Ages + Stages

  To my dear Violet Faith, on your 5th birthday,   To say the past five years have been a wild ride would be an understatement. From the moment science confirmed you were joining this world, you have kept me on my...

Ditch the stress this year and make some holiday magic with your toddlers.   Toddler /ˈtäd-lər/noun: a young child who is just beginning to walk and has a deep fondness for tormenting holiday decor.   Squishy, cute, and cuddly with angelic eyes, toddlers are...

Here are some stellar tips for when to let your kids in on the Secret of Santa.     Do you remember when you first discovered that Santa wasn’t “real”? I don’t! I can still remember opening that one special gift from...

  I have a problem with books, especially children's books, and holidays seem to be a great excuse to find some new treasured stories! I have magical visions of curling up with the kids, drinking hot chocolate, and reading Christmas...

First-time moms learn a whole new world exists once they have a baby. But there is something about a second born child that instills grace and peace in a mama's heart.     Dear Second Baby,   While you didn’t make me a mom,...

"The great paradox of parenting is that it moves in both slow motion and fast speed."   -unknown   How is it that motherhood becomes such an integral part of who we are that we almost forget who we were before our...

As moms, we know how to provide a soft landing. But are we prepared to teach our kids the value of refueling in flight?     As a mom, I worry. I worry about my kids' physical health, as well as their...

With the cold temperatures and sunless skies of winter approaching, most of us are desperately seeking screen-free ways to engage our kiddos as we endure pandemic hibernation.  While we have definitely missed participating in extracurricular activities and social outings...

Here are a few family movie night tips you may want to keep in mind.   Now that my two oldest are in elementary school, they are no longer content sticking to “G” rated animated movies for Family Movie Night. And...

By the title, this sounds crazy, right? But this is my reality! I want to share my experience of trying sibling led potty training with my boys.   As a mom of multiple kids, I've learned that I can't be the...