. Take my hand. (Think of it as a virtual hug. Because mommas...
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How to raise generous children (and stock the shelves at the local food bank)
Early in my career I was the marketing director of a beloved shopping center. That sounds weird, I know. How can you love a shopping center? But it’s true. This mall has been around since 1957 and it’s the place...
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Here’s to the joy of sweet, little destructive boys
“You failed to tell me how destructive small boys can be. Especially to Christmas ornaments.” That was the message of distress dear Sarah sent me, as she shewed away her male youngins from the holiday decor. (By the way, spell...
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My kid-friendly, rainy day, dance party playlist
Saturday was rainy and cabin-fever-inducing. You know, one of those days where Pinterest can save you with its 50 million ideas for how to entertain the kiddos. But I’m not really crafty. In high school, I was in Acteens. This...
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Here’s why I’m delaying kindergarten for my kiddo
At 18 months, my son was dribbling basketballs. It was a sight to behold. This kid is athletically inclined. Or so we thought. Fast forward to this spring when, at age 4.5, we stuck him in tennis lessons and on...
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10 tips for car-tripping with toddlers
I’m getting ready to stab out both my eyes. From the thought of spending ad infinitum hours in the car with two small children. Yes, I want to go to the beach. No, I don’t want to travel to the...
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I remember the school shooter drills
I don't teach anymore, but I remember the drills. I remember the nervous chatter of middle schoolers as we huddled in the farthest corner, the door locked, the room dark, objects in hand ready to throw at an assailant.
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How to survive when you’re the Matron-of-Honor (with kids)
Congrats! You’ve “earned” the title of Matron-of-Honor. Is that a nice way of saying you’re old? No, no, no, just wiser. You’ve walked that wedding aisle before – there’s so much advice and love you can sprinkle on the bride....
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Never tell your kid she’s going to Disney World
I have a rule when dealing with small children and major life events: Never tell them something AMAZING is gonna happen til the DAY OF the event. Because, y’all, anticipation can kill your kiddo. Occasionally I break this rule: Hey,...
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15 fun, FREE ways to entertain the kids this summer
What are your favorite, FREE things to do with the kids on a hot day? Especially when your little ones start crawling the walls because: BOREDOM. In case you’re at a loss and already SO OVER the pool, I polled...
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Here’s why your kiddo needs chores
Raise your hand if you LOVE CHORES! Okay, okay, you hated them as a kid and you hate them as an adult. Also, you wanna give your kids a magical childhood free from drudgery. If you’re lucky enough to have...
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Sorting through the mess of life (and cleaning up the playroom)
Cleaning up the playroom is like eating an elephant - the kids have to do it one bite at a time. This applies to everything we moms sort through daily: bills, laundry, pets, work. Here are 6 tips to help...
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You can ROCK daylight savings this spring
You guys, the days are getting LONGER! Are you not beyond excited over this? Maybe you’re like me and turn into a cute, little bear and hibernate all winter long. As in, I am ready to stuff my face with...
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Why you need to talk to your 4-year-old about alcohol
The wine bottle was sitting innocently on the counter. I ignored it. The boys did not. “What is that?,” the 6-year-old asked. “Wine,” I muttered and moved on to something else. The boys did not. “But what’s it for?,” he...
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Honoring Dr. King ain’t no silly thing
How do you explain civil rights to a white kid? Especially one who’s only 4? Hell if I know. We took him to the park. That seemed like the simplest way to do it. To spend MLK Day downtown, in...
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