This time of year the lists of "I want" and "Give Me" can get fairly long. It can be hard to develop a heart of gratitude, especially in my own kids. Gratefulness often needs a bit of space and stillness in order to show up and that isn't always easy to carve out this time of year. For our family, one of the ways we're giving space for thanksgiving is with a simple Thanksgiving ... Read More
Talking to Your Kids About Tough Topics in the News
My fork hung, suspended in midair, as my son's words rang out at the table last fall. "Mom, does Donald Trump hate women?" I'm pretty sure I grabbed my water glass or took another bite to give myself a few precious seconds to gather my thoughts. The biggest of which was, who had he been talking to? Where was he getting this info? And most importantly, what do I say ... Read More
A Guide to Leaving Your Kids While You Travel
As I zipped up my suitcase, the knot in my stomach grew tighter and tighter. Was I forgetting anything? What if they needed me? Should I make my Midwestern kids practice a tsunami drill, just in case? Leaving your kids while you travel is never easy. There are lots of logistics to planning a grown-up getaway and many parents skip adult vacations altogether because it's ... Read More
5 Tips for Taking Kids to the Farmers Market
Farmers markets make the perfect family activity whether you're exploring your hometown or visiting a new one, but sometimes kids don't love the actual 'shopping for veggies' part or dealing with the crowds. To avoid a mid-market meltdown, it's a good idea to have a few strategies for navigating your visit with kids. Here's my favorite ways to make sure we all enjoy our ... Read More
A Pinterest-Worthy Birthday Party (without the hard work)
One quick glance through Pinterest in search of ideas for your child's birthday party might be enough to send you into a spiral of doubt about your self-worth. It seems like every mom is trying to outdo one another in the quest to style the perfect birthday party. And while I love to drool over the pretty images and adorable details, I just don't have the time to put that ... Read More