First, the good news: Research shows that early intervention can be extremely effective in improving or reversing traits commonly associated …[Read More...]
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Autism SOS: Three Warning Signs of Autism in Toddlers
First, the good news: Research shows that early intervention can be extremely effective in improving or reversing traits commonly associated with autism. Now, the bad news: The younger children are, the more difficult it is to pick out autism warning signs in their behavior. Which is particularly bad when you understand that the earlier you …[Read More...]
Family Link App To Manage Your Kid’s Screen Time
This is a sponsored post on behalf of the Family Link app from Google and the Mom it Forward Influencer Network and all opinions are mine. It seems like no matter what I do I can’t catch a break. I have little time to sleep, and less time to run around and make sure the girls aren't on their tablets or phones longer than the allowed time. And even worse is the …[Read More...]
Are You Guilty Of Competitive Parenting?
In the wake of the Varsity Blues Scandal everyone is asking the question - how did modern day parenting get here? Obsessive-compulsive behavior in parenting is nothing new. However the terms used to describe it have evolved. First there was the “Tiger Mom”, which morphed into “Helicopter Parenting” and now this has turned into “Intensive Parenting” - the latest and …[Read More...]
Parents: Just Because We Can Doesn’t Mean That We Should
A few weeks ago, during a conversation about the ways in which technology has infiltrated our lives, someone suggested that I watch a particular episode of Black Mirror, the Netflix series that is billed as the updated version of The Twilight Zone. In the episode, a mom, frightened when her preschool daughter wanders off from the playground and disappears for a short …[Read More...]
Dealing with Two Year Olds: How To Make Your Life Suck Less
From my experience with 2 year olds, you can expect a lot of “No” and “I don’t want to.” This is developmentally appropriate, although it makes your life suck. However, there are some things you can do to make your life suck less. Pick your battles. So she doesn’t get dressed, who cares. It’s not winter. So she doesn’t eat dinner, who cares. If she was hungry, she …[Read More...]
Mean Girls In Kindergarten? Dealing with Girl Drama
I have four kids - my boys are 15 and 13, my girls are 9 and 5. While my boys nearly drove me into the ground as toddlers with their endless physical energy and constant running around, the girls are currently winning the race to dig me an early grave with their ongoing girl drama and emotional highs and lows. If I had to choose, I’d take the physical exhaustion of boys …[Read More...]
What Is Mean? This is. Bullied In The Fourth Grade
There is this kid – a normal everyday kid who loves Legos and reading Diary of A Wimpy Kid, and Star Wars. He likes to play basketball and walk his dogs, and he says his prayers every night. He loves Elvis and the Beatles and sings them both, loudly and a little bit off key. He is described by everyone who knows him as a nice kid. A happy kid. He comes from a nice family. …[Read More...]
The Little Boy On First Base
To all the coaches, parents, and fans of little league, The season is upon us. Fields all over are filled with parents, fans, coaches, players, and umpires. It's an exciting time of year for boys and girls, the cold is finally turning warmer, the days are slowly becoming longer, school is almost out for summer, and their dreams of home runs are about to become …[Read More...]
Sleeping and Feeding Tips For New Moms + $50 Amazon Gift Card Giveaway
This post is in with partnership with Mirum. Giveaway is sponsored by ModernMom. There's nothing more exciting or terrifying as becoming a mother. When that doctor puts your newborn in your arms for the first time, it's the most incredible and indescribable moment. But what happens after you leave the hospital and you get home and realize you now have to figure out how …[Read More...]
Protecting Kids From Sexual Abuse
As mothers, we often teach our young children about “Stranger Danger” and how to deal with the creepy man down the street. We instruct them on how to react to the man in the car who offers them candy or what to say to the person on the other end of the phone asking if their mommy or daddy is home. If our children are older, we are confident they will tell us if something …[Read More...]
10 Promises I Make To My Children
Life is a beautiful mess. It comes at us so fast, at times, we are spun around and lose sight of who we are and what is important. This is true for parents and children alike - we almost need a map to navigate this ever-changing world. Yes, there will always be ups and downs, which makes life both challenging and a joyful adventure. Helping your children learn their …[Read More...]
A Letter To My Son, About Being A Little Brother
To my sweet boy, I’m just going to come out and say it: it sucks to be a younger sibling. I can’t say I know how you feel, because as a firstborn, I have never been in your shoes. But I remember how I used to treat my little brother, and I wouldn't have traded places with him for anything. As your mom, my heart breaks for you every time that your sister hurts your …[Read More...]
The Many Meanings of the Word “Fine”
I’ve built my career - literally - with words; in fact, writing and communication are two of my biggest passions. And so, it is with confidence and from experience that I say (more often than not) the old adage of “less is more” rings true. Sometimes the smallest word makes the biggest impact, and although this word may be seemingly simple, its definition might be …[Read More...]
Eating For Quality When Pregnant
There is a common misconception while pregnant, that eating for two means you need to consume more food. While pregnant you only need 250 -300 more calories then you do before you were pregnant. Chances are if you are eating a typical American diet you are getting way over the daily calories needed even without a baby growing inside. Instead of worrying about eating enough …[Read More...]
Spending More Time with Your Children: A New Years Resolution You Can Keep
If you're like many people, you've put spending time with your family at or near the top of your New Year's resolution list. Now you're wondering how you can possibly do it--you're over-extended, overwhelmed, and exhausted most of the time. You mainly just want to get through what has to be done today. It doesn't take much to fall short in the resolution department--a …[Read More...]